HONG KONG – While holding the praise and worship concert, Stream of Praise has also brought a gift to the believers in Hong Kong – its newest album titled “Praises in the Desert” is on sale all throughout the city.
Rev. Sandy Yu, founder and ministry director of Stream of Praise, shared how she received the inspiration to create this album on the night of the concert in Star Hall. For about two weeks last year, she felt that there were many obstacles that she wasn’t able to resolve and she felt sad and depressed and even wanted to give up the ministry. However, something miraculous happened one day while she was reading the Bible and praying, God gave her a bible verse saying, “He will open up streams of water in the desert, a pathway in the wilderness.” In situations where it seems impossible, that is where God reveals his power; when we are weak, that is when God is working. God challenged her to once again setup her faith in Him. Although she was willing to believe in Him, but the sorrow in the heart just wouldn’t go away.
Yu heard God encouraging her to stand up and praise as it says in Isaiah 61:3, “instead of mourning and a garment of praise.” While she once again placed her focus on praising, several miraculous things happened. First, she felt that the focus is no longer on her sorrow, instead it has moved to God. Second, God reminded her of His promise through the praise songs; although there are many difficulties, don’t fall into despair. Yu encouraged the young people who are still searching for God’s calling in their lives to not give up easily, just worship God, and He will place His will into their hearts. Third, Yu shared, when she praised more diligently, she received more strength. It was because the joy of God has become her strength.
“Praises in the Desert” is a song written to give hope to those in the desert, to encourage them to not just wait in the suffering, to not be consumed by complaints or endless questions, but to stand up and boldly praise God, because He will surely open up a pathway.
The new album features 15 new tracks. To visit their website, go to www.sopwc.org.
[Editor's note: reporter Eunice Or from Hong Kong contributed to this report.]
