Today began very early because we had to get to Camp Caanan as soon as possible. We were going to do the presentation for the day and then hang out with the kids. The plan – each member of the team would give a testimony, we would sing a couple songs, and do a skit. That is just what we did. We broke the team into 3 groups of 5, then we sang 2 songs and the first group gave their testimonies. We sang 2 more songs and the second group gave their testimonies, and then we did a drama and the third group spoke. They did a great job sharing the story of how they came to know Christ, and then encouraging the kids in their own pursuit of God. The drama was a presentation of how people respond to the message of the cross – and after that we sang Amazing Grace. Jose Luis (the camp director) told us that the things that were said were perfectly in line with the things he had been sharing with them all week. We also gave all of the kids “wordless book” bracelets, and I challenged them to use them to share Jesus with their friends.
After we shared, we had “snack time” together and they drank a milky white substance and had bread. Then we headed out to the soccer field to play soccer. There were 55 kids total, but only about 30 of them played soccer. We played our team against their team, and they won 5-4. We all had a great time. Oscar (a 16 year old kid on the other team) and I connected as we played together. He was an excellent soccer player, and was obviously respected by his teammates. After the game (we blew the cover off the ball), someone brought another ball out, and I played goalie as Oscar and some of the others tried to score. He could make the ball do some cool stuff.
Then we headed in for lunch. I had the privilege of sitting at Oscar’s table. We were able to communicate a little. Eventually I pulled out the laser that I purchased in Greece, and he asked me if he could buy it from me. I said I only had one, and he told me that I could buy another one tomorrow. I would have loved to give it to him, but I concluded that it might not be best for him at camp (might just get him in trouble). After lunch we took some photos, and headed off for our next adventure.
Filadelfia was our next stop. The first thing we did was meet with 6 children from this child care center that did not have sponsors. All 6 kids were spoken for by the end of the meeting. Three children were sponsored by individuals (families) on the team, two children were sponsored by a pair of individuals on the team, and 1 child will be sponsored by the team as a whole. Ruth was overwhelmed at the response – as I was. It was cool to watch. After that, we handed out bracelets to all 90 of the children in the school, and then answered questions from the kids. Then we played soccer and basketball with the kids. This missions thing is extremely physical work J. Seriously, I love playing with the kids, and encouraging them to work together as a team. By the way, it had been 20 years since a team had come to Filadelfia in the afternoon to spend time with the older children – 12 to 17. They were very excited to see us – many had been with AMG since they were in pre-school, so they had seen Gringos before, but not since they moved to “middle/high school”.
Our last stop for the day was dinner at a terrific place. They ordered 4 plates for all of us to pick off of. They brought the food out on little “barbecue” type trays – with the charcoal still burning under the food. On top – chicken, steak, pork and sausage links. It was enough food to feed an army. We had a great time of fellowship over dinner.
Back at the hotel, we had our evening wrap up. The team was very transparent about what they had seen and what they were feeling. They are learning much. God is working on their hearts, and I am getting excited about our final wrap up tomorrow evening. People were sharing and crying and praying and laughing. The team is really dreading leaving, but getting excited about returning next year. Only God knows what the future holds, but I am expecting great things out of this group in the future.
Time for bed – after 11 now, and we have an early start again tomorrow. We will be passing out the food tomorrow (I thought we were doing that today, but I was mistaken). Final paint jobs, clean up at Verbana, evening dinner with the whole crew, and then final wrap up – it is going to be a long but wonderful day tomorrow. I need my rest.
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