At the 2024 "Melody of the Republic" national competition for newly composed lyrics and music, Elder Lin Youyi from Fujian Province stood out among numerous entries with his original hymn "Nomadic Scroll," which advanced to the finals and was awarded the bronze prize by a panel of expert judges.
In May 2024, the organizing committee of the large-scale original composition contest named "Chinese Lyrics and Music," in collaboration with diverse cultural institutions and renowned lyricists and composers, initiated this competition. It is reported that they received more than 3,700 original submissions from both domestic and international participants, with over 1,400 entries advancing to the semifinals.
After the song's melody was composed by Sun Jianhua, Elder Lin from Xicen Church in Jinjing, Jinjiang, who loves singing, performed his original hymn, "Nomadic Scroll." The performance video was quickly shared online after its release, and the song became widely sung on mobile karaoke apps. Listeners praised the song, saying, "The music not only gracefully tells the story of the grasslands through its melody but also serves as a beautiful hymn of praise to the Lord. It's just so wonderful."
To date, Elder Lin Youyi has composed nearly 50 songs with a Chinese ethnic style, all of which have been well-received by listeners. His works earned him the Silver Prize in the Popularity Group and the Third Prize in the Individual Singing Group at the "2022 Glorious Blooming Original Music Competition."
Lin Youyi, born in 1973 in Nansheng Town, Pinghe County, Fujian Province, was appointed as a pastor at Xicen Church in May 2006 and ordained as an elder in June 2014.
(Originally published by the Gospel Times, the article has been edited under permission and the author is a believer at a church in Fuzhou, Fujian. )
- Translated by Abigail Wu
