Children’s choir from Uganda performs in Norman

Norman –

A children’s choir from Uganda is bringing music, faith and personal stories of hope to CrossPointe Church in Norman as part of a nationwide tour.

The choir is part of Imani Milele, a nonprofit organization that supports more than 5,400 orphaned and vulnerable children across eight locations in Uganda.

According to organizer Sam Kiberu, many of the children have experienced significant hardships.

“Some have lost their parents, both parents or a single parent. Some of the children come from abusive homes and we had to rescue them from those types of situations,” Kiberu said.

The organization provides children with education, counseling and support while helping them rebuild their lives.

What does Imani Milele mean?

Imani Milele is Swahili for “faith everlasting” or “always believe.”

Organizers say that message is at the heart of the ministry.

“But we also introduce them to the person of Jesus Christ and there they get to experience the love that they have never experienced before,” Kiberu said.

Why is the choir touring the U.S.?

The choir travels throughout the United States to raise awareness about orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda while sharing their stories through music.

“The purpose of the choir is to raise awareness of the plight of Uganda’s orphaned and vulnerable children,” Kiberu said.

The group has been touring since March and will make nearly 100 stops before returning to Uganda in October.

CrossPointe Church welcomes the choir

CrossPointe Church Lead Pastor Chris Todd said the church was eager to host the group, especially because of its ongoing mission work in Uganda.

“They reached out to us as they travel across the country, and we’re blessed enough to be one of the stops on the way,” Todd said.

The church will also feature Ugandan coffee in its coffee shop during the event, and attendees can purchase handmade items from Uganda.

What to expect

Organizers say the evening is about more than music.

“This is more than a concert, it is a worship experience,” Kiberu said.

Todd said the performance offers visitors a chance to experience both the children’s faith and culture.

“Just a wonderful display of their culture and their faith,” Todd said.