MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Everyone has heard of “Generation X”, “Generation Y”, but many have called the current generation the “Generation of Giving Back”. There are many young people in Loveland demonstrating that spirit. In particular, Trent Compton, a Senior at Loveland High School, joined a team of seven other members of Epiphany United Methodist Church to volunteer at the Children of Zion Village in Namibia last June. The orphanage is home to 58 children left without any living relatives to care for them due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
During Compton’s trip, he connected with several of the older Namibian teenagers through his musical talent. This connection through music has brought two very different worlds together. On May 9th, Compton and his mission team are hosting the 2nd Annual Children of Zion Jamfest: Music for Hope. This event will feature several contemporary bands including Eleventy Seven, Divine Day, and Never Setting Suns. The Children of Zion Jamfest is being held at The Underground and doors will open at 6:30 pm.
“This is an extraordinary show that is more than just another concert. The event will be an interactive experience with a message of hope” says Mike Vollette, General Manager of The Underground. “Everyone needs to take part in this great opportunity to see big name, national bands and give back at the same time.” Compton and his band will perform at the event and explain how giving a “little is much”. The show is open to all ages and will feature games, food, and many giveaways. The entire show will be streamed live over the Internet at www.theug.com.
“This is a unique opportunity to provide an evening of great music while spreading the word of hope from Cincinnati to Namibia” says Burt Huber, Epiphany Mission Team Leader. Last year’s event was the idea of Anna Eltringham, a sophomore at Loveland High School, and one of last year’s mission team members. The event has grown and developed a great following of youth and adults from the tri-state area. “Last year, we were able to raise $20,000 and began construction of a transition home for the older teenage orphans. This home will provide a soft landing for these young adults in Katima Mulilo” explains Huber. This year the team anticipates raising more money to complete the construction of the home.
If you would like to find out more, go to www.cozjamfest.com. The event is May 9th at The Underground from 6:30 to 11:00 PM. Admission is $7.00 in advance or at the door. Directions to the Underground
Children of Zion, Inc. (www.childrenofzionvillage.org) is a non-profit 501(c)3 Christian ministry assisting and promoting the evangelistic work of encouraging churches and organizations in North America to establish Children’s Homes throughout the world to provide care for children orphaned by war, poverty, neglect, and the international AIDS Pandemic.
These children have been born into a life situation beyond their control. The Children of Zion Village is called to care for the widows and orphans in Namibia, Africa. They provide hope and change many children’s lives. The village was founded in 2003 by Mount Zion United Methodist Church located in Maryland. Epiphany has partnered with Children of Zion Village to continue this life saving work.
