Tracklist:
Track 1. Dancing in Somalia.
I wrote this song one evening after looking at the world map and thinking of the different countries that I have visited and the amazing Christians I have met. I started thinking of the wonderful job the church has done down through the ages of taking the Gospel to these lands…then the Lord challenged me that now is not the time for the church to relax and pat herself on the back. For there are still many people groups who have never heard of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.
‘The church must not rest. We must take up the challenge!’
Track 2. Bitter and Sweet.
In 1812 Adoniram and Ann Judson sailed to Burma as the first Baptist missionaries to leave America.19 years later, having recently lost his wife, Adoniram penned these beautiful words to the grieving widow of a fellow missionary – “Sarah, take the bitter cup with both hands and drink all of it, and you will soon discover a secret – there is sweetness at the bottom.”
This song is especially for those who are going through a difficult, painful time…God is faithful. He will bring you through. There is sweetness at the bottom of the bitter cup.
Track 3. Riches to Rust.
While in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I visited the family of an ex opium addict. In their hut I saw a tiny pile of clothes on the floor, all they had, and my heart was challenged about all the money I had wasted on clothes. That day I made a commitment to make for myself ‘a purse that will not wear out.’
Track 4. Good to be with You Again.
I wrote this song after a busy Christmas season , on the day when all my visitors had gone and the house was quiet…I picked up my guitar and began to sing, and all of a sudden felt surrounded by the presence of God….”So here I am, kneeling before You again, wondering why I took so long to return. And all the tears wash my heart and soul, Jesus, it’s good to be with You again.”
Track 5. Light My Eyes.
Written from a heart prayer one day that I would be able to see what He sees when He looks at people…’Let me see the lonely man who never gets an invitation home. Every Sunday he is there, but every Sunday he goes home alone…light my eyes make them keen, let me see what You have seen. Lift the veil that often lies so heavy, so blinding on my eyes; from selfishness set me free, light my eyes.’
Track 6. Send Me!
“Then God said, ‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me!'” This has been my prayer for so many years.
Track 7. Tend to the Fire.
On his death-bed William Booth urged his fellow workers in the salvation Army -“Tend to the fire brethren! Tend to the fire! For it is the nature of a fire to go out.”
Track 8.Keeping Faith.
I wrote this song thinking back to the years of waiting, and the need to keep faith and hold fast to the Lord.
Track 9. God Speed.
A love song for Chris! Written on the first night we had to spend apart.
Track 10. Compassionate Heart.
Written after seeing the plight of the Kurds on TV news, and remembering other sights that had moved me to tears. But tears are not enough…I need to search my heart and ask if there is something I can do…
Track 11. Louise Moulin.
An estimated 350,000 Christians were martyred the year I wrote this song. This song is in honour of them, and also the millions of others before them who ‘loved not their lives unto death.’
Louise Moulin was a French Hugenot lass, only 18 years old…
Tend to the Fire CD - Chris and Rosie Boom
‘Tend to the Fire is inspirational and an encouragement when the battle is especially difficult.‘ - France.
‘Tend to the Fire is a bullet in the marrow. I love it very much. I won’t let the fire that is burning in me go out.’ - Zimbabwe.
‘These songs have touched my heart and challenged me afresh to keep my vision for missions alive.’ – Papua New Guinea.
‘Very deep and thought provoking words – a tape that challenges one to examine himself.’ – Indonesia.
‘A very moving tape that helps one to feel the needs of the world and challenges you to do something about them.’ – Rabaul.