Christmas Day Service on the north highland coast in Scotland

A journey to the farthest reaches of Scotland, became the backdrop for a profoundly divine encounter with a young lady named Dorah and her mother, Bronwen Jones.

We had travelled there to sing at a local church that had invited members of the EAGA Choir to minister during their Christmas Day service. True to EAGA tradition, we lifted our voices in “Oh Happy Day.” In the serene, conservative Scottish setting, our joyful sound was met with surprising warmth, delight, and cheer. For our final piece, “Feliz Navidad,” the congregation, led by Reverend Janet, joined in with heartfelt harmony. When the service concluded, the church blessed us—and outside, one of our choir members Sister Tehillah Delpratt, struck up a conversation with Miss Jones and her daughter, Dorah.

It was there, on the church steps, that we first learned Dorah’s remarkable story. Bronwen is the founder of the UK registered Children of Fire charity. Once described as “the most badly burned girl in the world to survive” (Daily Record, 2024), she endured life altering burns at only seven months old in South Africa. Bronwen, moved by compassion, took her in and together they now make their home in Scotland.

Deeply touched by Bronwen’s heart for children affected by fire-related tragedies, she welcomed our choir into her home for tea and mince pies. One choir member reflected, “This is what Christmas is, spending time together and sharing our gift with the souls of men.”

As we sat in her cozy living room, a spontaneous chorus rose among us: the Zulu hymn “Avulekile Amasango” (“The gates of heaven are opened”). Bronwen and Dorah joined hands and danced with joy in the middle of their front room. Our hearts overflowed, and we poured every ounce of praise we had back to God.
Bronwen shared more about her journey with the Children of Fire charity, offering a simple yet profound truth:

“They may look different on the outside, but they are beautiful on the inside.”

It was a Christmas encounter we will never forget, one marked by compassion, courage, music, and the unmistakable presence of grace.

Extra reading and support 
Children of Fire https://www.childrenoffire.org/

British High Commissioner to South Africa holds an investiture ceremony - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/south-africa-high-commissioner-held-an-investiture-ceremony