African Children's Choir

Today our church kicked off its annual missions conference.  This is one of my favorite times of the year when we shift our focus to the mission of Christians in the world and right here at home.  Our church supports over 100 missionary families all over the world and every November a dozen or so return home for a week.  It is such a blessed time for all.  The missionary families report on their ministries as well as the numerous groups from our church that have gone out on short term trips.  It is a powerful thing to see the workings of God on a global and personal scale all at the same time- to get just a glimpse of His glory.  


One of the speakers this morning was sharing his experiences with bedouins in the Middle East.  He began, "You know where the ends of the earth meet the middle of nowhere? That's exactly where we were.  Nothing and no one for miles and miles."  He spoke of a local family whose home was so so on fire with the love of God that it was palpable.  The Gospel was alive and well in their home, in the middle of nowhere.  That's the God we serve. Just a small reminder that our God is powerful enough to to reign over the whole world and intimate enough to be involved in the lives of millions in every corner of the globe.  How can you not be compelled to want to serve Him? Or at least get to know Him?

Tonight we had the distinct privilege to see the African Children's Choir in concert at our church.  They are orphans from Uganda who travel and perform, raising support for their orphanages, feeding programs, and schools- while sharing their incredible faith.

At one point they each shared their name and dream for their future.  It was inspiring to see the power in their eyes.  One of their directors was himself an orphan.  He had lost both his parents at the age of 4.  By the grace of God he was found by the African Children's Choir and came to know his loving Savior.  He went on to finish school and now holds a Master's degree.  This is the God we serve.. who takes orphaned, traumatized, hungry children in the midst of a war-torn country and uses them to care for the thousands of others in their shoes and spread the Gospel around the world while on the road to fulfilling their own dreams.

Julia was so excited to be going somewhere special.  It's the first time she's been out of the house in a long time (except for the hospital).  Our church ushers were wonderful and sectioned of an area for her in the balcony so that she didn't have to be exposed to anyone.  It brings tears to my eyes how grateful we are for people's help in all of this.

Carter was completely captivated by everything going on and the stories of the children.  His heart was drawn to want to befriend them.  He was so sad that he couldn't play with them when it was over and that we weren't hosting them at our house.  He cried all the way to the parking lot and told me I needed to call and find out when they could come back.  Sweet boy.  I am so thankful for opportunities like this.  It is one thing to explain the orphan situation to your children and another for them to hear and see from the children themselves.  I pray a seed was planted in his heart that will bear good fruit...

We brought home their DVD and CD- happy to be able to support their ministry.  The kids have listened to it every day and are loving it.  And the dancing and drumming is contagious...