Friends in the West International, sponsors of East Africa's African Outreach Academy, have a new CD by the African Children's Choir, and a new Christmas musical (which we are encouraged to perform in our communities to raise money for African children), The First African Christmas, songs from which are the first 8 tunes: the reggae-flavored 'Message for Africa,' 'God's promise from long ago,' 'The Wise Men rap, ' 'The gifts,' 'Shepherd's carol,' 'Philip's song,' 'Gift for the King,' and the music from 'Gift for you to sing.' Following are 6 more Christmas tunes, the a cappella 'Betelehemu,' 'Go tell it on the mountain,' 'Have you any room for Jesus?', 'Bed of straw', 'Drummer boy' and 'Silent Night.' Most songs are accompanied. New energy and spirit for a timeless story from a talented Choir.