Takoma Academy Ministers Through Music

Story by Shaun Robinson

A select group of singers were privileged to travel to Kenya this summer. As members of the school chorale and Camerata, they are very familiar with the witnessing power of Christian music.

Fifteen young people attended the Eljohns Music festival arranged by Mziki Tours. As part of the trip, they performed at the Love For All orphanage in Nakuru, Kenya that houses and feeds more than 100 children. They also sang at several local churches, a secondary boarding school and the Nakuru Central Pastor’s Fellowship.

These talented young students spent days, tirelessly preparing for joint performances with local high students from the Njoro Precious Academy and singers from the orphanage as part of the festival’s mass choir. The performances included both song and traditional African dance, and the networking opportunity and cultural exchange were amazing.

“The most meaningful part for me was meeting students from different schools and organizations,” says Aimee Mtolela (’27). “As a fellow Swahili-speaking East African, it was fun to get to know them and feel a part of such a wonderful community.”

Myles Guity (’29) reflected on the trip by saying, “It’s amazing to see how music and dance can bring people together so fast. Making that connection was something I’ll never forget.”

Aside from the musical ministry, students enjoyed a trip to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, a visit to a Maasai village, and spent time at a safari at the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.

“This experience was a chance for me to grow spiritually with my friends and teachers,” Alina Thompson (’29) recalls. “It made me realize how God really blesses His people and not to take things for granted. ... I thank God for the individuals that made it possible.”

Lulu Mupfumbu, choir director, says, “What made this trip especially meaningful to me was our emphasis on ministry and mission. Experiences like these help us develop the whole student—musically excellent, culturally aware, spiritually grounded and committed to using their gifts to serve the Lord.”

Takoma Academy staff and students would like to thank the families, individual donors, churches and other organizations for the support and funding that made this trip possible!