Treat yourself to the sounds of Watoto

Watoto is no longer just an African word meaning “the children.” Today the word encompasses a global effort to care for orphans. The epicenter for the movement is Kampala, Uganda. The initial movers and shakers are Gary and Marilyn Skinner.

To spread the joyful news of caring for orphans in the sub-Sahara, The Watoto Children’s Choir was formed by Gary and Marilyn in 1974. To date they have sung just about everywhere including The White House.

Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m., the choir will be performing at our church, Outreach International Center (1091 S. Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville). You are invited to this free concert to see for yourselves what God is doing to care for his children who have been abandoned just about by everyone except by some compassionate Christians.

Watoto’s public persona, of course, is the choir. The reality, however, consists of three villages, each featuring homes for eight children and a mother, a school for each village, clean water supply, a clinic, and lots of room to run and play. And yes, three square meals a day. New homes and villages are continually under construction. As long as the choirs are on tour, the donations make it possible. I don’t think I have ever seen such integrity of fund raising as Watoto.

During a tour of one of the villages, Pastor Gary shared something with me that has never left its corner of my mind. He said it was very important in the design of each home that it provide a bathroom, i.e., indoor plumbing. He said the future leaders of Uganda should learn what was part of an appropriate and acceptable lifestyle. So, there you see in each home for eight children a genuine bathroom with potty just like yours, a sink, and a shower. And what do you think those children think of their digs?

The thing that so impresses me is that with all the whoopla and talk about caring for HIV and AIDS orphans, here is someone who is actually doing it. When our government announces a major program to help the people of another country, just think about how long it’s taking for aid to reach the residents of our own land, like New Orleans and the other Gulf Coast localities. Just think how many palms must be greased for some of the giant sums to reach the actual, final recipients. Just think and maybe you will be motivated to get involved with some ministry like Watoto.

Right now Watoto cares for more than 1,500 children. It’s an exciting time for them because some of the children are entering the university system and moving toward being the leaders of today.

Please join us Friday, Sept. 15, at our church and see for yourself the bright and hopeful face of Africa. To learn more about this tremendous ministry, go online at www.watoto.com