Refugees International Japan will hold its annual ceremony "Light Up the Life of a Refugee Child" at noon on Dec. 5. The ceremony transforms Tokyo Station's north hall, the Marunouchi exit, into a glittering, pulsating Christmas scene, with the illuminating of a giant decorated tree, sales of cards and crafts, and a young men's choir giving full voice to seasonal songs.
Director of the choir is Randolph Stenson, vocal music instructor at St. Mary's International School. He said, "It is the purpose of our school performing group to voice in unison with charitable work and help advance awareness of the world."
Stenson and his pianist wife, Rachel, devote themselves tirelessly to St. Mary's School, and to the strong musical programs they have built there and which they carry outside to capital buildings, cathedrals and performance centers as well as hallways and train stations. "Music should be a force in every child's life," they both believe. "Human existence requires us to bring beauty into the lives of our neighbors by sharing our gifts and talents. It is a responsibility of education to make a positive contribution to help those in need. Charity is a big thing for us."