Samantha’s journey in dance began at the age of six. Over the years, she explored various styles such as Jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. Samantha was confident she knew what dance was all about until she went to Uganda as part of a mission’s team from Expand.
Kacungwa Community Church
Entering the Kacungwa Community Church in Western Uganda proved to be a pivotal moment for Samantha, revealing an entirely different viewpoint on dance and worship. The humble church building in Kasolo, Uganda, constructed of brick walls, a cement floor, and a tin roof, housed a vibrant congregation.
Samantha recalls the many children wearing neon green school uniforms and the adults dressed in extravagant colors and patterns. However, what stood out the most was the exuberant joy that filled the room. “Church is a celebration day for them. Worship is so alive. They are on fire for Jesus!” Samantha vividly recalls.
When the team arrived at the Kacungwa Community Church, the service was already underway. The atmosphere was alive with singing, cheering, and dancing. She could hear people “hooting, hollering and saying, ‘Amen’.” Despite facing extreme poverty, the members of the church find solace and strength in their faith and see Sunday church as the highlight of their week.
A New Dimension of Dance
Witnessing the members freely and joyfully dancing with abandon, Samantha encountered an entirely new dimension of dance. It was a form of worship that resonated deeply: “They are dancing for Jesus,” she distinctly recalls thinking.
Samantha’s encounter in Uganda enriched her perspective on dance, revealing its capacity to be a reverent, joyful, and unreserved expression of faith. The experience with this vibrant form of worship has given Samantha a new dimension of dance, one rooted in celebration and devotion to Jesus.
Invaluable Lessons
Carrying the invaluable lessons from her time in Uganda into her first year at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Samantha’s life has been transformed. “This trip has changed my heart. I look at life differently, I appreciate church, and I pray for more people,” Samantha shared.
Her determination to “dance for Jesus” echoes a newfound commitment to celebrate God in all aspects of her life, be it in Uganda or at her college.
