I don't know about any of you...but I love the song "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." It's such a simple song, but such a strong message. One of the main reasons why I have come to love it so much is mainly because I have heard the story behind it. It's always neat to hear the story behind songs...it gives them so much more meaning. Take "Amazing Grace" for example...the man who wrote it was a former slave ship captain who accepted Christ. He later became a minister, and wrote the song we all know today.
Anyway, when it comes to this song in particular, I didn't read it in a book, I heard it by word of mouth, from the very woman who may have known the man who wrote it. Allow me to explain...
In the summer between my Sophomore and Junior years of High School, my church youth group went to work at a tiny camp in Northern Arkansas. We were working primarily as counselors, but it was such a small camp, that we did a lot more than that as well. Anyway...there was this old lady who was helping out that the camp. She was a retired Missionary to India.
One of the nights we sang "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." When we were done she stood up and told us the story behind the song. Apparently it was written by an Indian Prince, who of course was set up to become the next King of his tribe. He became a Christian, and he was forced to revoke the throne. He became just a regular man, and probably exiled by his family and tribe for becoming a Christian. What a testimony! It really explains the words to this song doesn't it?
I wanted to do some further study to see if I could find out any information about him, but I was only able to find his name. Most hymn books I have looked at either say "Unknown" or something like "Traditional Indian Hymn" in the author spot. Below I have posted the song with the authors name. I hope you can find new appreciation for this song because of this story!
I have decided to follow Jesus;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Anyway, when it comes to this song in particular, I didn't read it in a book, I heard it by word of mouth, from the very woman who may have known the man who wrote it. Allow me to explain...
In the summer between my Sophomore and Junior years of High School, my church youth group went to work at a tiny camp in Northern Arkansas. We were working primarily as counselors, but it was such a small camp, that we did a lot more than that as well. Anyway...there was this old lady who was helping out that the camp. She was a retired Missionary to India.
One of the nights we sang "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." When we were done she stood up and told us the story behind the song. Apparently it was written by an Indian Prince, who of course was set up to become the next King of his tribe. He became a Christian, and he was forced to revoke the throne. He became just a regular man, and probably exiled by his family and tribe for becoming a Christian. What a testimony! It really explains the words to this song doesn't it?
I wanted to do some further study to see if I could find out any information about him, but I was only able to find his name. Most hymn books I have looked at either say "Unknown" or something like "Traditional Indian Hymn" in the author spot. Below I have posted the song with the authors name. I hope you can find new appreciation for this song because of this story!
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
by: S. Sundar Singh
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Comments
Just a side note ... I'm Leah's older sister. :) Just so ya know. :)
I'll be reading more of your blog!
~Renee
I found your blog on Renee's...
I was reading your profile isn't it funny how the Lord work's out our life's. My mama always says never say never!
Very good post,It's good to read about other's who want to serve the Lord!
Rebekah
Jennifer
The author still unknown must be because tribal are uneducated before Christianity. They don’t know how to read or write. That is why nothing has been recorded. Heard that same man and his family (His wife and two children) were killed by their village chief because of their faith in Jesus.
Let me also share something a bit about Sadhu Sundar Singh’s work. During his days he established welfare home/s to help needy person to educate them or bring them up in the knowledge of Christ. I read from a piece of paper 5 years ago that his predecessors who head the welfare home/s are now saying Sadhu Sundar does not believe only Christ but various other Gods. So now they don’t’ stick to Christianity but other religion as well. What a sad state.