Refugee Highway Partnership

Multicultural Gospel choir - an oasis along the highway
Christian Intercultural Association in Norway

Imagine 20 persons in yellow T-shirts moving with the music, clapping, and dancing - singers who are black, white, tall, short – and some who are not in rhythm at all. But all of them are brothers and sisters in the Lord. And though sometimes musically weak, the choir brings a scent from heaven and thoughts of what is to come with the multitude – in the large choir in heaven. Something special happens when brothers and sisters from all over the globe worship together – and it is even more special when many of the singers are asylum-seekers and refugees.

KIA’s multicultural gospel choirs are places for asylum seekers, refugees, majority Norwegians, international students, and other immigrants to worship together to Latino, African and gospel rhythms.

Many bring songs from their home church, and many of the choir’s songs are written by KIA referring to the stories, needs and prayers of refugees coming to KIA’s different projects. The choirs sing of hope from God and of the comfort God can bring. The choirs are popular both in churches and in non-Christian gatherings. By singing in many different situations, the choirs bring hope from God to a wider audience than one visiting only churches in Norway.

The choirs give refugees along the highway a place to have Christian fellowship and worship. And they give an opportunity for Norwegians to make friends and prepare for the choir in heaven. These choirs also give refugees a chance to give out something – to make a difference and to use what they have. That is also a blessing since fleeing often means loosing a part of oneself on the way: being able to participate in a choir, even if for only a short period of time, can re-establish the ground beneath their feet. It can give friendship and fellowship, and bring hope from Him who knows us all no matter where we are coming from or going to.

For more info on these multicultural gospel choirs, help on planning, and inspirational seminars to get started, please feel free to send an email to Sigrun Lauvland at info@kianorge.no. Visit our website: www.kianorge.no or KIA (English)