Perhaps you’ve heard the words of a song or music title mentioned and you can immediately recall the melody. It’s on your mind because it’s very popular – maybe it’s with you for the rest of the day. Some songs are like that, they have a special zing; almost everyone knows them and almost everyone can hum the melody. Wouldn’t it be great if the IYC 2019 song also became such a favourite.

The song’s composer, Julia Meier, has at least given her best – with help from on high. As the 31 year old jazz musician said, “God is simply the best songwriter”. Maybe that’s why she immediately had a melody in her head, as she was asked two years ago if she would compose the song for the IYC 2019. She recalled the time then, “We were in Vienna at a wonderful Pentecost service with our Chief Apostle. It was a milestone for our youth choir”; apparently not just for the youth. The service had hardly ended as she was asked if she would help for the IYC.

Many different styles

Julia has been working hard on the song since then. “There were several fixed guidelines which I had to adhere to.” The song had to contain many musical styles, because the youth would be coming to the Youth Convention from many different countries and cultures.

However, Julia finally decided that the song would have just one consistent style: “Musically, it wouldn’t make much sense to put all the styles of the different cultures into one song. When we sing the song together, we will already be in harmony with each other - as the youth and as children of God; a harmony which can’t be replaced by anything else,” said Julia.

Great responsibility

The composition of the song was nevertheless a big challenge for the young musician. As she said, “It’s a great responsibility to write the song for so many young people. It has be modern, and on the other hand it must have a message which also fits, to include everyone.” She hopes that the participants at the Youth Convention are moved by the song and that its message stays with them, not only during the weekend in Düsseldorf, but later on throughout their lives. God and Jesus are with you, no matter what lies ahead.

The song has three verses and a refrain. It is written in English, because that’s the language which the majority of the youth understand. The song reflects the motto of the Youth Convention “Here I am”, just as many other of the IYC programme events do. “Here I am and you’re divine, let your heart and soul shine.”

DJs are also included

A special version of the song will be presented at the opening of the Youth Convention on Friday. Musicians from South Africa have expanded Julia Maier’s composition; there is a dance performance, with DJs. The soloist on that day will be the singer Mbaita Muyenga, who comes from Sambia and who will perform the song at various events during the IYC. It will also be heard in many different versions during the Convention. On Sunday, for instance, it will be sung by Mareike Gerdes.

And after the Youth Convention? The IYC song can continue then, to be a companion to all New Apostolic Christians. It is scored for an orchestra, it can be sung by soloists, or with a piano and choir. It can also be sung after the IYC by the congregations and so continue to keep the spirit of this great event alive.

That would be a wonderful continuation for Julia Maier: “Music is an important part of many peoples’ lives. I would be very happy if the IYC song were to become a companion for many – not just because of the message which it has, but also as a reminder of this, hopefully, great time together.”

IYC Song – song text