Monday, July 2, 2018

Blessed by the Watoto Choir


On Friday I was blessed to attend the one and only concert of the Watoto Children's Choir performed in Vancouver, British Columbia.  I've heard of this Ugandan choir for many years and have seen them on television but never had the opportunity to go and hear them live.  This year's concert was held  at the Vancouver Chinese Pentecostal Church in East Vancouver. Pastor Ivan Chu gave a few brief introductory and welcome remarks before turning the stage over for the evening.


This young man and his wife (not in photo) lead the contingent of the Watoto Children's Choir that travels throughout Canada for six (6) months each year. His wife conducts the choir. Together they have been travelling with the choir for the past 4 years.


the children give a very high energy performance.  I love the expressions on their  faces. When they are not dancing, speaking and singing, they are very serious about the message of the gospel.  They are also very young. The girl in the front with black suspenders is only 7 years old. I believe the eldest child is 12. There are also 11 adults who travel with the children, some who are playing the instruments, some who are looking after sound and so on.













The young girl in the red dress is living with her mom and travels with the Children's Choir. Her family is the recipient of help from something new the Watoto Ministries is doing, expanding their help and support to single mothers.  This girl's mother makes jewellery which is then sold by the choir when they tour.  This is how the mother can support her family. 


I was impressed by the heart of worship of these children.


I was moved by the lady in the black print top (red bow in her hair). Her mother was captured twice by Ugandan rebels. During the 2nd capture her  mother was murdered and she became an orphan. Watoto Children's Home gave her refuge and she now travels with the choir. There are many equally touching stories.





 


I was very moved by the children's concert and by the heart of love the adults seem to have. I know they were very tired as they have been touring for the past 6 months. They will be finished their touring this week and then have a break before returning home to Kampala.

I managed to make a video of their opening song "Signs & Wonders" which is also the name of their choir's latest recording and 2018 Tour. I hope you enjoy. 




If you would like to learn more about the Watoto Ministries, please click here.

Thank you for visiting. 

I leave you with a few shots of the sky on Monday about 5:30 a.m.






I'm joining in today with 

31 comments:

Sandi said...

Praise ye the Lord?

:-D

Sandi said...

OOPS!! i meant to say Praise ye the Lord! Not a question mark!

Red said...

That would be a very energetic performance.

Joanne Noragon said...

You were blessed to be there!

Mari said...

Oh my - I bet that was a wonderful concert!

Colleen Looseleaf said...

Full of color and spirit. I especially like the shots of the children.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful you got to see this concert. I can't even imagine traveling for six months especially with these young children -- obviously they believe in what they are doing and are well taken care of ....

Joyful said...

I agree 6 months is a very long time. I also agree the children are very well take care of. Nonetheless the children and the grownups will be glad to get home.

Joyful said...

It was really great!

Joyful said...

Joanne, I'm so glad I made it this year because it was very convenient location for me. In earlier years, I've never managed to hear of the concert venue until the concert was over and done!

Joyful said...

Yes, I agree :-)

Joyful said...

It definitely was.

Joyful said...

Thank you Colleen. I'm blessed that you enjoyed the photos.

Nancy Chan said...

Great that you attended the concert. A very lively concert. Praise God for all those who are involved in this beautiful ministry. Beautiful sky shots!

Joyful said...

Thank you Nancy!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, it is wonderful you were able to see this concert. I like seeing all the children, I am sure they are happy to be singing for everyone.
Pretty sky captures. Enjoy your day and week ahead!

happyone said...

So nice to see these young children with so much energy and enthusiasm for the Lord. God Bless them all.

magiceye said...

Marvelous action captures!

Aritha V. said...

Geweldig!

Al said...

That sounds very exciting. I love live music of many different kinds, and I'm sure I would have enjoyed this!

carol l mckenna said...

Oh how wonderful and what beautiful choir photography!

Happy Day to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Joyful said...

Thanks Eileen!

Joyful said...

Yes they are awesome!

Joyful said...

Al, for such young children they certainly give a great performance. I'm sure you would enjoy. They actually do have a choir touring USA too but it doesn't look like they went to Colorado this year.

Joyful said...

Thank you Carol. Glad you enjoyed.

africanaussie said...

I went to see the watoto choir a couple of weeks ago here in Australia. It was a different group, but they were so energetic and had such rhythm, even the tiny ones! I purchased their CD so I can listen to it while I work.

Life Images by Jill said...

I wow - it would have been amazing to see and hear this choir and their amazing voices. I west to see a gospel choir a few years go. The singing was glorious. Have a fabulous week and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.

Kay L. Davies said...

This is wonderful. A soul-filling moment in time.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Jeanie said...

What a wonderful experience. Isn't it joyful to hear children sing? That's really terrific and Iknow it had to be very special for you.

shayndel said...

Such a beautiful and blessed time! Your photos are amazing! I enjoyed seeing the video too, their dance and the choreography are so fun and lively and full of joy!! And yet I am sure a lot of work goes into it for all involved. May God Bless the children and all involved and their ministry and travels. ❤️

Lady Fi said...

I bet the singing was magical!

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