JARVIS—On Thursday, April 11, 2024 the Watoto Children’s Choir performed two concerts at Jarvis Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church. The choir began with Gary and Marilyn Skinner (Canadian missionaries and founders of Watoto Child Care Ministries), who felt the need to make a difference in the face of immense global challenges through both spiritual guidance and practical support for housing, education, and healthcare for orphaned children and disadvantaged women. The choir spreads messages of hope and awareness for their programs, while also providing valuable cultural exchange experiences. Watoto has cared for almost 5,000 orphaned and vulnerable children, with over 3,000 currently receiving care. The children do at least two hours of schooling each day while they travel to set them up for success back home in Uganda. Jarvis organizers Amanada Vandermolen and Heather Wielink shared that Jarvis hosts cooked meals for, spent time with, and housed the choir members. “It is such a memorable experience to meet all the choir members, welcome them into our community, and host them. They are incredibly kind and appreciative. Their stories are moving and inspiring,” Vandermolen said. “The time spent with them is rewarding and leaves a lasting impression. It is clear that God is working in their lives.” For more information about Watoto, visit watoto.com. —Haldimand Press photo by Rachel Vaarkamp.
