Holding Hands Around the World

Author and composer Janice Kapp Perry wrote “Holding Hands Around the World” in response to an invitation from the Primary General Presidency. They were planning a satellite broadcast for children to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Primary and had invited several composers and lyricists to submit songs about following the Savior, Jesus Christ. The meeting would be broadcast in many languages, highlighting the worldwide growth of the Primary organization.

When Sister Perry received the invitation to write a song for the broadcast, she and her husband were preparing to serve a mission in Santiago, Chile. Soon she would be following the Savior herself by sharing His gospel far from her home in a language that was not her own.

Months later, while serving in Chile, Sister Perry listened to the satellite broadcast in Spanish. When the children’s choir performed her song, it was a reminder that no matter what language we speak, we are all united by our faith in Jesus Christ. In the words of her song, “We are children sharing all around the world. … With each word and action, we will testify: We believe, and we serve Jesus Christ.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Holding Hands Around the World

Scriptures

Principles

The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us choose the right.
We can feel the Savior’s love when we serve others.
Our faith in Jesus Christ grows when we trust and follow Him.
We help others feel the love of Jesus Christ when we share the gospel with them.

Questions to Ponder

How can you show your belief in Jesus Christ through your words and actions?
How have you been blessed by making a good choice?
What are some ways you have served those around you?
What is one way you can try to be more like Jesus Christ?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Play a marching game. Explain that the chorus of this song talks about being like a gospel army and building the kingdom of God. Play the song and march to the beat. You can use the activities listed below to help your children engage and have fun with the song.
- Talk about what “holding hands around the world” could mean. March and sing while family members hold hands.
- Describe how a flag can be used to help gather people. Invite your children to pretend to wave a flag while marching.
- Ask your children whose light they are led by. Sing and march to the chorus while holding a flashlight or candle to represent Christ’s light.
Help your children understand the global nature of the Church. Show your children a map or a globe, and point out countries where Church members live. Explain that the Church is in many different countries and territories around the world and its members speak many different languages, but we are all united in our faith in Jesus Christ. Look through past issues of the Friend or For the Strength of Youth magazines for stories about children and youth in other countries. As you read, explain how even though we live in different places, we are part of the same Church and are following Jesus Christ together. Finish by singing the song together, and invite your children to imagine holding hands with children around the world who believe and live the gospel just as they do.