Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
-James 1:27
Last night at church we were joined by the Suubi Children's Choir from the Royal School and Orphanage in Kamapala, Uganda, East Africa. They are traveling in America during the months of June, July and August, singing and dancing around the southeast to raise money to build a new school and orphanage.
Uganda is a nation whose people are in overwhelming need, living in a staggering world of AIDS and Malaria. Uganda has been left with over one million orphans to raise. In their own words, "The Royal School and Orphanage helps to encourage, educate, renew, and disciple these people to live transformed lives in Jesus Christ, and to raise Christian leaders who reflect the love of Jesus that gives hope in overwhelming need."
God has been opening my eyes to the connection between worship and justice lately. Mark Labberton's book The Dangerous Act of Worship has been instrumental in that personal epiphany. I'll probably do a complete review of it here once I finish it, but between that book and hearing a choir of orphan children sing the following lyric, God definitely has my attention.
I have a Father He calls me His own
He'll never leave me, no matter where I roam.
He knows my name. He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.
To quote Labberton, "worship is meant to be the tangible embodiment of God's hope in the world." I heard through the voices of children last night a cry for hope. Here's praying that the Church can live up to its high call to provide it.
Give the kids a listen ... and then book them.
If you have any questions or are interested in booking Suubi Choir in concert, please call 770-228-8075 or email them at suubi@suubi.info.
