French hymnal introduced in Togo, Rwanda

LHF’s French-language hymnal (Liturgies et Cantiques Luthériens édition Africaine) is now being introduced throughout French-speaking Africa. Phillip Magness, LCMS missionary (pictured back, left), recently led hymnal seminars for 36 pastors and church leaders in Rwanda and in Togo. “Because these are young church bodies, with many converts, these churches do not have a rich tradition of hymnody and so are eagerly receiving these treasures which many in North America take for granted,” Magness said. “They now have a resource that is not just good for them as pastors and music leaders, but is something that whole congregations can embrace. Everyone wanted more copies!”