In 2004, my daughter and I had the incredible opportunity to minister with Mwangaza Choir from Uganda, Africa.
Hosted in part by our church, Wayside Chapel Evangelical Free Church partnered with African Renewal Ministries.
The name Mwangaza is a Swahili word that means shining light, reflecting the gospel message they share through song.
Mwangaza Choir is comprised of children, many of whom are orphans or come from single parent families.
The money raised by the choir goes back into the village for child sponsorships, feeding, clothing, housing, education of the children, and training for the parents.
Combined Children’s Choirs
The 2004 tour, the first tour in America, sang first with our children’s choir, Kings’ Kids, at our church.
Since my daughter was one of the King’s Kids, she got to sing with Mwangaza Choir!
In preparation for their visit, each of the King’s Kids received a photo of their pen pal/prayer partner for whom to pray.
After Mwangaza Choir arrived in San Antonio, they met the King’s Kids during one of their rehearsals.
Each rehearsal for the combined King’s Kids and Mwangaza Choir was exciting!
Everyone involved had an incredibly rich experience getting to know Mwangaza Choir who truly showed the light of Christ.
We learned the value of everyday things taken for granted, that the Mwangaza Choir members had never before seen.
Mwangaza Choir had two performances at our church, both of which included the King’s Kids: they had the entire show the night before Easter. Then they led the morning worship the next day on Easter Sunday.
Since I helped with costumes, I got to help dress both of the children’s choirs. What an experience!
Those joyful, wiggly bodies with internal rhythms were difficult to capture long enough to stick the opening of the neck of a garment over their heads!
Touring the Country and Singing with Michael W. Smith
After touring San Antonio the Mwangaza Choir continued singing across the America.
They got to be on the Dove Awards and cut an album with Michael W. Smith!
Later in the summer when they returned to Wayside Chapel all the children from both choirs reunited with a swim party at the director’s house!
And now, when I need a pick me up while driving long distances in the car, or an energy boost to motivate me while cleaning house, I play the music from Mwangaza Choir!
