Camera... lights... slum... charity appeal casts Christmas story in Kenya

A NEW charity appeal launched this week re-casts Christmas in a Kenyan slum

Sami and the Ultimate Christmas Gift is a powerful short film that follows an 11-year-old orphan's search for a new-born king among the deprived community of Kibera - one of the largest slums in Africa. All he has to offer the child is a toy car made from thrown-away scraps.

In real life Sami, played by Dickens Omondi, is one of 400 desperately-poor children educated by Spurgeons Academy in Kibera where many children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

'We wanted to go beyond the stylised African charity appeal video and use children and staff at the school as actors,' explained Brett Pitchfork, Spurgeons.

Whilst Dickens was the star of the film, many other children were involved, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Some held boom mikes and light reflectors, other made props. The school choir sang and danced with typical African vibrancy in the final joyful scene.

The film helps people think afresh about why they give - and who to - at Christmas.

'We hope our resources will inspire people of all ages to go further and give in surprising, selfless ways to support vulnerable children who will never be able to return the favour,' continued Brett. 'There’s something special and rewarding to give in this way. Indeed, it’s the way God gives to us every day of our lives.'

In addition to Sami’s enchanting story on DVD, the free resource contains several different talk outlines, easily adapted for a Toy or Crib Service, school assembly or a Christmas Carol or Family Service.

To view and order the DVD and other resources, go to www.spurgeonschristmas.org or call 01933 417388.