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It started
with -
The Hymn Book
Celebremos su Gloria
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In 1992 a company called Celebremos/Libros
Alianza started publishing Celebremos
su Gloria, a worship resource
in the Spanish language that includes
music, inspirational thoughts and
Scripture portions.
The music in the book is a comprehensive collection of classic, contemporary and Hispanic hymns and songs, that is equally appropriate for
congregational and home use.
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The Celebremos su Gloria project developed out of the missionary vision and
friendship of Tim and Lynn Anderson and Bob Savage (compiler of the first
truly Hispanic interdenominational hymnal, that was published in 1966).
Based in Colombia, South America with TEAM, Tim and Lynn shared Bob's
concern that an up-dated worship tool become available. When Bob passed
away in 1987, the Andersons were determined to make their shared dream a
reality.
By late 1988, a basic selection of 495 hymns and songs had been made, most
permissions from owners had been obtained, and a tentative title had been
chosen. At that time, it was discovered that two other groups were making
surveys for developing a Spanish hymnal. Contact was made; one group
contributed research and dropped out, and a skilled commission from CAM
Int. mission unified efforts with the Andersons.
"After years of intense work, the Spanish hymnal of 652 entries, plus
biographies and illustrations was completed. Editions in a variety of
styles and bindings have been published, including music, words-only,
large-size, overheads and adaptations for other instruments (Bb and Eb).
Though initially distributed in the areas where TEAM and CAM have churches,
the book is now being used by Hispanic Christians around the world. Today,
over 250,000 hymnals have been purchased, and Celebremos su Gloria is on
its way to becoming one of the most popular Spanish hymnals, having
received Spanish Evangelical Literature Assocation's (SEPA) prestigeous
Platinum award."
This worship resource includes classic hymns dating back to as early as the
fourth century, with choice favorites from the past and over 120 of the
current praise choruses made popular by the Gaithers, Maranatha and many
others. Nearly every Spanish-speaking country is also represented by its
ethnic hymns and praise songs.
Almost from the beginning of the Celebremos project, there was a desire to
develop a way to make these new resources more usable for those who cannot
read music. A very large percentage of congregations in the Third World are
limited to singing around 20 familiar hymns and songs, or trying to
remember a melody heard by radio, with resulting distortions. Musicians who
have instruments and read music are scarce, especially in outlying areas.
For this reason, an audio solution is necessary to accompany the written
worship resource.
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An early
GLORIA protoype.
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From as early as 1986, Tim discussed
this challenge with Stephen Rothlisberger,
the son of Brethren missionaries in
Colombia. Aware of the potential that
a digital electronic device could
have for increasing and enriching
singing, the "Gloria" project was
initiated when Stephen began technical
development of the first prototype
in 1989.
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And now -
The Digital Orchestra
GLORIA |
Over the years, many qualified specialists have worked with Tim and Stephen to make "Gloria" a reality.
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Especially valuable has been the dedicated artistry of John Wilson in the painstaking process of recording the music,
who has crafted each number with excellence and sensitivity in an
atmosphere of worship.
Twenty prototypes were used for field testing in a number of countries,
with very encouraging results in congregations, home Bible studies, camps
and retreats, schools, at funerals, and also as an instrument for personal
praise.
It is amazing that a box the same size as the hymn book can hold over 600
songs in four-part harmony, plus chords and percussion sounds. "Gloria" has
no moving parts because all its hymns and instrument sounds have been
recorded digitally on solid-state EPROM chips. The selections can be
customized as to tempo, pitch, sustaining of a note and pauses, and even
the choice of dozens of instruments. Memory capabilities include storage of
a preprogrammed list for up to 99 songs.
"The case is attractively designed, but is rugged enough to be practical
for varied climates. "Gloria" is so portable that it can be used with only
its self-contained speaker, but it can also be connected to a large sound
system for use in any size church. This practical adaptability is also seen
in the power source possibilities: internal flashlight batteries, or a
voltage adapter, or even a solar panel with reachargable battery.
Gloria is easy to use and sounds great! Virtually everyone who has seen
the "wonderful little box" wants to have one. The interest shown at
international conventions and through personal contacts has already
resulted in sales of several thousand units. A lot of people have saved up
pennies and pesos for months in order to obtain their own Gloria. Calls
are received daily, asking questions regarding "Gloria".
Knowing the precarious economic situation of the people who most need
"Gloria", every effort has been made to keep expenses to a minimum. Due to
the voluntary work of many, manufacturing costs have made it possible to
put a price of only U$299 per unit in developing countries, including
royalty payments. This cost could be reduced further with increased
production. (Interest has been expressed in making "Gloria" available for
use with other languages, adding appropriate music substitutions as
required).
God brought together a great team of volunteers to direct the project. Ken
Lundgren in Bloomingdale, Illinois and Ken Booster in Indianapolis, Indiana
gathered engineering specs and quotes to begin production of the units.
Experienced musician John Wilson in Valparaiso, Indiana gave four years of
his time to complete the recording. Five generations of prototypes were
tested and finally proven worthy. Veteran missionary administrator Rolf
Egeland chairs the board meetings, oversees promotion and establishes
contacts with missionaries, schools, colleges, clinics and many other
institutions where "Gloria" has become another member of the "staff". Rolf
does all of this while shipping hundreds of units from his home in
Rockford, Illinois that end up in locations around the globe. Bob Hillier
keeps the books and makes sure that all suppliers get paid on time. We
thank God for the thousands of hours that have been donated to make this
project the blessing it has been to many.
It is a joy for Christians around the world to be able to raise their
voices in praise to God. The Gloria hymn-player has already enabled
thousands of groups in Latin America and other parts of the world to
improve their singing and learn hundreds of new songs. We continue to seek
help in placing Glorias in the hands of Christians in places like Cuba
where it is impossible for the average congregation to purchase a unit.
The following excerpts are typical of the letters that arrive daily from
around the world:
"Absolutely fantastic! What a blessing "Gloria" will be for our congregation
here in Portland and to help our musicians and minister in our outreaches.
We'll soon be ordering one for our daughter in Yucatan. May God bless and
reward all who've worked so hard on it!" (missionaries with 25 years of service in Argentina, now semi retired and working in Oregon)
(from Cuba)
"With "Gloria" things are going just marvelous, our times of worship have
become so very special...
With all our gratitude"
J...
Island of Youth, Cuba"
Rev Mar 6, 2002
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