Carmina Mateak holds the Kapingamarangi song book in which the first worship song she composed is published. Carmina says that she first came to know God and invite him into her life through reading the Psalms in her mother tongue. She wrote her first song based on Psalm 121 and 107 because she felt joyful and wanted to thank God for his blessings and ask for forgiveness. She is a worship leader in her church community and together with other members regularly composes and translates new songs for worship. “Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has Yahweh redeemed you? Then speak out!” (Ps 107: 1-2a)

Photo & Words: Elyse Patten