Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

Is Africa dark and deserving the name,

do we still nod to the past, to the political game?  

Is it darkness of soul or shadows of hate?

But then, that’s all of us, the human fate.

~

Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

United in Jesus, to one family belong,

unlocking a future that can turn into song.

A song of redemption, a song of love,

the song of forgiveness from God above.

~

Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

Show us mission and mercy go hand in hand

with the God of this, our promised land.

A land of honey, of milk and plenty,

where justice rules and stomachs aren’t empty.

~

Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

Remind us of God above and God below,

of the God Incarnate that his people should know.

Where, as is in heaven, it is on earth,

and those called “Christian” have some worth.

~

Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

Call us to faith and hope, salt and light,

these are things that can pierce the night.

So there’s a lightness of spirit, a lightness of heart,

from brothers and sisters all playing their part.

~

Oh venerable elders, can you show us the way,

to give us a future that does not end in dismay?   

Lausanne in Cape Town and in the world beyond,

to God be the glory as you respond.

In love and peace, and truth and grace,

Help us better to run this race.