The Streets of Parramatta (English Version) - by Diane David

Hundreds of years and a few days ago,
They left their beloved homeland;
For another place to fulfill their calling,
Carrying hope even in the face of hardship.

But they had nothing to fear,
For the Father had designed it all.
Who could not but see:
Since Jesus had anointed it all,
Everything would be in order -
For the Holy Spirit was flowing through it all.

Four years and a few days have passed,
I find myself in the streets where it all began;
All the good things I’ve been experiencing in exchange for their hundreds of years of pain,
All began in the streets of Parramatta.

(If they hadn’t left their beloved land,
And had not obeyed the command and leading of the Almighty;
This country where God has placed me would not have been founded,
A country where His love and compassion abound.)

Four years and a few days have passed,
I can still remember what seemed like a funeral day;
When I chose to leave all of what I thought was mine behind,
Clutching with tears and sobs for a new beginning.

But is there anything greater,
Than His plans and deeds?
Because the Lord is the One who authored it,
Even death can bring life!

For hundreds of years and a few days now,
Their bodies lay here to rest;
Missionaries of the Gospel,
And servants of nations were buried,
In the old cemetery in a street of Parramatta.

(Without death there can be no new life;
If none gave up their own goodwill,
None could experience goodness;
And sacrifice of course bears fruit.)

Hundreds of years and a few days have passed,
Centuries of hardship, daily hard work;
Establishing every town, street and bridge,
Though their feet and hands were in chains.

But there was an exchange for their hardship,
For every drop of sweat was regarded in the eyes of God;
Because for every toil,
The reward of the Father was waiting.

Four years and few days have passed,
I see myself at the river under the old bridge;
A link that bridged its way to the future,
In the streets of Parramatta, such I have learned.

(If there were no prisoners that toiled,
This nation could not have been built;
If none worked hard in the past,
There’d be no hope in our present.)

In the streets of Parramatta,
Jesus I will praise you!
Because in every corner, at every end,
In every light and traffic flow,
All of these are reflecting your glory.

Your plans have become clear in my eyes,
Truly only goodness is Your will for me;
Lord, for the first time in four years and a few days,
In the street of Parramatta, your love has been unveiled.