Hundreds of people, filled with anticipation, gathered to fill the church pews at Trinity Reformed Church last Saturday.
They waited anxiously for the seventh annual Moja kwa Moja, or One by One, concert for impoverished children in Africa.
The event was presented by Friends of Compassion Canada and the Immanuel Christian High School Choir.
Compassion Canada is one of the world’s leading Christian child development ministries. Their goal is to alleviate the prominent causes of poverty for children around the world.
Currently they are active in 26 countries from India to Nicaragua.
The event began with Lean on Me, a strong piece from the Southern Accord Chorus, led by Betty Baldwin.
After the Chorus sang a few more songs suited to the evening, it was time for the Immanuel Christian High School Choir to take the stage.
The choir, led by Elise Eelhart and accompanied by Monica Moedt, is very close to the Moja concerts.
“I am so proud of you guys,” expressed John Voort of Compassion Canada. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that we are partnering together now.”
Together with Immanuel Christian High School, Compassion Canada is raising awareness and funds for Kenya’s Child Survival Program through promotion of a song.
The song, entitled Coming Home, was performed by the choir Saturday night with special soloist Hanna Forester. The song received a standing ovation once finished.
The song was released March 6 on iTunes. Every time someone downloads Coming Home, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go towards Compassion Canada and the Mombasa, Kenya Child Survival Program.
Citizens of Lethbridge are also encouraged to support the Child Survival Program by requesting the song at local radio stations, Rock 106 and the River 107.
“The Child Survival Program is the main focus of Compassion Canada right now,” says Voort.
“We meet with new mothers and babies and provide support for them during the first three years of life.
“After the child reaches the age of three they are transferred to the sponsorship program until after graduation.”
Voort says that Compassion’s main goal is child sponsorship, with 1.3 million children sponsored in 26 countries.
This is the fifth year in a row that Compassion has supported the Child Survival Program as their main goal.
“This program works,” says Voort. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
Aside from the Moja concerts, Compassion also carries Gifts of Compassion, a buyers guide to gifts beneficial to those suffering from poverty for a lifetime.
Choices range from small business starter kits to sending kids to camp or even preparing a student for university.
Together with the Immanuel Christian High School Choir, Compassion Canada was able to raise almost $8,000 Saturday night.
“We are paid up for another year for the Child Survival Program in Kenya, helping nearly 100 new moms and babies,” says Voort.