by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — Love truly knows no bounds. It crosses class, age, language, and race. That truth was on full display Wednesday night, February 18th, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, as the African Children’s Choir lifted their voices in praise alongside the South Mississippians who opened their homes, hearts, and arms to them.
Leading up to the concert, host families welcomed the children and their chaperones into their homes, coordinating meals, transportation, and cultural exchanges. “I think I might relocate to South Mississippi,” tour leader Daniel Tamale giggled, “I counted 200 hugs.” Bright fabrics swirled beneath the sanctuary lights. Small feet stomped, skipped, and glided in joyful precision. Through their ministry with Music for Life, the choir reminded the audience that music carries more than melody. It carries testimony. It carries a connection. It carries hope. Songs moved fluidly between native African languages and English, beautifully blending cultures. Traditional praise rhythms gave way to familiar hymns like “Amazing Grace,” and the night ended with an exuberant, clap-along rendition of “This Little Light of Mine,” bringing the entire audience to their feet, clapping and even dancing.
That connection reflects the heart of the mission behind the choir, something Daniel explained during an interview: “The mission of music for life together with the African children’s choir is to help Africa’s most vulnerable children today so that they can help Africa tomorrow. The African
children’s choir is one of five programs of Music for Life, Music for Life being the charity organization and the choir being a program. Now how does Music for Life help fulfill this mission? It’s through the African students choir and different programs. The choir is a group of children that come to the US to Canada and different parts of the world to share the awareness of the need for the African children to get an education, and so when the children come on tour, they get sponsors and they get supported through education up to college.” The choir’s journey to the Mississippi Coast, Daniel shared, is guided by a mix of planning and providence. “We have a whole team that looks through different areas,” he said. “But it’s mostly through referrals and random calls. We reach out to churches, share the vision and mission of the choir, and see if they’re interested in hosting.”
For Daniel, the work is deeply personal. “I was in the choir myself, so deciding to come back as a chaperone was a decision I made without hesitation. One, because I knew how much I had been impacted and helped through the program. So it’s really a fulfilling feeling for me to just go ahead and walk with the young ones to show them that they’ve got the potential to be who they want to be, but also to achieve the dreams that they have in their heart. So it’s such a fulfilling opportunity, and at the same time it’s humbling.”
Daniel’s own brother and sisters now travel with the choir as well, continuing the legacy. Surrounding them is a network of volunteers, hosts, and coordinators, all deeply invested in the mission.
Between songs, former choir members’ testimonies were shared, from growing up in small homes, stretching limited means, to earning bachelor’s degrees and reshaping not only their lives but also their communities. As the children introduced themselves one by one. Names were followed by dreams: doctors. teachers. pastors. farmers. singers. Cardiologists. These children are sure to change the world.
No tickets were required for the evening. Instead, the audience was invited to participate through love offerings and sponsorship opportunities.
For those moved by the night and looking to continue the connection, there are several meaningful ways to give or get involved through the choir’s work:
Sponsor a child formally — a long-term relationship that helps a child complete school and often gives letters, updates, and a personal bond. Sponsorship support typically begins at around $35 per month and covers school fees, meals, and educational encouragement. Give a one-time donation — all gifts made through the African Children’s Choir’s official website
go toward education, discipleship, nutrition, and the well-being of vulnerable children across Africa, and are tax-deductible where allowed by law.
Adopt an outreach location — support mentorship and discipleship efforts in slums and vulnerable communities with an annual partnership.
Volunteer or host — opportunities exist for local community members to welcome future touring groups, help coordinate events, or support logistical needs.
You can explore all of these options and learn more at africanchildrenschoir.com. When the final song faded, no one rushed for the doors. Conversations lingered. Smiles stayed. Hugs multiplied.
By the end of the night, it was clear that the African Children’s Choir didn’t just visit the Church of the Good Shepherd; they wove themselves into it. Judging by Daniel’s count, they left wrapped in 200 hugs tenfold.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
