Friday night we were at Loving God Evangel Ministries in Kansas City, MO. The Chosen had been there a little over a year ago and left quite an impression on the youth group. They were excited for them to come back and put together their own music and dance performance as a gift to the Chosen. It was followed by one of the most energetic performances I’ve ever seen from the Chosen. They fed off the warmth and enthusiasm from the audience, and felt right at home surrounded by so many people that truly care about and want to encourage them in what they are doing. When we got in the car, one of the kids exclaimed, “That was the best performance!” It is so great to see the relationships that are being built and the connections all across the country, as so many people open up their lives and hearts to the children of Uganda.

The Chosen completed a very successful series of performances in New York from January 12-15.

In three and a half days they appeared at three churches, a retirement home, and three elementary schools, performing to a total of 1,500 appreciative New Yorkers. Seven area newspapers covered The Chosen, with effusive praise. Two of the articles are on the websites poststar.com and saratogian.com, under a search for Uganda. The poststar.com site also has a brief video clip.

The audiences opened their hearts and their wallets to the impassioned pleas of the children and of Nancy Tushabe (some enthusiastic pastors also helped). A total of over $7,700 was donated from offerings, CD sales, and jewelry sales. Additionally, 25 new sponsors of Ugandan children signed up, and more are expected.

At the schools, children are mobilizing to provide further assistance. One school is raising funds to pay for an additional suitcase that a volunteer team will take to AOET in February, filled with dictionaries and other school supplies. Another group of children are planning to sponsor a child.

When not performing, The Chosen enjoyed playing in the snow, eating lots of ice cream, and interacting with the three host families.

Expectations were high prior to the arrival of The Chosen, and they were greatly exceeded.