Iraqi song expresses solidarity

Mennonite individual

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Glenn Lehman, interim music and worship staffer at Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pa., looked far and wide for an Iraqi song to express solidarity with those suffering because of the war.

In the Zion Mennonite Church, Barb Musselman (left) plays the recorder part of the Iraqi song, while Glenn Lehman sits at the piano. Photo provided.

"One day I could take this war no longer," said Lehman on Feb. 5. "Some Zion people were doing peace vigils. As I stood with them the thought came to me—why not sing an Iraqi song? I looked everywhere and found nothing."

After failing to find a single Iraqi song in print, Lehman contacted Mennonite Central Committee’s John Filson who put him in touch with a Christian Baghdad-born song writer.

"John put the wheels on this," Glenn said.

Filson put Lehman in touch with a Christian Baghdad-born composer. Also, Zion was in the middle of sponsoring an Iraqi family who advised Lehman on style.

The song is called "Iraqi Good Shepherd" and the anthem is simple and mostly two-part. Lehman arranged the words and music. Piano or keyboard is required and an additional line is available for other instruments.

On Nov. 30, several vocalists supported by violin, recorder and piano, played the song at Zion.

Final permissions were obtained the beginning of February. Lehman’s interim position at Zion ends at the end of February. Kara Glick, graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, Harrionsburg, Va., will assume the role of minister of worship.

Lehman can be reached at office@harmonies.org.