A Christmas Play that Helps Feed Children at Home and in the Congo

Pastor Zabusu from the Ubangi-Mongala region of the DR Congo will participate in the production, “Hope for Every Tribe, Every Tongue, Every Nation.” He is a pastor with the Congo Covenant Church.

The performances will combine traditional Christmas carols, African carols, and drumlines, as well as contemporary versions of Christmas carols.

“The play is our version of Hope Sunday,” said Lisa Eastman, director of worship. Hope Sundays highlight Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision.

“Our focus through the season of Advent is ‘Let the Children Come to Me,’ ” said Eastman. In addition to helping the children of Congo, the performances also will highlight the needs of homeless students in the neighborhood.

Church leaders were surprised to hear that there were 26 homeless students who attend the local middle school.

After learning of the great need, Pastor Mary Hendrickson put out a call for food for the long Thanksgiving weekend. “More than 100 bags of food showed up before noon the next day,” Eastman said. “We were able to take extra food to the food bank.”

The church will add to that contribution. The cost for entrance to the play is one item to donate to the Sumner Food Bank.

“The play about hope for Sumner and the Congo has been a delightful journey of watching God work in our church family,” Eastman said.

Just as the congregation responded to the needs for food, they also have provided Eastman with “delightful surprises.” “Twenty African costumes appeared in my office, and there is more fabric than I can count.” African drums line an entire wall in the office.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday. Doors will open a half hour before each show.

The church will culminate the week with Hope Sunday services at 9:15 and 11 a.m. Congregants will be given the opportunity to sponsor a child in the DR Congo as well as more ways to help homeless children in Sumner, Eastman said.