Scripture References:
st. 1-2 = Rom. 10:14
st. 3 = Rom. 10:15
In 1980 Michael A. Perry (PHH 299) wrote this text in Southhampton, England, for use at a tenth anniversary service for "Radio Solent," a celebration held in Winchester Cathedral in 1981. The text was first published in Hymns for Today's Church (1982).
Inspired by Romans 10:14-17, “How Shall They Hear” is a missions text. The first line of each stanza poses a question in the manner of the Pauline passage, and the final line a prayer that continues a personal commitment to be witnesses for Christ "with life and voice." That personal commitment is our answer to the questions posed earlier.
Liturgical Use
Services that promote missions and evangelism (during Epiphany and Pentecost seasons); ordination/ commissioning of missionaries; prayer meetings prior to evangelistic campaigns.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
Initially studying mathematics and physics at Dulwich College, Michael A. Perry (b. Beckenham, Kent, England, 1942; d. England, 1996) was headed for a career in the sciences. However, after one year of study in physics at the University of London, he transferred to Oak Hill College to study theology. He also studied at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and received a M.Phil. from the University of Southhampton in 1973. Ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1966, Perry served the parish of St. Helen's in Liverpool as a youth worker and evangelist. From 1972 to 1981 he was the vicar of Bitterne in Southhampton and from 1981 to 1989, rector of Eversley in Hampshire and chaplain at the Police Staff College. He then became vicar of Tonbridge in Ke… Go to person page >
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