March 17, 2024
A TRADITION OF GOODNESS AND FAITH
Recorded in the Philippines, February 2024
MACK WILBERG AND RYAN MURPHY
Conductors
LLOYD D. NEWELL
The Spoken Word
IN HYMNS OF PRAISE
Music: Alfred Beirly
Lyrics: Ada Blenkhorn
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
AWAKE AND ARISE, ALL YE CHILDREN OF LIGHT
Music: Welsh Tune (The Ash Grove)
Lyrics: David Warner
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
AH, EL NOVIO NO QUERE DINERO!
Music and Lyrics: Traditional Sephardic Wedding Song
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
PILGRIM SONG
Music and Lyrics: American Folk Hymn
Arrangement: Ryan Murphy
THE SPOKEN WORD
“A Tradition of Goodness and Faith”
BAHAY KUBO
Music and Lyrics: Filipino Folk Song
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
I BELIEVE IN CHRIST
Music: John Longhurst
Text: Bruce R. McConkie
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
A TRADITION OF GOODNESS AND FAITH
The Spoken Word, March 17, 2024(Recorded in the Philippines, February 2024)
By: Lloyd Newell
The unique and wonderful land of the Philippines is a crossroads of world cultures and races, a unique mix of East and West. Comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, this nation is known for its fertile soil, tropical climate, and rich natural resources, earning it the nickname “the Pearl of the Orient.” The Philippines is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
One traveler wrote that the Philippines is “a most enchanting country, a land full of … surprises, of magnificent scenery and ideal vegetation, with an assortment of delightful people.”1
Indeed, what makes the Philippines truly beautiful is the goodness of its people. Over its long history, this nation of over 100 million people has had its share of challenges and struggles—war, economic hardships, and natural disasters. Of course, every nation, every person faces difficulties. That’s not what makes the Philippines unique; rather, it’s the inspiring way the people here deal with adversity.
You see, there seems to be a cultural pride among Filipinos about not letting the storms of life get them down. You can almost sense it in the air. Maybe that’s why the comparison to a pearl seems so appropriate. Oysters form pearls in response to adversity, as they protect themselves when irritants invade their shells. A pearl’s beauty is born of hardship, and so it is with the Filipino people. These are gritty and resilient people. They keep going even when times are tough.
How do they do it? Much of their resilience stems from their tradition of faith in God. The Filipino people love God, and they’ve learned to trust Him. You feel faith here in the Philippines, everywhere. Love, goodness, humility, and quiet strength grow out of that faith as naturally as mangoes and sugarcane grow out of the rich soil here. The faith of the people continues to shape this beautiful land.
The same can be true for all of us, no matter the challenges we face. As we deeply trust in the Lord and center our faith in Him, He reassures us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That is His promise here in the Philippines and everywhere.
References:
1. A. Henry Savage Landor, in Sonia M. Zaide, The Philippines: A Unique Nation, 2nd ed. (1999), 3.