No matter what a person’s circumstances are, there is always hope. That is the message the Watoto Children’s Choir tries to convey to audiences across the world through song and dance.
On Friday, Feb. 15, residents will be able to hear and see that message as the choir will perform a free concert at the Bethel Pentecostal Church at 6:30 p.m.
The choir consists of 17 children, ages of seven to 12, and 11 adults who come from Kampala, Uganda.
“We all come from Watoto, which is a church, and we do two things: spread the word of Jesus Christ and care for the community,” said choir leader Aggrey Mugisha from Surrey, B.C., where they were in the second week of a six-month Canadian tour.
The church was founded in 1992 by Gary and Marilyn Skinner. It has since expanded into Watoto Child Care Ministries (WCCM) an NGO (non-governmental organization), which raises money to support abandoned and orphaned children and vulnerable women in Africa.
The choirs have been travelling around the world since 1994 and this is the 99th choir to visit Canada.
“The choirs are so the children can tell their story and let people know that there is hope. These children are supposed to be helpless and lead a life that is miserable, but Jesus came into their lives and they have a new story,” he said.
Mugisha added that while being part of the choir is an amazing opportunity for the kids, each is limited to one six-month tour with the choir while still continuing their schooling.
“That is because we want as many children as possible to see the good things about other places, so when they grow up and become leaders, they can use what they learned and experienced to the benefit of their communities.”
As for what people can expect to see, Mugisha said it is a very emotional program.
“The production is vibrant and colourful, taking you on an emotional journey from utter despair to joyous celebration, as the children and women share their personal stories of triumph in story and song,” he said, adding that many of the songs are from Watoto’s latest album, We Will Go.
“The album tells people that whatever God has called you to, go ahead and do it. People who come and see the production their lives are transformed,” he said.
