Posted: 3/02/07
African Children’s Choir
symbolizes hope for future
By Barbara Bedrick
Texas Baptist Communications
ABILENE—Like most boys his age, 8-year-old David dreams about what he’ll be when he grows up. This week, he wants to be an air traffic controller.
A year ago, he probably never dreamed he’d be in the United States. Born in one of the most impoverished areas of Uganda, he had little hope of getting an education.
His 9-year-old friend Esther aspires to be a professional singer, but a year ago that would have been highly improbable. A choir trip to the United States is changing their lives.
| Esther is one of 24 children performing in Baptist churches across the country with the world-renowned African Children’s Choir. (BGCT photo by Barbara Bedrick) |
Esther and David, singers in the African Children’s Choir, use their voices to inspire children in their homeland as well as people in America. The children are two of 24 singers between the ages of 7 and 11 who make up a world-renowned choir in the middle of the Texas leg of its 28th U.S. tour.
Singing about how the pure in heart will walk the highway to heaven, the children’s choir represents millions of children in Africa. Many have lost one or both parents to war, famine or disease, organizers said.
Their voices sing for Africa’s 12 million AIDS orphans. Despite the tragedy marring their young lives, these children are full of hope.
“These children are bright, articulate and motivated to realize their potential,” said Ray Barnett, founder of the African Children’s Choir. “We believe they can make a difference, and we believe that when audiences see Africa through their eyes, they will want to partner with us to give these children every opportunity to succeed and impact their countries.”
Performing 35 concerts in Texas in five months, the choir sang Feb. 21 at Shining Star Baptist Church in Abilene.
“We wanted to send a message that indicates how churches are showing partnership with the community,” Shining Star Pastor Richard Darden said.
Darden’s congregation partnered with Pioneer Drive Baptist Church to provide shelters and showers for the young singers, and Holiday Hills Baptist Church secured meals.
“This, we hope, will make communities aware that churches do care,” Darden explained. “We all have something in common—children at risk.”
Darden considers the choir performance an extension of his multi-ethnic congregation’s ministry and community outreach.
To honor the choir and support the church’s community efforts, the mayor proclaimed Feb. 21 “African Children’s Choir Day” in Abilene.
“This is a golden opportunity for Abilene to highlight the ministry of this internationally acclaimed choir,” said Gerald Davis, the Texas Baptist convention’s community development specialist. “The BGCT was glad to present a $500 grant to help provide food and lodging for the singers, their teachers and tour leaders.”
The choir’s 2006-07 tour began in Washington in May. After watching the performance in Spokane, tour leader Marci Cole had a life-changing experience.
“God moved in my heart in a huge way,” Cole said. “I immediately applied to join the organization. We want to give the kids a chance to be educated, to have opportunities they never dreamed about.”
The students on tour spend part of their days rehearsing. But more importantly, they take classes from teachers who travel with them. They also receive full tuition for the remainder of their primary, secondary and college education.
“This effort shines a spotlight on the millions of children in Africa living in impoverished conditions,” said Dawna Hodges, choir spokesperson. “Since its inception in 1984, the choir has brought hope, joy and the love of Christ to communities across the U.S., the United Kingdom and Africa.”
Traveling with the choir are two former members who returned to mentor current singers. One graduated with a diploma in radio and television production and journalism, while the other earned a music degree, which she uses to train more children.
Through its evangelical parent organization, Music for Life Institute, the choir is providing an education for more than 7,000 children in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. It also finances relief and development projects in Africa.
The Texas tour began in December 2006 and will run through the end of April at Baptist churches statewide.
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