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The Living Sacrifice Christian Ministry Choir of Spokane will be presenting a concert Oct. 21 at First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave.

The Neema Youth Choir is made up of children, refugees from countries in Africa, Sudan, Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, South Africa, and Tanzania. They range in age from 10 years to 17 years. Neema translate to “born in grace.”

All of these children came here with brothers and sisters, but only one child came with both parents; others came with mothers and aunts, the church said in a press release.

“Being in a new country with a different culture and language can be traumatizing, making for a difficult adjustment. Singing is therapeutic, a healing factor in their lives as they navigate the American culture,” the release states.

Most African style music is played using hand percussion instruments. Choir members are excited and eager to learn something new, so they gather once or twice a week to learn different instruments. A group goal is for each child to learn how to play all the instruments: drums, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard.

There has been a very positive response in Spokane to the children; the community loves their performances in The Spokane Folk Festival, Bloomsday events, and different churches on Sundays.

This Neema Youth Choir has been in existence since 2007, and officially as a choir since 2010. Similar choirs also exist in Fargo, N.D., and in Boise.

The congregation invites the community to join them for music, dance, and the joy of youth in our Sunday worship service.

Information: fpcsandpoint.org or 208-263-2047