Review

Are you looking for something out of the ordinary? How about an album of culturally relevant worship songs, played in a way that not only reaches out to unbelievers, not only tugs at the heart of the worshiper but also crosses boundaries long resisted by the church.  Such it is with Terry and Darlene Wildman, who make up RainSong. Terry and Darlene live with the Hopi Indians in northern Arizona. They are helping break down some of the barriers established long ago by the Christian church that reached out to the Hopi, and many other Native Americans.

Hearing their new album, Rising Sun, you will immediately be transported to dawn among the tribe. The flute has for centuries united America's indigenous peoples with creation. On "Daybreak" you will feel at peace with what God has made.  And here's the thing: Finding truth in creation has always been God's first revelation. People like the Hopi have long sought the Creator in the environment that they find themselves in day after day. The culture that sprang up from this utilized the flute, the drum, the shaker. When early missionaries brought the gospel to them, they taught them to forsake their culture, forbidding the use of drums. After years of this type of witness, many First Nations people have not found the Gospel to be for them. And for those who have come to follow Jesus, they have had to follow another way than their own people.

This is what makes RainSong's ministry so important and groundbreaking. They are part of a movement that has brought Jesus to the First Nation on their level. They use the drum. They show that Jesus is the one that has long been sought and the answer to their prayers.  So it is that this album not only reaches out to the unreached, it also gives ancient/future expression to the Church in Hopiland and throughout the continent.

The title track comes from Malachi, singing the "Sun of Righteousness is rising, coming with healing in His wings". On this track and many others the Wildman's sing in Native "vocables". They have noticed a distinct connection in the ancient "hey ya hey ya" type singing and the cry of Yahweh. On "Rain Dance" they again chip away at the unredeemed. As they take an ancient custom that has traditionally cried out to creation, it is now turned to the Creator. This is one of the chief evangelistic elements of RainSong. They want to show that Jesus is stronger than any tradition, stronger than any instrument.

This is RainSong's second album, following up Sacred Warrior. They are missionaries who not only pastor a church among the Hopi; they have been increasingly active across the continent leading worship. It is my honor to call them friends and pray for their ministry. I am also honored to play a small part on this album. You will enjoy this album, but the power of it is in those whom it will reach who had no idea that Jesus was the one they were looking for. This music is helping the First Nations peoples to see God's ultimate revelation, Jesus Christ..

Review by John Ausmus