A Hymn of Hope: “Soon”

by Tasheney Francis

In moments of loss, the Church often finds herself reaching for words—words that can carry both grief and hope, sorrow and promise. Recently, such words were given voice in a deeply personal way through a hymn written by Rev. Kurt E. Reinhardt in memory of Pastor Warren (“Woody”) Hamp, and first shared as a prelude at his funeral service in Kitchener: Soon Our Suff’ring Will Be Done.

Following the service, several attendees approached the musicians, asking for the text of the hymn. Its message had clearly resonated. What many did not know was that the hymn had been born not in abstraction, but in the quiet, sacred space of friendship, pastoral care, and shared anticipation of Christ’s return.

The hymn was written during the final weeks of Pastor Hamp’s life, after his cancer diagnosis, as visits became increasingly marked by conversations about the nearness of eternity. Again and again, those conversations turned to the promise of our Lord:

“Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20)

For Pastor Hamp, one word came to embody that promise—“Soon.” It became his steady refrain of hope, spoken to those he loved, and even mouthed in quiet strength during his final days in hospice.

The text of the hymn began to take shape during a solitary afternoon in a Stratford coffee shop, as reflections on those conversations settled into verse. By the following morning, the hymn had come together in full—its themes shaped by faith, friendship, and the sure hope of resurrection. It was later shared with Pastor Hamp himself, as well as with his family and the many pastors who faithfully visited him, bringing Word and Sacrament in his final days.

From there, the hymn took on a life of its own. One pastor shared the text with a member of his congregation, who was moved to compose a musical setting. That composition was performed by a quartet as the prelude at the funeral service. Around the same time, another musician—upon receiving the text—quickly created and recorded an additional tune, further expanding the hymn’s reach.

What began as a personal reflection has now become a shared confession: a testimony to the hope that sustains us even in death. It is fitting, then, that this hymn now be shared more broadly, so that others too may find comfort in its message.

In a time marked by both loss and longing, the Church continues to sing. And in that song, we join the saints who have gone before us, echoing the promise that sustained Pastor Hamp:

“Soon.” 

Dr. Tasheney Francis is Director of Communications of Lutheran Church–Canada.

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