Ndariwana_Shoko(360p)

This was one of my first gospel songs I put together based mainly on John 1:1-5.

The Shona lyrics are:

"Pakutanga kwaiva neShoko;
Shoko iri rakanga rinaMwari;
Shoko racho rakanga ririMwari; Shoko iri rakazova nyama.

Ndariwana Shoko rinoponesa,
Rinondigutsa nokusimbisa,
Oh iri Shoko rinopa upenyu,
Jesu Kristu M’ponesi wangu

Zvino zvose zvasikwa naro;
Upenyu, Chiyedza kana Zuva;
Kana makomo, kana namapako;
Kana nemhepo, zvakasikwa naro.

Ndariwana Shoko rinoponesa,
Rinondigutsa nokusimbisa,
Oh iri Shoko rinopa upenyu,
Jesu Kristu M’ponesi wangu

'Bva nhasi uno kana wonzwa Shoko;
Usaomesa iwo mwoyo wako;
Ugoponeswa ugowana upenyu;
Hwaunopiwa neShoko raMwari.

Ndariwana Shoko rinoponesa,
Rinondigutsa nokusimbisa,
Oh iri Shoko rinopa upenyu,
Jesu Kristu M’ponesi wangu"

(which in English reads as follows)

"In the beginning was the Word;
The Word was with God;
The Word was God;
And the Word became flesh.

I have found the saving Word,
It satisfies and strengthens me,
Oh, this Word gives life—
Jesus Christ, my Savior.

Through it all things were created:
Life, Light, and even the Sun;
The mountains, caves, and the air—
All were made through the Word.

I have found the saving Word,
It satisfies and strengthens me,
Oh, this Word gives life—
Jesus Christ, my Savior.

So today, if you hear the Word,
Do not harden your heart;
Be saved and receive the life
That comes from the Word of God.

I have found the saving Word,
It satisfies and strengthens me,
Oh, this Word gives life—
Jesus Christ, my Savior."

I first sang this song with Bhamala Church Choir in the late 1980s in the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Zhombe/Empress Assembly.