January 24, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
The Sozo Children’s Choir brings its vibrant and joyful voices to Smithville First Baptist Church on February 6. Twenty-two Ugandan children and six adults will sing traditional African songs, children’s church songs and the contemporary music from worship bands like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and Elevation Worship. The community is invited to the performance starting at 6:30 p.m. at Smithville F.B.C., 101 West Church Street.Seeing a need to rescue the children immediately from their suffering, abuse, and neglect, Sozo Children was formed in 2010.
“The Sozo Children are raised by born-again Christian Ugandans to become future leaders and carriers of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their country,” says Jon Brennan, Pastor of Spiritual Development and Sozo Choir Director. “Christ is our foundation, and education is a priority.”
Sozo now has 121 children. 81 live in four homes, and the others still live with their families while the ministry provides school fees and/or medical needs.
14-year-old Dennis Nabireeba, who has been with Sozo since its beginning, is one of the choir’s best singers, dancers, and performers. The 6th grader enjoys playing soccer and riding bikes.
“Dennis is all boy!” Brennan says. “He’s a trickster and you have to watch him,” he adds with a smile.
“He has a mother and father, but as is very common in Uganda, the father never married his mom, and he has rarely seen him. His mom is unable to care for him, and she placed him in a children’s home many years ago, which is where Sozo found him suffering and neglected without school fees or food. This children’s home was eventually closed by the government of Uganda.”
“Occasionally Dennis goes to visit his mother for “home visits” but there is not a strong relationship. We try to keep them connected to their families, but often the parents are not interested.”
The choir director says working with the ministry fills him with mixed emotions.
“Uganda, as much of Africa, is extremely heartbreaking because of poverty but extravagantly joyful. We, as Americans, have a lot to learn about the hospitality, immediate friendship and joy that Africans, particularly Ugandans, share with us. It is very rewarding. I get the blessing rather than them.”
Link to website performance: http://www.sozochildren.org/choir