Mwangaza Children's Choir

2 DAYS UNTIL THE MWANGAZA CHOIR RETURNS TO UGANDA!

2011-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Mwangaza Children's Choir has left the US and is en route to their home in Uganda! Mwangaza is an outreach program of Africa Renewal Ministries. The name Mwangaza is a Kiswahili word meaning "Shining Light". This children’s choir has toured the USA, Netherlands and Germany since 2004. Through song and dance, they share message of hope and the love of Jesus Christ to millions of people they meet . These children are also enrolled in our child development program and are able to share their experiences about being ARM sponsored children. They represent orphans, the poverty stricken, and former street children.

They are such a blessing to other children in our programs and are proof that they believe in the messages they share. Nothing will stop them from reaching out and touching and positively transforming other people’s lives the way theirs have been transformed. The bright colors of their costumes show the gladness and brightness of their hearts. You have only to listen to someone talk about them and you will fall in love with who they are and what they do. When you have heard them sing, their lovely and warm voices will forever bless your heart.

What makes them very fascinating is the love they have for other needy and disadvantaged children as well as their never- ending desire to show the world that they are grateful for what God has done and can do for millions of other people round the world. One of the ways they do this is by sharing their individual testimonies. Because of this, many have been inspired to have faith and hope in God and many who have heard their testimonies devote their lives to Christ.

The choir tour has made it possible for these children to meet new friends and has brought them closer to each other. The current choir has been on tour since January 2011 and returns 6 months later on June 26. It was led by Kathryn Wilson from USA, and representatives from ARM- Henry Muguluma, Grace Nakate and Edith Nakavuma. In preparing to welcome them back from the tour we asked children and staff from our projects to write down what they wanted to say to them. The response showed excitement and many expressed their love and appreciation for these dear friends from the Mwanganza Choir. This is what they had to say:

“Looking forward to having you back”- Joselyn, ARM.

"We are glad to have you back- feel at home" - Mela.

“I can’t wait to see you back!!!”- Jackie.

“Welcome back Ram”- Bethany Nalukenge.

“Welcome back carol”-Bethany.

“Can’t wait to see you!!!”- Liz, ARM.

“Welcome back Unity”

“Welcome back Vatican.”- Kizza.

“Welcome back Ajib Esther with a smile”- Agnes.

“Welcome back Sarah with a peck”- Jackie.

“Welcome back Akol Donnah”- Winnie.

“Welcome back Ajibo and Rebecca”- Esther.

“Mukulikeyo”- Friend.

“Well be back from the USA nicety.”

“Home is smiling for your return.”

“Welcome back home Angella and Ajibo”- Gloria

“We can’t wait- looking forward to seeing you.”

“Well b back all of you from USA.”

“Welcome back Donnah”- Winnie.

“Welcome back all of you”- Patience.

“Welcome back to your homeland” Shibah.

“We awaits for de big smile 4 yr return”

“Hello, welcome back from the USA we are missing you

and love you a lot.”

“Welcome back from the tour but we miss you!! But you’ve grown.”

“Home is smiling for your return.”

Upon their return, the choir will perform at The American Embassy in the morning and will have a welcome home concert at 2pm at ARM's headquarters on June 27th. Pray with us for the team's safe travels!

Compiled by Liz Baluka, Intern, Communications Office, Gaba, Uganda

Mwangaza Child Hides in Anthill from Rebels

2011-06-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

My name is Esther Ajibo. I am a Mukso. One day my grandmother was with me at night. She heard people saying that the rebels are coming. I think I was six (but now I am 13). My grandmother started thinking, then she went in the bush; the bush was near our house. Then she saw an anthill. She decided to put me that anthill. So when the rebels came they sat on that anthill. They started talking, talking, and talking. I started saying in my heart, that when are these people going? But they sat on it and one of them said, "Let us check on this anthill, maybe there is a child." My heart started pumping, and then one of them said, "No, we have to check over there". But one came and check in there but I was on the left and he checked on the right.

I thank God because he didn't see me so I encourage you that God has a good plan for you. God had a good plan for me. Now I am in America telling people how good He is. GOD HAS A GOOD PLAN FOR YOU!

What an amazing young lady Esther is! We look forward to seeing her future unfold! Africa Renewal Ministries has developed an intentional follow-up program for these children that have traveled in order to provide a smooth re-entry into Ugandan life. We have made them unique. We have opened their eyes, unleashed their potential and given them a stronger passion for a different life and to impact the world.

Friends, we need your help to keep our long-term follow-up strategy a success, in addition to what is already being done to help and support these children (by their sponsors). There are additional costs that will go into their over-all well-being, education, leadership training, counseling, and the continual development of their music.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 by June 20. We have received almost 20% to date. Time is of the essence. While this amount may seem overwhelming, we have faith that if each family could raise or make a gift of $100, it would be a huge step toward achieving this goal. We wait with excited anticipation to see how the Lord will provide!

Thank you SO MUCH for investing in the lives of children like Esther!!

Online gift-giving is secure and easy

Simply Click HERE and give to the Mwangaza Fund

Why Mwangaza Speaks For Children Affected By Poverty (Part 2)

2011-06-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

This particular blog has been hard to write. I have sat up for over two hours wondering what to exactly write. My heart is torn between a lot of things. One of these is the reality of where Mwangaza Children’s Choir comes from, the people who sent us here and the children we speak for – not just in Uganda but in Africa as a whole.

And so, even though I am sure I wrote so much about children in poverty in my last post, I really feel I need to write some more on this issue. (Yet, I ask myself, haven’t people heard enough about Africa? Maybe, maybe not! )

Anyway, the awful truth is that in many places, children are the faces of poverty in Africa.

Although people of all ages suffer from extreme poverty and hunger, children suffer the most in Africa especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa, such as Uganda. In other words, poverty carries the faces of innocent little children in these parts of the world.

The problem gets even worse as you move from the big cities and towns to the poor villages where many of the children registered or sponsored by Africa Renewal Ministries come from. The majority of this poor population is made up of poor subsistence farm just to feed themselves and their families. However, about one in every five of these people live in a country affected by warfare. War destroys families and farms leaving most people with nothing at all but extreme poverty and starvation. Famine follows wars in most cases in Africa. poverty in Africa facts.

In conflict-torn countries, the capacity of rural people to make a livelihood has been dramatically curtailed by warfare, and per capita food production has plummeted. facts: war and famine in Africa

Because of war, diseases, extreme poverty and famine, most children are left alone in this cruel world with no parents, no grandparents, no siblings, and no blood relatives at all to take care of them. Most children have lost their parents to the deadly HIV/AIDS. Others have lost their parents to war and their grandparents, to extreme poverty. facts: poverty and hunger in Africa

In Africa, there are the rural poor and the urban poor most of which stay in slums. I grew up in slums. But I am not alone.

About 50% of the African population lives in slums. From the outskirts of Johannesburg in South Africa to the interior of Kibera (Africa’s largest and worst slum) in Kenya, life is a living hell for most African slum residents. Uganda has Kisenyi, Makerere Kivulu, Kawempe and Katoogo as some of dreadful slums.

Some of the children advocated for by Mwangaza Children’s Choir or those that are currently sponsored by Africa Renewal Ministries come from such slums. Actually some of the children travelling with the Mwangaza children’s choir live in these very slums.

Slum houses in Africa are mostly self-built mud houses roofed with rusty corrugated sheets and wooden boards. Slum houses have little or no planning at all. Poor basic sanitation and poor basic services. There are open dumps and open sewage.

Most slums have no electricity and no pipe borne water. Fires are very common in African slums. There no good hospitals and no good schools. Most children in many African slums do not go to school and most get no medical attention when needed.

In some slums, there are just few chemist shops around most of which sell cheap and expired drugs. Majority of the children in several African slums have lost either one or both parents. Because of the high illiteracy rate, HIV/AIDS kills in record numbers in African slums mostly women and children.

African slums are mostly lawless areas with low security or no protection at all and violence is very common very common in most African slums.

-Henry

Why Mwangaza Speaks For Children Affected By Poverty

2011-06-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Everywhere we go, we share the good news that JESUS CHRIST is “the Hope of the Nations.” Also, we speak about Jesus’ message of reaching out to the poor, for example, the poor children in Uganda.

These children are also known as the children in need, the needy children or the children at risk. Here are some disturbing Facts About Children and Poverty.

Health Care and Nutrition

· Measles, malaria and diarrhea are three of the biggest killers of children — yet all are preventable or treatable.

· In sub-Saharan Africa, measles takes the life of a child nearly every minute of every day. An effective measles vaccine costs as little as $1 per child. (source: WHO)

· More than 30 million children in the world are not immunized against treatable or preventable diseases

· HIV/AIDS has created more than 14 million orphans — 92 percent of them live in Africa.

· A child dies every three seconds from AIDS and extreme poverty, often before their fifth birthday.

· Six million children under five die every year as a result of hunger. Also, every year six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday. (sources: UNICEF, WHO)

· More than 800 million people go to bed hungry every day, 300 million are children. (global stats: UNAIDS)

· Nearly one third of children in Sub-Saharan Africa are underweight. (source: UNICEF)

· Between 12 and 16 million African children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. (source: World Vision)

· Nearly 2 million children under 14 years old are HIV positive in sub - Saharan Africa. (source: Avert )

· 43% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have safe, accessible drinking water. (source: UNICEF)

Education

· 134 million children between the ages of 7 to 18 have never been to school.

· Girls are more likely to go without schooling than boys — in the Middle East and North Africa, girls are three times more likely than boys to be denied education

· For every 100 boys there are only 83 girls enrolled at primary school. (AU: Stats: Poverty in Africa)

· Only 57% of African children are enrolled in primary education, and one in three of those does not complete school. (African Union: Poverty in Africa statistics)

Exploitation

· In the last decade, more than 2 million children have died as a direct result of armed conflict.

· More than 300,000 child soldiers are exploited in armed conflicts in over 30 countries around the world.

· 2 million children are believed to be exploited through the commercial sex trade.

· 200,000 child slaves are sold every year in Africa. There are an estimated 8,000 girl-slaves in West Africa alone. (sources: BBC 5 October, 2001 & Anti-Slavery Society)

For Mwangaza, these facts are not just figures they read or hear about. These facts are lives they see every day. They are the needy friends who cannot go to school in their own village or in the next village. They are the orphans living next door. They are their bothers and sisters and cousins and nephews and nieces who cannot smile because there is basically nothing to smile about. They are the sad friends of someone they know.

Actually, for Mwangaza children, these facts are the facts of their own lives. They too have only been rescued from this hopeless life by the grace of God working through someone who decided to sponsor a needy child in Uganda. And so, the Mwangaza Children Choir just can’t help singing about the grace of God and about the need to extend this grace to the other many needy children in Uganda and all around the world!

Mwangaza in Kentucky, a blog from our friends!

2011-05-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone please check out the link to this blog below. This is a beautiful blog written by Shawna Miller. She coordinated our stay in Kentucky and Indiana and the venues there, including our time at the Summit-Christian Alliance for Orphans. This is a glimpse into our time there and how Mwangaza continues to impact lives for the glory of God. I also encourage you to read the responses below, all these words have been such an encouragement and blessing to us as we go out for HIM!

Thanks,
Kathryn

http://www.adoptedindiana.org/memories-of-mwangaza

School, Snakes, and more!

2011-05-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings Faithful Choir Blog Followers!

Today has been a good day. We left out this morning from our last church host to go to a Christian School, and arrived with only a short commute. We were given a tour of the school and got to interact with some of the students in their classes.

One in the choir certainly had a “special” experience with this tour. As we entered one class, I could hear someone say that the class had a live snake in a glass terrarium. The teacher offered to let the choir children hold it, and one brave soul took him up on the offer. This boy even took it a step further, wanting to pick the snake up out of its glass home. I stood there watching him tear out the added environment (which were sticks and a big rock) in order to catch the slithering serpent, and then bring it out. He probably enjoyed it a little too much, as he tried to use it to scare some of his nearby friends. But no harm done, and one other boy also stepped up to touch it.

After the tour of the school, the choir found some time to do schoolwork before lunch, when we were given the opportunity to have lunch with the fifth and sixth graders from the school. It was certainly wonderful seeing these children being so inclusive of the choir, at times frantically flagging them over to a table to sit. There was one instance in particular that sticks out in my mind that happened when one choir member was wondering around with her food. One of the girls from the school motioned her over to sit between herself and another girl already seated, and in a space that was more of a close quarters that you'd see friends using. This is just an example of how sometimes kids “get it” in regards to the Kingdom of God. These young girls were welcoming a sister in the Lord and showing love to her just by willingly and eagerly befriending her. We are certainly blessed to see this frequently with families hosting us, but it's especially great to see a group of school children excitedly welcome others—from across the world—into their space and lives, even if only for a lunch period.

-Seth

The Most Important Lesson from Mwangaza Children

2011-05-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post, our Mwangaza children are teaching many of us over here so many things. But perhaps the most important thing our children are teaching us is how to receive.

Friends, these children will teach you how to receive the kingdom of God.

Jesus tells us that the way of entering into His kingdom is by receiving. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Luke 18:17).

Notice, we do not enter the kingdom of God by analyzing some deep problem and arriving at its solution. And we do not enter the kingdom of God by working hard to be good enough for God’s approval. We enter it by receiving.

If entrance into God’s kingdom depended on studying and analyzing and working to be righteous on our own, then children (like these Mwangaza children) could never enter it. And neither could we. But thankfully entering the kingdom of God depends upon receiving something, and therefore children can enter.

How does a child receive the kingdom of God? He receives it in simple, humble faith.

That’s why Jesus holds up children (like the Mwangaza children) as an example to us.

These children are able to believe and receive Christ without a mind stuffed with self-righteousness and intellectual, emotional baggage. Yes they are sinners, but often their hearts have yet to be corrupted with preconceived ideas of God and what he should be like. They don’t have a little box for God to fit in. They want him bigger than our self-made boxes.

Charles Spurgeon says that children are “blessed in their ignorance” and that all of us must be delivered from our preconceived notions and “humbly drink in the Word of God” and receive it like children, like these little Mwangaza children.

So have you? Have you come to God not trying to give him something but simply to receive something from Him?

Spurgeon says, “If you want to know what faith in Jesus is, look to the young children who have taken Jesus at His Word, believed in Him, loved Him, and therefore know and are sure they are saved.” Amen!

Whether you are a chaperon on the tour like me, or a host family member or someone in the audience during the Mwangaza performances, you will agree with me, the Mwangaza children will teach you what it means to have a perfect relationship with Jesus Christ and how to enjoy God’s free gift of salvation. To God be the glory, for the wonderful gift of these children.

Henry Muguluma

From Arkansas to Texas and So Much In between!!

2011-04-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

God has been taking us across the states for His amazing purposes. He took us to Rogers Arkansas where we sang with the choir from First Baptist Church a song reminding us that there are “No orphans of God.”

We then made our way to Knoxville, TN where we had the wonderful blessing of taking part in the Kalu Grace Foundation’s Hope in the Dark Gala. We met and sang with Jars of Clay and their love for God and His work was another encouragement for us. This event raised funds for multiple ventures in Africa including safe drinking water projects, medical needs, building up families and communities, and primarily spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. We even made it on live television to promote what God would be doing that night and the kids sang there heart out “Lift up Jesus, Lift up Jesus Higher” to the many people who might have thought they just tuned in to see their normal 5 o’clock news…surprise!!

We then rushed ourselves to Austin Texas for another event impacting thousands of individuals. We were blessed with the opportunity to take part in the Easter service at Austin Stone church. We sang along with the praise and worship leaders and choir from Austin Stone for a crowd no less than 10,000 strong. The whole body moved together worshipping our risen King! Amen!

We also had an afternoon to play in Austin at one of the host families, The wonderful Mitchell’s, all together. The children swam, went on egg hunt, had an egg toss, and had the joy of celebrating Auntie Bobbi’s birthday together!! Woooo hooo!!

Since then we have also been to the Hotchkiss’s lake house for a day of rest and play, to a concert in College Station, and to an amazing concert and Blue Bell ice cream tour in Brenham Texas. Life has been busy but sweet. God continues to reign down in His work and bless us with new testimonies each day!

Please enjoy the pictures below, I hope they will easily match up with the story above!

For Him,

Kathryn

Life Lessons from Mwangaza Children

2011-04-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

We are seven adults taking care of the Mwangaza children as they tour USA. They call us uncles and aunties, e.g. Uncle Henry, Auntie Kathryn, Auntie Grace. While on tour, we are their parents and they are our children.

Now, as parents we know that we must teach our children. We must teach them how to tie their shoes and brush their teeth. We must teach them their ABC’s and their 1, 2, 3’s. We must teach them to respect others and make wise choices. And we must teach them first and foremost the gospel and their need for salvation. But along the way, we often forget that God gives us children not just so that we could teach them, but so that they could teach us.

Being with the Mwangaza Children makes you realize that “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

Just looking at these Ugandan children as a case study, you realize that children teach us how to love others regardless of skin color, personality, and abilities.

They teach us to be real and sincere in our emotions-not being afraid to laugh or to cry when we need to.

They teach us that status and significance mean nothing compared to kindness and tenderness.

And they teach us to enjoy life and not worry so much about tomorrow because right now is the moment that really matters.

-Henry Muguluma

Rejoice with Them that Do Rejoice

2011-04-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

A little bit ago, and a couple states now, I was blessed with a very touching moment. One of our girls got the chance to meet her sponsor at the church in which we were performing. Admittedly, I was fighting the tears at the sight of this joyous meeting, but as I walked around near the scene, I noticed one of the other girls in the choir looking at her friend getting to meet her sponsor family.

As this girl was watching her friend get this rare blessing, she had this smile—and a “look” on her whole face—that is a bit unusual to see on someone of her age. I would more expect that look on the face of a parent whose child was receiving something wonderful, but here she was, truly happy for her friend and sharing in that joy.

Romans 12:5 tells us to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Here I was able to see this verse being acted out, and perhaps this should be an encouragement to us all to share in the life experiences of those with whom the Lord has joined us, whether that be sharing in the joy of a friend or doing more than just “feeling sorry” for someone and truly sharing their heartache.

Perhaps it's also good to remember that the Lord can use us in ways we never expect, and to just be obedient to Him. I doubt this girl had any idea I even noticed her doing this, and I wonder what “little” things the Lord will use in our lives if we will only honor Him in them.

-Seth

Mwangaza is Shinning God’s Light in America

2011-04-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

It is true that God is reaching the world using America. But it is also true that God is reaching America using Africa. Mwangaza Children’s Choir from Uganda is the proof.

Being on this tour has made me realize that God loves people more than anything. That God loves America just as He loves Africa. That He wants to draw all men, even in America, unto Himself. And that right now, Mwangaza Children's Choir is one of the special tools He is using to reach America.

God's priorities are clear: His kingdom first. God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The truth, that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The truth that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again, bringins new life to all that believe in Him.

Everywhere we go, God is making the salvation of men Key. Literary in everything we do, big or small, God is changing lives. More than anything else, God is reaching out through the Mwangaza to draw men unto Him.

Individuals and groups are responding. Sinners are repenting - only heaven knows the right count on this. The sick are being delivered - I know 3 people so far who have confessed being healed of body sickness during the concert or when a child prayed for them. Backsliders are returning to the Lord - that list is endless. Churches are being revived. Following the Mwangaza visit to their church or home, some people have started worshipping with hands lifted up, singing and dancing with great joy in church, praying more fervently, committing themselves to missions, etc.

Pastors are being amazed and moved by the Holy Spirit after seeing the children praying fervently in the Spirit, singing loudly in joy, and preaching the good-news with authority.

Host homes - I have been there, I have seen it - (actually, I am crying as I write this part). God is breaking through and releasing His people from bondages unspeakable. I have seen God restoring marriages, recapturing children, commissioning missionaries, embracing the prodigal, healing the sick, changing attitudes, breaking down racism; speaking new life, giving direction, and simply loving His children. I have seen God at work in host families.

Lives are being changed forever. And it is amazing to see.

Please tell Uganda to continue praying for this one thing more than any other: "may the Lord's will be done; nothing more, nothing less, nothing else." And His will is to draw all men unto Himself.

Henry Muguluma

Mwangaza Goes Horseback Riding

2011-04-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

America has had many beautiful experiences for us. Horse riding is one of them.

I must confess (like all the Mwangaza children who visited the horse farm), I always thought horse riding consisted of "jump on, kick and go". Friends, was I wrong.

Many thanks to Dena and Scott Little, the owners of Storybook Horse Farm in Alabama. They gave each one of us a chance to have a horse riding experience.

We started by riding dummy horses. We also named our dummy horses. I called mine “K” after a good friend of mine.

At the farm, we realized that there is more to horse keeping than just riding them. Things like feeding horses, horse grooming, horse hoof care, horse injuries, to mention but a few.

The children learnt about miniature horses, sheep, goats and cows. They learnt how to brush a horse. They also made toy horses and some horse shoes before the actual horse riding begun.

While we were at the farm, we learnt that horses may not be the very intelligent of animals but they sure have very big hearts. Actually, I was told that with the proper care and teaching, they can become one of your best friends. (This makes sense especially if you consider the fact that horses are a huge part of America's heritage.)

Well, I agree I am not a Texas cowboy. But hey, who doubts that right now I am the only adult male Ugandan horse-rider on the Mwangaza Choir tour 2011?

-Henry Muguluma

Well as an equestrian enthusiast for most of my life this was an unbelievable blessing for me. Being able to get back on a horse after not having ridden in a few years was an indescribable joy but even more was the joy I experienced from seeing the children’s eyes light up as they hopped on top of Friar Tuck, Baloo, Captain Hook, Humpty Dumpty… and all the other horses in the barn. Even the adults enjoyed a quick ride around the arena.

Storybook Farm is dedicated to therapeutic horseback riding primarily for youth who have experienced difficult life situations and those who have mental and physical disability. It was amazing to see the light of Jesus shining through the Little family as we saw how they dedicate their lives to healing and helping others! It was an unbelievable experience that we will certainly never forget!
-Kathryn Wilson

Mwangaza in the News!

2011-04-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this short story from our time in Alabama!

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/videonetwork/859083682001/Mwangaza-Children-s-Choir-performs-in-Greenville

Stories from Greenville Alabama, courtesy of Robin Settle from First UMC!

2011-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mwangaza Visits a Small Town-- Greenville, Alabama

"…with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) It all began with a letter from a former youth group member requesting support for a trip to Uganda. God lead me to reconnect with this young man, and through this he was able to share with me about his trip and the blessings that he had experienced. I felt God nudging me to ask him to share about his experience in Uganda with the church (his former church as a youth). He did come and share, and the blessings began to pour out in the form of several sponsored children (one of which is ours!), members being touched by this young man’s example, and eventually a saved life. I began talking to this former youth member about my lifelong passion for the children in Africa (having also been influenced by a former pastor from my youth who was a missionary to Africa). Being unable to take a trip to Uganda myself, he suggested that maybe the church host the children’s choir for the next tour. Through many, many prayers and Michelle will tell you, lots of ups and downs, it was such a blessing to see them drive up to the church last Wednesday. I told Kathryn that it was like family that you know you have, but you just haven’t met them yet! They brought Africa to me, and I will forever be grateful! It is also a testimony in itself, for these seven adults to so unselfishly give of themselves and their time to help these twenty precious children sow Jesus’ seeds! Thank you all! So, if this little small town can come together and host Mwangaza, anyone can do it! It is amazing to look back and see God’s hand in it all, and that with Him, all things are possible! What a true blessing it has been!
Keep shining His light, Mwangaza!! With Him, all things are possible!

We love you!!
Written by Robin Settle
First United Methodist Church
Greenville, Alabama

We also went to the Montgomery Zoo with this Church and Robin also wrote a small section on this!

Mwangaza Visits the Zoo
Montgomery, AL ~ March 24, 2011
Lions, and tigers, and……Mwangaza! Oh, my! We had such a blast at the zoo! God blessed us with such perfect weather, and the animals must have known Mwangaza was there! The animals were especially active and some even performed quite a show for us. Each of the children had a favorite, but among them were the lions, snakes, monkeys, and giraffes. My favorite part was the little “serenades” you got as you were walking along to the next exhibit. It is so refreshing to see these children so unashamed and bold in proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ! Keep shining your light for Him! Blessings to all!!!

Robin Settle
FUMC-Greenville

Creation Museum Visit and Cincinnati- A blog from Faith Fellowship Church in Cincinnati

2011-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Mwangaza comes to Cincinnati!

This is our second time to host Mwangaza in 2 years and we are very excited! In preparation to their visit we decided to host a Zumbathon to raise money for the ARM organization. Currently Faith Fellowship Church has Zumba classes 2x weekly, averaging 100 in attendance each week for the class. Mary Beth Nishime is the instructor of our Zumba classes. Mary Beth is a very giving person, and when she instructs Zumbathon Fundraisers, she donates every dollar that comes in.

WE HAD 127 in attendance for our Mwangaza Zumbathon on March 3!!! A $5 donation for the class is all that is asked for. WE RAISED $665.00 IN ONE HOUR OF ZUMBA EXERCISE! WOW…God is amazing. The choir could not be with us for this event because they were traveling from another concert, but we did show a couple of their videos from the website to wet the interest of all those in attendance! IT WORKED!

Cincinnati had 3 concerts while they were here. The first one was with BLOC Ministry. BLOC = Believing Living One Christ

Their vision is to serve at-risk students and families -- teens trying to raise themselves because dad was in jail and mom was an alcoholic or drug addict, single moms struggling to figure out how to get the kids to do their homework and stay out of trouble until she got home from work – with limitless personal potential but whose socio-economic, educational or physical needs were unmet or served as obstacles to development. Dr. Dwight and Stephanie Young had worked with youth for 17 years when they began pursuing a neighborhood-based solution to the gap in after school services. BLOC hosted a Saturday afternoon concert, bringing in approx 100 in attendance.

Faith Fellowship Church hosted a concert on Sunday evening March 6. We had approximately 400 in attendance and our love offering was roughly $3200.00. “PRAISE GOD CHURCH”. We loved the concert but like Pastor John says…”the concert is the flower and the hosting is the fruit” when it comes to these amazing children. The flower being like the show and the fruit being the meat and amazing part of the experience.” Hosting is where is really is. The experiences and stories from all of our host families are just awesome. Their love for our God is so pure and honest. These children have impacted us with their joy and love. We will never forget them and can’t wait for a repeat visit! The Green family had the pleasure of hosting 3 girls and the tour leader. “These young ladies were a complete joy to have in our home. Their devotion time touched us deeply. We felt the Holy Spirit consuming us during their time of prayer and worship.” We agree whole heartedly with Pastor Johns comment of hosting. PURE JOY! Another word from one of our host experiences is “indescribable”.

The Creation Museum located near Cincinnati donated enough tickets for the whole group to go. This state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot museum brings the pages of the Bible to life, casting its characters and animals in dynamic form and placing them in familiar settings. Adam and Eve live in the Garden of Eden. Children play and dinosaurs roam near Eden’s Rivers. The serpent coils cunningly in the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Majestic murals, great masterpieces brimming with pulsating colors and details, provide a backdrop for many of the settings. http://creationmuseum.org

To end their stay in Cincinnati, Church on Fire in Harrison, Ohio hosted them for a concert. Another awesome day with hundreds in attendance. They raised around $8300 and were also equally blessed by these children and their leaders.

We learned they LOVE American pizza and french fries, but also enjoy rice and beans on occasion!

We love you MWANGAZA! Blessings to you as you continue your ministry. Faith Fellowship Church is in our beginning stages of preparing for a missions trip in summer of 2012 to UGANDA!!!! Pray for us as we move forward!

Blessings!

Faith Fellowship Church

Mwangaza Learns How To Swim

2011-03-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

When we first fell into the water, none of us(the Mwangaza Choir Ugandan team) knew how to swim. Thank God for Kathryn, Caroline, Seth and Bobbi,our expert swimmers and trainers.

To our advantage the Crowne Plaza hotel pool is also very shallow. Even then, people like me were very scared of the water. And unlike the kids most of whom were wearing swimming costumes for the first time, personally, I was very afraid of taking off my shirt. (Up to now I am still asking Kathryn to get me a Speedo top for men. But she says they are only made for
women.)

At the end of our first visit to the swimming pool all of us got out of the water very excited. We went on boasting to the people we met how we had gone swimming. Truth be told, at our best, we had only splashed the water.

The following day, our expert swimmers spent some good time teaching us in less than 60 minutes all the best swimming styles. That is when we realized the difference between splashing water and swimming.

Anyway, right now, kids like Unity, Belinda and Kasoma can do some good short distances. Namata, Ruth, Dan, Vatican and others are still “expert pretenders” who are so convinced they are “expert swimmers”. (Truthfully, only when they are wearing life jackets, can they do their legs so well like frogs in water.)

Well, personally, just after a few minutes’ visits to the pool, I really think I can now swim as good as uncle Seth. I can float like Auntie Caroline. I can do back strokes like Auntie Bobbi. I can scuba dive like Auntie Kathryn. I don’ care who says I can’t, I know in my dreams I can do
it. (Wamma those who don’t want to hurt my feelings, please cheer me on. Sing to me: “Yes, you can.”

Henry Muguluma

On the Road Again...

2011-03-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Well Choir fans, the last few days have been busy and exciting. Our last days in North Carolina were filled with preparations, packing, and performing. The kids did a great job at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church for our final concert in NC, but before we got there, we had to ensure our vehicles were ready for the trek to Ohio. I'm sure this is something Jiffy Lube does not get to see everyday!

Meanwhile, we are continuing our trend of giving fast food restaurants something to talk about. This time, we rolled into a Hardees in West Virginia and promptly order in a quantity of twenty. The staff was very pleasant and helpful, and did well in getting our rather large order out efficiently; however I'm sure they will be retelling the story of their visit from Mwangaza for quite some time.

We are definitely thankful for a pleasant trip and safe arrival, even through some high winds that made travel by van a little more arduous at times than we would have liked. But even with that, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery the blue ridge mountains provide, learned at least one car game, and even held our breath through tunnels. Oh yeah, and lots of music...usually played Ugandan style...loud!

Thanks for your continued prayers as we are on the road!

-Seth

The "Shining Light" Illuminates the Path to 11 Concerts!

2011-02-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

*While the choir was in NC, Christin Howard was introduced to them. Here is her story:

I am a 2^nd grade teacher, and everyday I teach children … but what the children in the Mwangaza Children’s Choir have taught me over the past month is more than I could have ever imagined!

I first saw them practice on January 20^th and I was truly amazed at what I saw and heard from the children and their leaders! I decided then that I would set a goal for myself of going to 10 concerts. Well, I exceeded my goal and was able to go to 11 concerts so far! From Asheboro to Sparta, with five cities in between, I was able to travel and experience the love of God through the Mwangaza Children’s Choir.

Each and every time, the choir puts on an outstanding concert … but in reality, each concert is more like an awe-inspiring worship service! Hearing the word of God spoken through these children’s voices is absolutely inspiring to me. They show God’s love on their sweet, smiling faces, in their dance movements, and through their caring hearts.

The Mwangaza children and their leaders worship our Lord with everything they have. They give their all to Him everyday, and spending time with these children who are so excited to share about God has been such a blessing to me. They have shown me how to sing to the Lord, they have tried to teach me how to dance to the Lord, they have taught me how to have a powerful devotion with God, and they have prayed with me to our Lord. These children really are the hands and feet of God, spreading his love wherever they go. The Holy Spirit is alive and working in all of them, and they want nothing more than to share that with us! They have taught me how to really love and worship the Lord. What have they taught you about God’s love?

It was bitter sweet to say bye to them after their last North Carolina concert (until June). They will be traveling to other states to share the joy of the Lord. These children truly are shining a light of God’s love through their presence in every city they visit. How perfect is it that Mwangaza means “shining light”?

Pictures on Facebook!

2011-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

We have put up some photos from our first 15 concerts on Facebook! Check them out!!
http://on.fb.me/gYb5qJ

"Can I get a fitting room, please... and perhaps 19 more?"

2011-02-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

God is truly showing Himself to us everywhere we go and through the people we meet. Midway United Methodist Church of Midway, North Carolina not only opened their doors but opened their hearts to us as well. I could feel the love of Jesus Christ just by the way the people welcomed us into their church. The children performed their new traditional dance. The crowd was thrilled to listen to the “shake shake shake” of the children’s rattles for the first time.

The following day (Valentine’s Day) Scott Gerding and his staff provided breakfast for us at Midtown Café & Dessertery in Winston Salem. The children had orange juice, chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Twas a sugary and delicious breakfast the kids needed to start their morning. May I mention it was quite delicious? I know, because I had the same thing as the kids. :)

After breakfast we took the kids on an adventure to Target. They all now have matching jeans… that fit! It was quite the experience… just ask Sarah. She’s the only one that could fit in child’s seat in the cart. Moment of the week: Henry dunking an Oreo in milk for the first time and loving it! I know God has many more plans for us, and I am anxious to see what He has in store for us next! God bless.

This post has been brought to you by Caroline.

In the Media

2011-02-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some Links to two articles we have been in this past week!

Winston-Salem Journal...with photos!!!!
http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2011/feb/04/wsmet03-ugandan-choir-delights-ar-752958/

And The Dispatch in Lexington!!!
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20110204/LIVING/102044017/1009?Title=Mwangaza-Children-s-Choir-shares-hope-and-joy

More Photos at the Forsyth Country Day School! This takes you to their Photo Gallery and look for the Mwangaza link on 2-3-2011
http://www.fcds.org/about/photo_gallery/photos.asp

Check all these great sites out and come see us!!!!

-Kathryn

Play date and immunizations

2011-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity Monday to play and rehearse with the Forsyth Country Day School's choir, Give Me the Beat. What fun was had! Dance moves and drumming were taught, lunch eaten, friendship bracelets made, and the opportunity to rehearse together a new song, Friends Forever! Looking forward to our concert at this School this Thursday.

Later in the afternoon, we visited the health dept for shots. Even after the immunizations, the children were all smiles.

-Bobbi

What a Whirlwind...First Week of Concerts....First Week of Host Families!!!

2011-01-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

The first week with host families has been unbelievable! The kids have all been overwhelmed with the open hearts and homes of the individuals we have all been staying with. No belly has been left any less then over stuffed after each meal and the games have abounded. Below are a few examples. For the boys the motor-less tractor worked well as race car, although it needed the entire team's effort to get it rolling.

We also had girls gathering in their tea hats for dinner! How beautiful!

With a new host family every three nights who knows what surprises we will have in the weeks to come!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

— Ephesians 3:16

-Kathryn

A Blog Post by Henry Muguluma!

2011-01-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Our first concert was on January 21 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful and amazing African-American church in America with a pastor who is from Liberia, Rev. Dr. Seth Lartey. It was so amazing to so see how our new friends connected with Mwangaza, and even Africa. For some, it was a celebration of God through song, music and dancing. For some, it was just the children being themselves before the concert even began. Dr. Lartey’s daughter helped served the meal prior to the concert and her mother, Mrs. Lartey, told the congregation that her daughter was amazed at how well disciplined the children were, and that she wanted to go to Africa!

It was a beautiful experience to see God bless us in so many ways with such a tremendous beginning with the US Tour and we feel His presence with us. God is at work. Pictures soon to follow!!!

From Henry Muguluma

Assistant Tour Director

Next Generation Leadership Program Coordinator, ARM

The Joys of Working with Children

2011-01-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

Children can be wonderful, and the group of them we have are no exceptions. I've had a couple great moments with the choir I would like to share.

The first occurred one morning as we were loading the drums in the van, with some of the boys helping the adults load up. One boy was having some trouble with a drum, when I heard another advise him, "put it on your head!" As I turned, I saw him carrying the drum to the car...on his head. It may have been a simple moment, but it put a smile on my face.

The second occurred one evening as we were about to go back to our quarters. As I was getting in my van to drive us "home," I was asked "Can we sing for you?" Of course I said yes, and then I was simply amazed by a full concert going on in my van. Just from what I heard that night let me encourage anyone who reads this to come see these children sing: you will be both blessed and amazed!

Transportation...and Rolling Concert Venue!

-Seth (Photo thanks to Caroline)

God Has Richly Blessed Us!!

2011-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Friday evening the rest of the team and children from Uganda arrived safely! Now we are 27 strong and preparing for our first performances to begin. Each day has been filled with new joys in rest, playing, and worshiping together...even the excitement of getting out the costumes for the first time!!

Today was our first day to begin rehearsal and the children's voices filled the church like angels singing. They truly bring glory to God with the words they sing and how they dance with joy for the Lord. We ask for continued prayers as we prepare for our first concerts!

Ephesians 5:8

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light.

-Kathryn

They Have Arrived!

2011-01-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

Last night the American team was thrilled to receive the first group of the Mwangaza Children's Choir. Though we did not make it to our resting place until the wee morning hours, our tiredness could not contain the excitement we had from finally getting together. Praise to the Lord for providing safe travels for our Ugandan teammates in His timing!

Today we took some time for rest and relaxation, as well as time to just get to know one another. The choir children had their first experience playing in snow -- and certainly enjoyed it! Best of all, we got to spend devotional time together and were all blessed by the choir's freedom in pouring out their hearts, praises and requests, to God. He truly has His hand on these awesome children and great things are surely to come.

First Snow Day!

-Seth

US Tour Staff Awaiting the Arrival of the Choir!

2011-01-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

We are all here in the Advance, NC area preparing for the Ugandans to arrive! We are all very excited and filled with anticipation. Bobbi arrived on January 2nd from Washington State and the rest of the local team has gathered to make preparations for the arrival of our Ugandan brothers and sisters.

2011 US Team (Kathryn, Bobbi, Caroline, & Seth)

Although the choir is arriving latter than expected due to technical difficulties we are waiting on the Lord and we know His plan is perfect.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

MWANGAZA CHOIR MEETS U.S. AMBASSADOR

2010-12-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

Africa Renewal Ministries is proud to report that for the first time ever, the Mwangaza Children’s Choir was invited to sing for the US Ambassador at the American Embassy in Kampala, Uganda. The Ambassador and embassy staff were delighted to meet the children and get a first-hand preview of the Choir’s upcoming US tour.

Following is a comment from one of the US Embassy staff about the choir’s meeting with the Ambassador: ”It was a great time with the Ambassador and with the Deputy Chief of Mission. I was surprised because all the choirs that have come through have never had this special treatment; the Ambassador even delayed his lunch just to catch a moment with the children and also hear them sing. Everyone was wowed! I had goose bumps all over my arms as they sang “America the Beautiful”.

The Choir will arrive in North Carolina, USA on January 3^rd where they will kick off the 2011 Hope For The Nations Tour. Currently the tour has concert dates booked in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, and Illinois. This will mark the Choir’s first time in the southeast USA and they are so excited to spread the message of Light and Hope through song and dance.

If you would like more information on the Choir’s tour dates, please visit the Mwangaza Children's Choir website. For information on booking a date for your church, please email: michelle@mwangazachoir.org

WE WANT TO SEE YOU!!!

2010-10-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Do you live in NC, SC, TN, GA, or KY? This year's choir is FABULOUS and we would LOVE to come minister to your church through song, dance, and the redemptive story of Christ!!

Please email Michelle Speas, National Partnership Director, Michelle@mwangazachoir.org for more info or to book a date!!

Endorsements & Recognition

"Joy radiates from the faces of the Mwangaza Children’s Choir like early dew on an open field. These boys and girls captivated the hearts our church and took them to the presence of God."
- Max Lucado, Oak Hills Church

"The Choir’s performance was the highlight of our recent board meeting. I pray that the Lord would continue to use Africa Renewal Ministries to bring hope and lasting help to the people of East Africa…Many thanks for sharing your amazing ministry with us."
– James D. Daly, President Focus on the Family

Mwangaza Children’s Choir has also performed live at the Dove Awards and for President George H. W. Bush and the Governor of Texas. The choir has recorded with Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen and Chris Tomlin.

2010-10-03T11:19:00.001-07:00

Mwangaza is the Swahili word for
“shining light.”

Mwangaza (pronounced m-wahn-GAH-zah) Children’s Choir is dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song, dance and testimony. To help bridge cultural and language barriers, the majority of each Mwangaza concert is performed in English.

The choir’s members – some of whom are orphans – come from diverse and often life-threatening pasts, but God has brought healing to their lives and has given them real hope for the future. As a result, they have blossomed in terms of their musical talent, personal character,maturity and spiritual life.