Heaven is Where You are Jesus.....

"Heaven is where you are Jesus, in the glory up above...I want to be there with you Jesus, coz heaven is where you are, for all eternity Jesus. Coz heaven is where you are...resting by your side, living in your light..."

Click here to listen to this uplifting song.

I couldn't agree more with the description on the mission's website:

The African drums resound and one by one the children come dancing down the aisles in their brilliant Ugandan costumes, with radiant smiles on their faces! Throughout Watoto's Concert of Hope, you experience the energy and sense the joy and hope that these beautiful Ugandan orphans have found!

Behind those innocent and radiant faces are sometimes harrowing experiences from losing either one or both parents to AIDS or the civil war. I was bawling while watching these kids perform yesterday. Infact, I wasn't really aware who they were or where they came from when I first saw them lining up on the church aisles. It was amazing however that while watching these confident, evidently well-taken care of kids standing where they were, my spirit picked up something that gave my heart a crushing sensation, squeezing the rain out of my eyes. Then I understood (what I picked up in the spirit) when they finally walked up on the stage and were introduced. This is one of the perks of being a born-again Christian, the Holy Spirit does not live outside of me. He is actually inside of me (yes, inspite of my heart needing a continuing major sanctification process - thank God for His grace!) and I could feel it when He Himself is moved by the plight of His children! My claims are not without basis mind you, read all of the New Testament for reference, if you believe the bible is the infallible Word of God that is...:).

Anyway, despite the unabashedly flowing tears, I thouroughly enjoyed the soulful blend of native African rhythms, contemporary gospel music and ethnic dance movements. I cultivated an appreciation for the African culture (my eyes were actually opened) after reading "God in the Midst of the Rwandan Genocide." I see a lot of similarities between them and our very own Filipino culture, especially strong filial love and commitment.

Later on after the church service, I made sure I bought an item from the souvenir table (I love the colourful necklace!) in support of this admirable missions organization (Watoto Chid Care Ministries) whose main purpose is to raise godly and well-balanced leaders of the future Uganda.