There is Hope for Tomorrow
The Hope for Tomorrow Africa Children’s Choir from Uganda and the surrounding area came through Hutchinson August 4th as part of their swing through Kansas.
Wow! What can you say that would adequately describe them. They certainly lifted my hopes for the future of Africa and the world! The children were from the Humble United Methodist Church school at Kampala, Uganda. This school founded in 2004 takes in orphaned children from Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. They now have about 250 and dreams of establishing more schools, one in each of those countries.
The choir included 22 children from 5 to 11 years old traveling with 8 adults. The Hutchinson area United Methodist Churches banded together to host the choir and set it up in the Fox Theature, holding 1200, more than any of our churches could handle. I would estimate the crowd at 1150.
The children shook the place up with praise and thanksgiving. Performing 12 spiritual selections that included traditonal African songs, dance and dress. They were in constant motion for about an hour of our 80 minutes together.
I was able to spend much of the prior two days with them as they also took a day off here in Hutchinson. The Hutch churches wanted to be sure we provided excellent hospitality during their stay, but we were humbled by the hospitality that they extended us. We wanted to be a blessing to them, but they were a blessing to us. Thanks yous and hugs for everything you did for them and hugs for just being there. These children come from such difficult circumstances, having so little, yet are the most thankful, gracious, joyful children you will ever be around. They can teach the American church much.
Their pastor encouraged us to come and visit them at the school and help with some construction, medical needs, etc. I hope the Hutchinson area churches can band together again and organize a mission trip.
Still a little dazed from the past two days!
Ron Kite, Pastor Hutchinson’s Faith United Methodist Church
Learn more at these links
News article about the school
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2433457&ct=4411257
photos of the school & Uganda from a traveler
http://scottieo.smugmug.com/gallery/408700_Ev2pk/1/14244659_BW9NB#P-1-12