Linda Psaute is an accomplished musician, an opera soloist who has sung in opera companies in the United States and Germany. In the late 1990s she found herself living in a small town in the Former East Germany near Berlin. Soon a friend and pastor of a nearby State Church in the area prevailed upon her to begin a choir that would enhance the worship services and attract members of the community. Linda resisted until she sensed God’s leading. Many of the people in the area are the product of years of influence from a Communist regime. Many had no faith, and little interest in Christianity. Many, however, enjoyed the American gospel music made popular by movies like Sister Act. People began singing in the choirs primarily for the fun of singing the gospel music they love. However, soon they were confronted with he message of the Gospel through the texts of the songs, and this led to changed lives.
In 1999, Linda established and started directing three gospel choirs in three towns northeast of Berlin. These choirs later merged to form the Gospel Union. In 2004, friends of Global Initiatives were invited to visit a weekend retreat of the three choirs. We simply sat around the edges and listened as they rehearsed songs we knew well ... and could understand. They were singing gospel songs in English. As they rehearsed, Linda would explain each phrase, each line, each idea opening the Bible to show where it had come from and what it means. We realized we were observing Bible teaching, even worship during what others might think was simply rehearsal. During the breaks and the meals we talked with many of the choir members. We met a former communist youth leader who had given her life to Christ through her involvement with the choirs. Another told us that “Linda taught me to pray.” Many others were in the process of discovering, rediscovering and being strengthened in their faith.
Prayer Partner Newsletter
Visit Gospel Union's website:
www.gospel-union.de
See Gospel Union in action on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONHJUtsj6sM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrlj2n5O8MI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEETF70nLZg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfSyKG4oXGY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tumoj4a-KoE
