Photo: canva.com/Ja'Crispy
A few weeks ago, I was invited by an asylum seeker from Fatima House - one of my various ministries in and around Birmingham to attend a “gig” she was performing in with her choir. “The Choir with No Name,” it was called. I enquired who the choir was and why they’d given themselves that name. I was intrigued! Without hesitation and to show support and solidarity with her, I agreed I would go along with fellow Columban lay missionary Roberta Kim.
That evening, we arrived at the concert hall to find people selling T-shirts to raise funds. There was a happy ambience and much excitement in the air. You could feel it! The guests were warmly welcomed by the volunteers and members of staff, many of whom wore the same T-shirt with a simple design on the back and the words “ALL TOGETHER NOW”. The front said, “The choir with No Name”. I followed everyone into the hall and found a good seat. I looked up at the stage and was awed by how big the choir was. There were people of various nationalities and ethnicities, of all ages, and different skin colours. There were people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities too. I discovered some people were homeless and many would have been classed as “marginalised” - people who are all too often excluded and discriminated against.
The concert started with a song called “Look for the Good". Next came “Give your Best”, “I love my Life” and “Put a little Love in your Heart”, and many more. Each song was vibrant, powerful, and lively. The choir members sang with passion and energy, pouring their hearts out, still with a smile on their faces, which was very moving. They showed hope, courage, and confidence. This really was a supportive little community; the friendship and teamwork were evident.
I was surprised when the conductor creatively engaged the audience with the choir. I had so much fun and was touched by how the choir could bring so much joy to the audience. It was moving when some choir members were selected to sing solo - as they were not people you would expect to be chosen! They were indeed extraordinary people. Despite their fears and vulnerabilities, they sang with confidence because they believed there was no judgment from the others - and there wasn’t! All I witnessed was affirming and encouraging smiles and gestures from their choir community, which they called family. Some sang out of tune; others found their voice trembled. The audience responded by loudly applauding their efforts and determination.
To me, the members of “The Choir with No Name” are hidden servants of the Lord who walk humbly with Jesus and act justly. They show love and mercy towards marginalised people, many of whom have been through many life crises. They simply want to be there with these people who are rejected, forgotten and lonely. These angels are not just standing with them. They encourage them to sing, regardless of whether they can sing or not - there’s no judgement. This warm welcome by the choir community becomes the turning point in the life of the marginalised person. It reminds me of how Jesus in the Bible enjoyed the company of sinners whom society had treated as outcasts.
Looking up at the stage, I saw a powerful and diverse community! This is the kind of church that Pope Francis is asking us to build - an inclusive church, a welcoming church, a church built by broken, vulnerable, and marginalised people. A church that walks alongside people rejected by society. One that draws people in and builds people up, not a church confined and clinging to its own security or a church that makes some people feel excluded and not good enough to belong.
As a missionary, I carry the Gospel to places I had never imagined travelling to, and I have myself been evangelised by the people I have encountered. I have so much still to learn. I am privileged to have been invited by my friend to attend the concert and witness God’s love at work!
Columban lay missionary Teresa Chuah Hui-Ling lives and works in Britain.
Listen to "My world Mission Sunday"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - September/October 2023
