Ministry Recap - Friday

Friday was a full and rewarding day of ministry. We got an early start to our day - VERY early. We had to leave for our first devotional assembly at 6:15 IN THE MORNING! The kids were super though, and mustered up the energy to do an awesome job at the assembly. It was an assembly for students ages 6 - 17 which made it interesting to say the least, but we were able to put together a program that they could all enjoy and understand. We did step, "Shackles," "I Am Not Forgotten" with puppets, and "Sin Chair," and then I wrapped it up with a brief lesson and prayer time. The children responded SO WELL. And I was so proud of our students for stepping it up. I threw several of them on the spot, asking them to explain the songs, introduce the dance, or share a testimony (Leinad and Joey introduced different acts, and Lamont shared his testimony). I was honestly impressed not only by they way they accepted the challenge, but by how well they did! 

We then had to rush off to the basic school to do our VBS with them, and then back to the school for another assembly - busy, busy! At the second assembly, we had then entire school on their feet, dancing and singing along (even teachers!) We had a little bit of down time in the afternoon. Our sleeping area doubled as a boxing ring, as we  watched a very entertaining wrestling match between Marquis and Lamont, and slapboxing with Lamont vs. Bri. (rest assured - no one was injured :)

At 4PM, we went right back to work preparing for our evening outreach. We got together for a time of praise and worship with other people from Church on the Rock. Then we split up in groups (with construction guys doubling as body guards), and gave out cold bottles of water to people on the streets. This was a simple way of demonstrating God's love for them, and it also gave us the opportunity to talk and pray with many of them. Our students initially were a bit apprehensive at the thought of sharing their faith and praying with strangers. We prayed together, and helped dispel some of the fear, but that fear will never go away completely - if it did, we wouldn't need faith! It was amazing to watch the kids and leaders push through their fears and embrace the opportunity to bring love and hope to people in need. After giving out waters and talking with people, we did a program with dance, human videos, and testimonies, and then gave people the opportunity to accept Christ. Nearly a dozen people responded, and made a personal connection not only with our students but also with people with Church on the Rock who will be able to follow up with them (the beauty of partnering with a local ministry.).

At the end of a long day, we went back for family time and had local ice cream as a refreshing treat! It was such a jam-packed day that we didn't even remember what we did in the morning :) There are a few more days like that up ahead, and we're ready for them!

Love and gratitude,

Pastor Courtney and the team