Heirloom Accordion and Missionary Music Ministry

In the Missionary Trunk story that I posted recently, we wrote about my grandfather’s use of music in ministry. Here are some pictures of the family accordion that we still have—which my grandfather played.

My grandfather also played saxophone and sang throughout his ministry. While in Japan, they would learn the words in Japanese to a hymn. Then, they would be sung during worship services. One example is “I Am Not Worthy,” by Beatrice Bush Bixler.

“I Am Not Worthy,” by Beatrice Bush Bixler

I am not worthy the least of His favor,
But Jesus left heaven for me;
The Word became flesh and He died as my Savior,
Forsaken on dark Calvary.

Chorus:
I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it!
I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it?
Jesus left heaven to die in my place
What mercy, what love and what grace!

I am not worthy the least of His favor,
But "In the beloved" I stand;
Now I'm an heir with my wonderful Savior,
And all things are mine at His hand.

I am not wortly the least of His favor,
But He is preparing a place
Where I shall dwell with my glorified Savior,
Forever to look on His face.

Pictured above is my grandfather playing saxophone while my grandmother accompanied him. We still have their copies of the music they played (pictured throughout this post). And, another hymn they would feature is “Unworthy,” by Gloria Roe. The full lyrics are below.

“Unworthy,” by Gloria Roe

I am unworthy of the price He paid for me
I am unworthy of His death on Calvary
I am unworthy to call upon His name

Chorus:
Yet He loved me
Still He loves my
Praise His Holy Name

I am unworthy of the blood He freely gave
I am unworthy for in sin I was a slave
I am unworthy that He should bear my shame

I am unworthy of the place He has prepared
I am unworthy of the love that He has shared
I am unworthy to claim His precious name

Pictured above is my grandfather with a quartet that played during his ministry and more music—which was a duet that my grandmother and grandfather sang together.

“Beyond the Sunset,” by Virgil P. Brock

Beyond the sunset, o blissful morning,
when with our savior heaven is begun.
Earth’s toiling ended, o glorious dawning,
beyond the sunset, when day is done.

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
no storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
o day of gladness, o day unending,
beyond the sunset, eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me to God,
the father, whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
will be my portion on that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset, o glad reunion
with our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;
in that fair homeland we’ll know no parting;
beyond the sunset forevermore.