Not many people know the sad, true story behind Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor’s song “No The Rewing”. This song is the same as the hymn, “I decided to follow Jesus.”
We may sing with joy and laughter, but it is said to be a tragic story.
The hymn “I Decided to Follow Jesus” originated from a powerful and tragic story in 19th century India, especially from Gallo Tribe exist Meghalaya, India (formerly part of Assam). It is believed to be inspired by the last words of Christian convert Nokseng, who, along with his family, was difficult for faith.
According to widely accepted statements, during the intense persecution brought by the local chief, the man faced and was ordered to abandon his new Christian faith. Faced with death, he bravely declared:
“I decided to follow Jesus.”
When his child was killed, he replied:
“Although none of them went with me, I would still follow.”
When he and his wife were also executed, his last words were:
“The cross before me, the world behind me.”
These brave declarations become the lyrics of the hymns we know today.
This story deeply touched Indian missionaries, especially the famous Christian missionary in India, Sadhu Sundar Singh, who is believed to have mastered the words and worked with local Indian musicians to set them up as traditional Indian melodies. Ultimately, hymns are popular in the global Christian world carried by missionaries and revivalists.
Simple and profound song, this song is not only a melody, but a declaration of unwavering commitment and surrender to Christ, even before death.
What would you do if you were someone facing this kind of persecution?
