26 April 2011
As we count down to the big launch party for Watoto Church Cape Town on 1 May 2011 - only 4 days to go, Watoto Children's Choir is already impacting lives in South Africa. Here's a heart-warning testimony from a Watoto partner.
"Two weeks ago, my very dear friend's husband, Hein passed away from a tragic heart attack. He was 44 years old. Bev, his widow and I have been friends since we met at Rhema Bible College back in 1986. We were married within a year from each other and were pregnant at the same time. Our girls are five months apart and are the best of friends. Nine years later, Bev and Hein had a second daughter, Olivia. I always describe her as the sort of child who came out of the womb asking "why" "when" and "what for". A very forthright but delightful child! We visit them whenever we are in South Africa and they are our other 'family'. I have also told them a lot about Watoto.
The night Hein passed on, the Watoto Children's Choir was performing at their local church in Hermanus, Western Cape. The whole family was due to attend. Hein had come home from work complaining of chest pains and Bev took him straight to the local hospital. In the meantime friends collected Olivia and took her to see the choir. Hein went in to A & E and never came out. When Bev broke the news to Olivia she cried for a while and then said to her mom: "Don't worry mom, God has prepared me by letting me hear the children from Watoto. They have no fathers and have made God their Father so I am going to do the same..."
That night when Bev and her girls were comforting each other, Olivia got her Bible and read Psalm 27 to them. She had heard excerpts earlier that evening from the children on the choir. I'm confident that the beautiful Watoto Children's Choir will now forever be engraved in Olivia's and her family's heart. I know that the choir touches lives in many ways and I'm grateful to Gary and Marilyn Skinner for having such a wonderful vision."
On 1st May 2011, Watoto officially expands in Southern Africa with a mega party to celebrate the launch of Watoto Church Cape Town. Privileged with 27 years of God's favour, focusing on holistic ministry in Uganda, East Africa, Watoto Founders, Gary and Marilyn Skinner, will unveil the expansion of the Watoto model into Southern Africa at Sea Point, Cape Town. The renowned Watoto Children's Choir will present a 'Concert of Hope' at the event. The choir has been touring through various parts of South Africa since February 2011 as a precursor to the event.
Watoto Church Cape Town launch programme:
* Celebration Service (30 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town) - 10:00am
* Concert of Hope, featuring the Watoto Children's Choir - 2:00pm
