Michael Nissim, Testimony
"Take my voice and let me sing, always, only for my King."
This refrain from Fanny Crosby's well-known hymn describes the aspiration of Israeli guitarist Michael Nissim. In 2003, Michael released his first compilation of classical guitar arrangements of modern Hebrew Christian songs, along with several well-known hymns. This instrumental CD, titled "Rejoice, O Heavens" expresses the joy of knowing and serving the Lord Yeshua (Jesus).
Michael Nissim was born in 1977 in the northern coastal Israeli town of Nahariya. He has two sisters and two brothers, one of whom, Shmulik Nissim, has written and recorded two albums of Messianic songs. Michael was raised by believing Jewish parents and gave his heart to Yeshua (Jesus) at the age of eleven, telling the Lord in a tear-filled prayer how much he loved Him. He was baptized later that same year, and eventually became part of an assembly of believers in the Haifa area. There he was discipled and grew in his knowledge of the Word of God.
Michael had been given lessons on various instruments since childhood, but from the first moment he picked up a guitar he knew he had found the instrument he would play with passion.
Like most 18-year-olds, Michael was drafted into the Israeli army. The grueling demands of army life caused Michael to throw himself on God's mercy, daily turning to the book of Psalms to see him through the rigors of serving in a combat unit. Michael felt he could identify with the words of Psalm 6:2, "Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed." This dependency on God led Michael to choose to follow the Lord in a deeper and more whole-hearted way. One result of this decision was Michael's turning from secular music towards songs of praise, ranging from modern Hebrew Christian songs to well-known hymns. Now Michael applied his passion for guitar-playing to these songs alone.
The arrangements on "Rejoice, O Heavens!" have been a part of Michael's personal praise and thanksgiving to God over a period of many years. Fortunately, he has now made them available to us all.
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