Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville invites the public to a program of song and dance presented by the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir on Monday, July 6. The choir hails from Humble Place United Methodist Church in Mukono, Uganda. Children will perform in the church’s Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m.
The 23-member choir hails from Humble United Methodist School, in Mukono, Uganda. The school is operated by the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Ministry of the United Methodist Church (UMC). This ministry works to address the challenges facing parentless children in the UMC’s East Africa Annual conference, comprised of the sovereign, but politically unstable, states of Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. As result of two decades of civil wars in these countries, millions have been displaced; families have been torn apart and children have been abandoned. Many children are severely malnourished, abused, diseased or HIV positive.
Humble United Methodist School is among a number of “All Inclusive Centers” operated by the UMC’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Ministry for children ages two through 12. The centers include schools, orphanages and health facilities. Emphasis is placed on equipping the children with the necessary life skills and moral values to help them make meaningful livelihoods.
The performance at Bethany UMC is part of an international tour by the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir to raise awareness of the plight of children in their impoverished East African countries. Since April the choir has visited United Methodist churches throughout the United States.
The concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be accepted following the concert. Donations will be used to attain specific goals for Humble United Methodist School, including scholarships for 450 pupils, a children’s hospital, a school chapel and a choir tour bus.
Bethany United Methodist Church is located at 118 West Third South St. in Summerville. For more information, call the church at 873-1230.