Watoto Children’s Choir ventures from Africa to Hub City

March 23, 2015

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NORTH JACKSON, Tenn.,– A choir of African orphans made a pit stop in Jackson Sunday as part of a six month tour across the United States.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is made of orphans between ages 6 and 13. The choir’s high energy performance centers around faith, hope and second chances. The choir is part of the Watoto Churches’ mission in Uganda.

“All the children we travel with have lost either one or both of their parents to HIV, war, disease and so Watoto is taking care of them,” Daniel Ogwal said.

Ogwal along with his wife are leaders in the Children’s Choir.

“All the songs, that entire concert package is designed to just thrill the people who have the opportunity to see it but also to carry powerful message that eventually changes your life,” Ogwal said.

Ogwal said for many of the children, coming to Watoto’s orphanage is the first opportunity they have to accept Christ into their lives.

“They can have an opportunity to respond to his love at the earliest opportunity of their lives. When they do, then He starts to change them from the inside out. He is the reason for the hope that they have. He is the reason for the healing they are experiencing from their past,” Ogwal explained.

Hundreds of church goers attended the non-traditional service.

“I loved the music! I loved the kids, it was a really energetic performance,” Northside Assembly of God church member Zach Barker said.

Members of the congregation said the performance’s message was crystal clear.

“You can turn your life over to God and he’ll lead the way for you,” Sherry Bowles said.

Staff with the Watoto Orphanage said they take the children in and raise them in a family-style setting until they are able to complete their education and stand on their own two feet.

Once the choir left Jackson, they headed to Covington. More information about the Watoto Children’s Choir can be found here.