Uganda, Africa has often been referred to as the “pearl” of Africa. A nation rich in resources, but ravaged by war, poverty and an increasing HIV/AIDS epidemic, it teeters on the edge of humanitarian collapse. But amidst hardship, despair and suffering a voice of hope is rising up that is sweeping East Africa and the world.

August 2004 was an unforgettable time when Wayne, Ann & Jamie Hilsden visited the dynamic Kampala Pentecostal Church. It was there that their hearts were gripped and warmed by seeing first-hand, the amazing work of the Watoto Child Care ministries. With a fervent love for Israel, this incredible congregation gave the most phenomenal and sacrificial gift in their history, of over $50,000 USD to the construction of the Jerusalem Pavilion. A unique bond was forged with Kampala Pentecostal Church and a vision to see the Watoto Children’s Choir come to Israel was birthed.

In September 2007, King of Kings Ministries had the privilege of hosting this Choir for a two-week concert tour, where they were warmly received throughout Israel. On the shores of the Dead Sea, the choir opened the International Christian Embassy’s Feast of Tabernacles before a record crowd of over 6000, captivating the audience. Filling the Pavilion several times, as well as singing to thousands of Israelis through appearances at the Abu Ghosh music festival, the Beresheet Festival in the Galilee, the Akko Drama Festival, a concert at Beit Halochem (a home for wounded soldiers in Tel Aviv), and numerous other venues, the young voices of hope from the Watoto Children’s Choir rang across the nation bringing a message of restoration and a future.

Israelis were moved by the joy of these young children who have survived the effects of HIV/AIDS that have robbed them of family, home and security. Even the most stoic of concert-goers could be seen shedding a few tears as the children shared their stories and sang of the realities that their generation faces.

Welcomed warmly by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism (see the Reception Israel’s News Ambassadors – The Ugandan Watoto Children’s Choir), the children were a visible evidence of God’s ongoing redemption and intervention in today’s AIDS crisis. Even now the media is still talking about the captivating choir that celebrates the love and hope they have found in God. (see Jpost article Watoto woos Israeli audiences

Watoto Child Care Ministries is about rescuing a child, raising up leaders and restoring a nation. We are so thankful that we could play a small part in this mandate and look forward to partnering with Watoto in even more significant ways in the coming days. We invite you to be a part of this as well!