Songs of Hope

The Director of Ceremony was Mr. Richard Moarabi of Botswana. The album features a collection of uplifting traditional hymns, performed using only violin, saxophone, and voice—creating a pure and heartfelt musical experience.

Despite the challenges faced by many around the world, Mr. Moarabi highlighted in his remarks that hope can restore our optimism and bring healing to broken hearts. In his keynote message, Pastor Ellsworth Baxen underscored the importance of hope—not only as something to wait for with patience, but also as something we must actively cling to. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Wellington Manjengwa added that hope is essential for survival, stating, “Without hope, we perish. We must grasp its significance and hold on to it.” He went on to say, “We may face all of life’s challenges, but with hope, we can face them with confidence”—a powerful message intended to resonate throughout the year ahead.

Among the hymns performed were:

• Nearer, My God, to Thee (Lowell Mason & Arthur Sullivan)

• It Is Well with My Soul (Horatio G. Spafford & Philip P. Bliss)

• Jesus Paid It All (Elvina M. Hall)

• O for That Flame of Living Fire (William Hiley Bathurst)

• Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Robert Robinson)

• Rock of Ages (Augustus M. Toplady & Thomas Hastings)

• Count Your Blessings (Johnson Oatman Jr. & Edwin O. Excell)