AS WE SAIL TO HEAVEN'S SHORE - Hymn Story

I was listening to an archival broadcast of Night Sounds Radio the other night. The focus of the program was, to be sure, a bit morbid.

Death

However, anytime the late Bill Pearce dealt with an inconvenient topic, he was always careful to end the half-hour with a positive spin. In this case, the ‘up side’ was the subsequent life which follows this one, and which awaits believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Mr. Pearce approached the twelve minute mark of the broadcast, he told the story of Kirk Lynn. Kirk was a young man whom one article referred to as a “winsome witness;” a devout Christian believer, who, though shy about spreading the Word of God, and the story of His Lord felt compelled to share his faith with others. The radio host went on to play a portion of one of his songs.

It seems that one Sunday morning in late 1994, in his home church, Kirk presented a solo rendition of, “As We Sail to Heaven’s Shore.”

The song details the journey of a Christian pilgrim to heaven amidst storm-tossed seas; patiently enduring the trials of life, and with a great deal of grace.

And speaking of the story which Bill Pearce shared with his radio audience, less than two weeks after the 26 year old soloist sang this poignant hymn, he died along with 131 others in the crash of USAir Flight 427 near Pittsburgh. There were no survivors.

Sailing to heaven’s shore. A poignant consideration, indeed, given the manner in which Kirk Lynn met his Maker.

Pt. 2

Four days after the accident which robbed the world of a fine Christian witness, and excellent soloist, a tape of his song was played at an outdoor memorial service for Kirk, and several other passengers of Flight 427. His rich tenor voice echoed off nearby buildings, and instilled deep emotions in the crowd.

“Storms may rise on seas unknown,

while we journey towards our home.

Surely, we’ll learn what grace is for,

as we sail to heaven’s shore.”

Almost eerie and strangely ironic, the lyrics by Phill McHugh came to him several years prior to the accident; as he was dropping off a friend at the airport.

He shared the following background.

“I’ve traveled a lot over the years, and I’ve always felt this sense of sadness in airports. There’s always a lot of hurry and excitement and people going here and there. I know it’s a cliché to say everyone’s in a hurry, and should slow down, but it’s the truth.”

Kirk’s father said his son began singing, “just about the time he could talk,” and the lead singer worked diligently with the staff of First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport to select just the right songs for Sunday mornings. Glenn Lynn went on to mention that Kirk, a computer programmer, had talked about starting his own musical ministry.

Now, the elder Lynn referred to his son’s rendition of, “As We Sail to Heaven’s Shore.”

“It kind of consoled us. His music always did; any time I heard him sing. Wherever he went, he ministered. And he always will.”

Pt. 3.

For you see, since Kirk Lynn’s passing, his home church has responded to requests for his song from states across the nation, and has distributed over a thousand tapes to date. Who can say? It may be before it’s all ‘said and done,’ Kirk will have touched more lives in his passing, than in his living.

Since I listened to this fine young man sing a portion of, “As We Sail to Heaven’s Shore” on that radio broadcast, and for days afterwards, I have not been able to get the words and melody of that song out of my head and heart. It has been ever before me, so much so that I have probably listened to every possible rendition of it on the internet.

Who can question that it is a very special song, and that Kirk Lynn was a very special young man.

Storms may rise on seas unknown
While we journey towards our home
Surely, we'll learn what grace is for
As we sail to heaven's shore

Send us strength, oh, Pilgrim Guide
Sin would drown us in its tide
Be close at hand and go before
As we sail to heaven's shore

Holy Spirit, lead us on
Give us courage, bring the song

Lord, we trust Your Father's care
Will convey us safely there
Open or seal off every door
As we sail to heaven's shore

Straighten our course with every prayer
Let heaven's breezes speed us there
And grant us mercy evermore
As we sail to heaven's shore

Draw us near, oh, finest Friend
From dawn's light to evening's end
Each passing day, we love You more
As we sail to heaven's shore
As we sail to heaven's shore

(Resources: Night Sounds Radio. Associated Press, September 24, 1994)

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 70, Copyright pending

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