The Music Mission Trip aims to take the SDARM GC Symphony Orchestra, composed of 40+ advanced musicians from all around the world, to three different locations with the purpose of developing a variety of programs and/or activities to be used for missionary work such as concerts, music videos, podcasts, spiritual conferences etc., as well as motivate and inspire local musicians to be part of the project as they use their talents for the honor and glory of God.

Is it even possible to use music as a missionary tool? Although the answer could be very straightforward, let’s consider a few statements from the Spirit of Prophecy in this regard:

“[Music] is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth.”—Education, p. 168.

“The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s instrumentalities in the work of saving souls.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 493.

“There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power.”—Evangelism, p. 496

“Let the talent of singing be brought into the work. The use of musical instruments is not at all objectionable. These were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services. It will add to the interest.”—Letter 132, 1898.

“In the meetings held, let a number be chosen to take part in the song service. And let the singing be accompanied with musical instruments skillfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of instrumental music in our work. This part of the service is to be carefully conducted; for it is the praise of God in song.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 144.

“I am glad to hear the musical instruments that you have here. God wants us to have them. He wants us to praise Him with heart and soul and voice, magnifying His name before the world.”—The Review and Herald, June 15, 1905.

Indeed, music is a powerful tool for missionary work. Through music, we can offer a service for the community, we can inspire people, we can change lives, we can preach the gospel in a new and very effective way. Music can be an incredibly significant way to enrich many aspects to everybody’s lives and make people more sensible to the power of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, music could be effective not only to impact souls outside the fold still to be reached by a heartwarming entering wedge, but also a way to connect other musicians, as well as artistic, academic and social groups that we would not influence otherwise.

Hymn arrangements and sacred songs were part of our repertoire; however, the main and most challenging piece was, certainly, the Reformation Symphony. This is a piece written by Christian composer Felix Mendelssohn and it was inspired by Martin Luther’s famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” He wrote this piece when he was only 21 years old as a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Today, this is one of the most celebrated works of the orchestral repertoire and it is performed by orchestras all over the world. In this event, it was the very first time in the history of our church, when musicians from our institution performed this masterwork.

It was our purpose that the Reformation Symphony and all the other pieces we performed offered an opportunity to reflect on the role of music in the history of our church, the work of Martin Luther, the reformers and the Adventist pioneers, the prophecies, but most specially, to have an opportunity to thank God for the special and beautiful gift of music, and its tremendous power to preach the gospel.

• Colombia

• Brazil

• Peru

• Honduras

• Bolivia

• Chile

• Australia

• Canada

• United States

• Portugal

• Spain

• United Kingdom

• Poland

• Hungary

• Serbia

• Croatia

• Italy

• Romania

• 6 concerts in 3 weeks in three different locations (California, Virginia, and Italy)

• 8 mission visits: including home visits, nursing/retirement communities, and an orphanage

• 8 studio productions

• 24 musicians travelled together to all three locations and were joined by local musicians.

• 150 young people dedicated their time and talents to God

• 1000 souls inspired by our concerts around the world

Inspired by the Reformation Symphony, the work of Martin Luther, the Reformers and the Advent pioneers, we would like to create our own professional symphony orchestra. This would be an institution that could have an impact in the community beyond the borders of our buildings. It would be an orchestra that could serve the community and inspire many lives everywhere and that would give the opportunity to young and professional musicians from our church to make a living (or at least part of their living) through the ministry of music. It would be an orchestra that would keep the Sabbath and also open the possibility to do missionary work with other musicians that are not part of our church yet, but that also observe the Sabbath. With an orchestra like this, we will be promoting values, ideals and principles like no other institution in the world. Moreover, we will be promoting and supporting a unique profession that will last for eternity.

We express our gratitude to God for all the amazing experiences during this event. We thank him for all the places visited and all the new friendships developed. Thanks also to all the musicians and brethren who made this event possible, especially our generous sponsors and the local fields and churches for their invaluable support and hospitality. We hope that listening to music, singing together, and playing our instruments offered everyone moments of inspiration, delight and encouragement for your daily life, as well as for your spiritual journey.