Editor’s note: Jerry Lindsey wrote this artice for the Whiteside News Sentinel, but the date was incorrect. Here is his correction.
Ebenezer Reformed Church, 309 E. Park Street, Morrison, IL, will be hosting the Watoto Concert of Hope on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. With vibrant, original African music, dance routines, and life-transforming stories, the tour choir is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of Watoto.
Each child in the choir has experienced the loss of one or both parents. They live in Watoto Children’s Villages, where they receive the care and nurturing they need to grow up as productive citizens of their country.
The choir offers an energenic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm. The [children] share a message of transformation by telling the story of Africa’s rescued orphans and women.
Besides the U. S. A. tours, the choirs have performed their story of music and word in Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, China, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan. Accompanied by a team of adults, the choir presents Watoto’s vision and mision through stories, music, and dance. Watoto choirs act as ambassadors to raise awareness about the plight of the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa.
