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

*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!

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?"

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

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

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