Fundraising concert for deaf children in Kenya

The Children are the Future concert takes place on April 16 at St Mark’s Church, The Oval, in Kennington, London.

The wide ranging musical programme includes gospel, rap, hip hop, mime and sign dancing.

The line-up of recording artists includes Christians and members of the wider community. All are committed to performing entirely for the purpose of raising funds to protect vulnerable children.

The children who will benefit are students at Lambwe Christian School for the Deaf. Many are AIDS orphans from a background of extreme poverty. All have experienced rejection and are at risk.

This event has its origins in the meeting of two women – both fighting for vulnerable children while facing incredible hardships. Nelda Kroll lived in Kenya through perilous times, seeing her husband brutally killed during an uprising yet choosing to remain there with her children. When elderly, she spearheaded the provision of this safe haven for the children at Lambwe due to a promise made to a Kenyan friend on his death bed.

Then there is another remarkable woman of courage whose path was destined to cross with Nelda’s. British born Rhoda Agangan has suffered from sickle cell anaemia all her life, enduring strokes, infections and prolonged stays in hospital. Yet she explains that God has given her a vision to help children suffering throughout the world. Prior to a trip to Kenya four years ago, she asked the Kenyan High Commission about such children. They put her in touch with Nelda Kroll.

"I promised Nelda I would try to help the children at risk in Lambwe," Rhoda noted. "I said that, after my return, I would organise a fundraising concert."

Nelda replied, "I want to see that concert before I die."

Now in her mid-90s and living in Britain, Nelda’s last arduous journey to the remote area of Lambwe was just a few years ago.

Lambwe Christian School for the Deaf is a project supported by the umbrella charity Siloam Christian Ministries.

Their UK Director Richard Norton explains, "Safe drinking water remains an urgent need at Lambwe. With drought, this area now faces a dangerous shortage of water. £20,000 is needed to bring a reliable supply of safe water to the school.

"In addition to drinking water, this would allow a sanitation system and toilet facilities. So much that we take for granted would transform the lives of these vulnerable children."