PulseJournal.com

Their angelic voices have been heard on "American Idol," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and in church sanctuaries worldwide. They are victims of war and poverty but are full of promise and hope.

They are the African Children's Choir and they will be arriving in the Miami Valley next week to spread joy at two local churches.

On Friday, May 9, the African Children's Choir will perform a 7 p.m. concert at Southminister Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave. On Sunday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. they will lift their voices at Fairhaven Church, 637 E. Whipp Road.

"This is the third time we've hosted them at our church," said Southminister deacon Eileen Baker. "Despite the hardships they've faced, they are the happiest children I've ever seen. They wear these colorful outfits and sing their hearts out."

Andrew Nicholl, associate pastor at Fairhaven, said it's no coincidence their concert falls on Mother's Day.

"We had two dates to choose from, but when we realized May 11 was Mother's Day we figured it would be a great gift to the moms," Nicholl said.

Both performances are free, but a freewill offering will be taken at each stop.

"The church pays a contract fee but that's for travel expenses," Nicholl said "As for the love offering taken during the service, that money goes to the children and their schools back in Africa."

For information, call (937) 433-1810.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or

kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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