Watoto: A concert of hope

The Watoto Children’s Choir performed before a large and appreciative audience at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo last Wednesday (June 18).
It was a concert joyfully filled with a mixture of song, dance, and personal testimonies from the children of Watoto.
Rescued from the streets of Kampala, Uganda, these orphaned and abandoned children sang about the joy and hope they have found in the villages of Watoto.
The children once felt hopeless, afraid, and alone, but the audience could see on their faces, in their eyes, and in their dance that these young performers now have hope, now feel love, and now dream of a better future for themselves and their beautiful country—thanks to the Christian organization which they represent while on tour.
Their hope for the future is that people in Canada, and around the world, will join them in their cause of rescuing more and more children every year.
At the concert in Emo, $3,825 was raised to help Watoto with its various projects.
For more information or if you wish to help by making a donation or sponsoring a child, visit their website at www.watoto.com
• • •
More than 20 were on hand for the monthly meeting of the Men’s Breakfast group, which was held Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Emo Legion.
The guest speaker, Keith Eichel of Dryden, who spoke about the importance of knowing God as “Father.”
Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and some went back for seconds.
Next month’s speaker will be Troy Clink. The group meets on the third Saturday of every month, so don’t forget to circle the date on your calendar.
• • •
The David Thompson Brigade will be arriving in Emo tomorrow (June 26) at 3 p.m.
They are a group of canoeists who are recreating the famous voyage of Thompson from Alberta to Thunder Bay. Shortly after they arrive, there will be story-telling and activities for the children.
At 4 p.m., there will be some live music by “Highway 621” as well as a travelling historic display. Then at 5:30 p.m., there will the official opening ceremonies and welcoming of the brigade.
A dinner, hosted by the Rainy River District Women’s Institute, will follow at the Lions Park in Emo, which will cost $12 for adults and $6 for children under 10.
There also will be a Canada Day birthday cake and ice cream.
At 7 p.m., everyone is welcome to enjoy the “Fur Trade Frolics,” and other activities and events.
Then Rodney Brown of Thunder Bay will be presenting music at 8 p.m. from his CD, “The Big Lonely,” which is based on the history of the voyageurs as well as many other pieces.
The activities will conclude with “Canada Day fireworks” at dusk.
There also will be a breakfast for the voyageurs and interested community members at 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning before the group heads upstream to Fort Frances.
If you wish to obtain tickets for the dinner and breakfast, call Sheri at 486-3535 or 482-3991.
• • •
Don’t forget the celebration on July 1, when the Emo Spray Park committee is hosting a splash party at the Lions Park from 1-4 p.m. There will be ice cream, freezies, and pop for sale.
Come out and celebrate Canada’s birthday by slipping and sliding down the giant waterslide.
Funds raised will go to help pay for the construction of the spray park here in Emo.
• • •
Canada Day celebrations also will be taking place in Barwick on Tuesday. A fastball tournament, featuring eight teams, will begin at 9:30 a.m. while the parade gets started at the municipal office at noon sharp.
Those participating in the parade are asked to register at 11 a.m.
There will be cash prizes, draw prizes, a youth bike and helmet donated by Barwick Service, and something for younger children donated by Wayne and Kathy Nugent.
A canteen will be running all day, and kids’ games will take place after the parade.
For more information, contact George at 487-2253 (fastball), Kara at 487-1597 (kids’ parade), or Gary at 482-2428 (vehicle parade).
Help is also needed for the canteen. Call Florabell at 487-2220 if you can lend a hand.
Everyone is encouraged to come out for a day of fellowship and fun!
• • •
A few spaces are still available for the United Church of Canada’s summer camp, entitled “Walking in God’s Way,” which will be held July 7-11 at Sunny Cove.
Open to kids aged eight (or entering Grade 3 in September) to 14, the cost is $120 per child, up to a family maximum of $300.
The “Sunshine Fund” is available for part or all of the registration cost. For more information, call 482 2835.
If your child is interested in attending this camp, submit their registration form as soon as possible.
• • •
The Emo Ministerial Association’s annual church picnic took place Sunday at the Lions Park along the river. A large group from the local churches enjoyed the fine weather and the excellent food as they visited with friends from across the district.
The cooks did a great job serving up some excellent burgers and hotdogs.
Thanks to everyone who supplied the food and contributed to another successful picnic.