Lots of involvement during our large group sessions with children and singing, dramas and puppets. Had a light breeze blowing through the camp and a little cooler day - very pleasant.
August 1st means children leaving and arriving. We've had many people on the grounds not part of our activities. Causes some sense of chaos but the group leaders are still reporting great sessions.
Kids have warmed to us and are now snuggling and hopping on laps. Tender moments everywhere.
The Russian translation of the JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE arrived and one of our van drivers whose 1st language is Russian, read the story of Abraham and God's request that he sacrifice Isaac. That story is so well written and so powerful - in the JSBB and the Bible.
Three international students arrived today - 2 from China and 1 from Poland. They are with the same program that
Gloria was in whom we met last year. John and I had some time this afternoon to visit with the Chinese gals. They had known of Gloria and contacted her before their arrival here. The door opened to share some of her story and some of the details about our purpose for being here. It was definitely a "God" ordained conversation. They will join us tomorrow for our sessions. Both gals have Believing friends with whom they've conversed but they say they are "on their way to belief and not quite there yet."
Photographed groups today so we can get photo copies for their albums by Friday. Have photos selected and on a thumb drive ready to go to a developer.
Definitely we are experiencing the power of prayer. We meet challenges each day not part of "our" plan but each thing is helping grow our faith.
Our son John, and his wife, plus 2 of their 4 children are on this trip with us. John is a Chick-fil-a Operator in Richmond, VA. When he committed to this trip and booked his ticket, he had no idea of what today and this week would mean for the Chick-fil-a franchises. He is able to connect with his store and all its stats moment by moment. He knows they had huge numbers today and were pushed to their limits. He sent an electronic note to each of their stations to encourage them though he was far away. Our lesson today was about Abraham and God's request that he sacrifice his son. Abraham trusted God and God provided a ram for the sacrifice. In some ways, our son has made a significant sacrifice as well to be here and not with his people and his business. During our large group gazebo time tonight, our son shared personal stories and applications related to "trust and trustworthiness" as an employee and employer. His words were especially powerful for our team as we knew his choice to be part of this trip has required deep trust and faith.
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| John and his "Oldest boys" group... Meeting on a hillside... |
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| John being interviewed by his translator and van driver, Sergio |
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| Lots of distractions but seeds being planted... |
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| Using a couple of our helpers for a real life example of employer/employee issues... |
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| These Moldovan young men have been around since 2005, have graduated from the Boarding School/Orphanage and are getting further education... |
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| "Who can be God's friends?" |
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| "None of us is perfect but each of us can be God's friend." |
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| Big Serg reads the Russian version of THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE... |
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| Will read another story tomorrow and again Friday... |
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| The little boys with their 14 year old leader, Phillip, and 14 year old translator, Mark... |
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| Middle aged girls with Amanda and Joanna, her helper... Mary translating... |
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| Little girls with Diane; Ana translating... |
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| Oldest girls with Lesley; Elena translating... |
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| Middle boys with John and Robert; Radu translating and Sergio (or Ion) helping... |
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| Rehearsing Choral reading of scripture with the big boys; song follows... |
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| Big Serg adds his guitar to our singing... |
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| This self taught young man is quite proficient... |
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| Free time game after lunch at the team house,, |
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| No age limit for the team.. |
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| Chillin' and chattin' |
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| Diane gets lots of lovin'... |
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| Cool crew... |
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| Sweet children... |
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| Oldest girls sing then do drama they devised... |
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Dear friends wearing "new" clothes...
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Having a great time. Thanks for prayers. God is sustaining us.
2 comments:
Thank-you, Father, for how you orchestrated this mission trip. You knew in advance, who you wanted to be included on this trip. Thank-you for speaking so personally to the Moldovan children & adults and so specifically to each member of The Team.
It was wonderful to hear of the tremendous support for Dan Cathy (President of Chick-fil-A) yesterday on 'Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day'. The ABC World News showed the long lines in Atlanta, which Fort Worth, Houston and Miami stores were also experiencing. One gal interviewed said, "I don't support the policy, but I support the food. Go Chick-fil-A!!"
I pray that you would continue to give John your PEACE about being away from his business at this time. May his employers be encouraged and sense your presence & strength each & every day.
I pray that these 2 Chinese gals would have open hearts to hear your voice speaking to them at the session. Use your Word to stir their hearts. I pray that they would receive your gift of forgiveness and eternal life in you. Thank-you for ALL those you are using to share of your love.
I talked with Aunt Rosemary yesterday. She was so interested in hearing of your mission trip. Know that she's now added to 'The Prayer Team'.
Persevering in prayer,
Love, Marge
Greeat post thanks
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