25 January 2011
“Jesus heals broken lives... love transforms, forgiveness opens the flood gates of healing… these children have chosen a path of healing and have been transformed…" These were the words of Pastor Gary Skinner that thundered through the main sanctuary at Fig Tree Anglican Church, Wollongong after Watoto's Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More presented a life-impacting production, where hundreds of people could not help, but be blown away by the children.
That they recounted their heart rending, horrendous experiences yet danced and sung with so much joy and energy after their new found hope, was simply mind blowing.
Two days later, Watoto's Restore Tour:Child Soldier No More was in Newcastle, one of the world's leading coal-exporting ports. There, the team presented two events at the City Hall's beautiful auditorium to over 1,000 people - half of whom were non-church goers.
Thanks to the Salvation Army who co-ordinated the presentation and various media houses who offered the production of commercials and advertising space, the event was a huge success.
The Newcastle City Council topped it up by offering their magnificent auditorium for two days, free of charge. These offers were all valued at approximately 30,000 Australian Dollars! Thank you so much for your partnership.
After a breathtaking performance, particularly after the ‘Sing Sing’ song, a mark of celebration and new found hope, Watoto's Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More received the longest applause.
The team will be heading to Queensland at the end of January, spending most of February in Carindale, Mackenzie, Moggill Bellbowerie, Rothwell, Kallangur, Toowoomba and St. George.
