Yesterday was the seventh annual benefit concert for Heifer International, presented by the children of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Seven years ago it was the dream of youngster Mitchell Gorman to have our children use their talents to raise money for this worthy organization. Heifer aims to end hunger and poverty through the gift of livestock and training. Families agree to pass on the offspring of the animals to other families in need, thereby creating sustainability and a network of hope and peace. It is the yearly goal for the concert to raise $5,000 to purchase an entire ark of animals — 100 families contributing $1/day for each day of Lent = $40 per family would bring us close to our goal.

The concert opened with a welcome by Carl Crosier and a special ‘thank you’ to Teresa McCreary and Anna Womack who organized the F.R.O.G.S. (Families Revering Our God in Song) and are in charge of the Sunday School music this year. Pastor Jeff Lilley read humorous prose written by Pastor Fritz Fritschel (who was away) about Noah’s Ark and musical notes!

Not only is it nice to see the children grow taller each year, but also to see their skills develop as well. I’m especially amazed at the high level of musical performance and variety of talent our children exhibit.

The performances ranged from piano, violin, cello, flute, organ, Shakespeare, hula, jazz dance and musical theatre.  It was a completely delightful afternoon and all for a good cause.

We give a lot of concerts at LCH, but this is one of the best all year! I was thinking of that term “sustainability” and wondered if we could apply it also to our music program. With these gifted children and the commitment of their parents, it is entirely possible.