NOW I BELONG TO JESUS

Norman Clayton was a Brooklyn boy, born in January 1903.  He was the ninth of 10 children.  His Mother, a devout Christian, had helped establish the South Brooklyn Gospel Church, where she attended regularly with her children.  Norman had received Jesus Christ as his Saviour at the age of 6.  By the age of 12 he was playing the pump organ and later the trumpet at his church – a role he occupied for fifty years!

Although he initially was a builder by profession, Norman’s real passion was Scripture memory, evangelism and the ministry of music.  In 1942 he joined the staff of Jack Wyrtzen’s ministries and helped coordinate the New York, Madison Square, Youth for Christ Victory Rally.  Evidenced by the large photograph on the front page of the October 1, 1944 edition of the New York Times, there were over twenty thousand young people including soldiers and sailors just back from World War II at the rally.

Norman worked with Word of Life, preparing for these similar rallies and helping with their radio broadcasts.  He published some thirty Gospel songbooks.  Norman, remained active in the Lord’s work until his death in 1992.

One of his hymns is the one we highlight:  it is called, NOW I BELONG TO JESUS.  This hymn brings the singer and listener much comfort and peace…knowing that Jesus, Who is ever present and eternal, gave His life to ransom our souls.  This relationship with Jesus Christ is offered freely to all; I quote Norman’s hymn…is “Not for the years of time alone, but for Eternity!”  Let this truth envelop your thoughts with Norman Clayton’s hymn…NOW I BELONG TO JESUS.