By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Watoto Children’s Choir will perform at Clanton First United Methodist Church on April 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Helen E. Parrish Activity Center.

The choir is a group of 18 orphans from Uganda who travel to perform and share stories about the children of Africa. All performances are free and open to the public.

“It’s an amazing group of children,” event organizer Judy Riviere said. “They’re unbelievable.”

Riviere said the United Methodist Women at FUMC are excited to bring the choir in and show the church and the public a picture of life outside of the community.

The women’s group’s mission is to “do things that will help children come to know the Lord,” according to Riviere, who said the event is a great example of programs the UMW supports.

Watoto choirs have traveled the world since 1994 to share the story of what the Watoto ministry is doing in Africa. According to a press release, each child in the group has lost one or both of his or her parents. Watoto villages take in and care for the children in a “holistic childcare solution.”

“I am excited to be a part of Signs & Wonders,” Watoto choir member Esther Kahanagi, age 8, said in a press release. “I know that I am a wonder because I am chosen by God as His child.”

Watoto choirs have performed before presidents and royalty in the White House, Buckingham Palace, the United Nations and other national parliaments. The choir is also featured on Chris Tomlin’s album, “Hello, Love.”