CCFred VBS

Early starts are getting easier. Roosters don’t seem as ridiculous as they did the first couple of nights. The wind seriously howls across the rooftop, where many of us are still sleeping. The four foot diameter windmill that spins at lots-o-revolutions per second about seven feet above our heads seems to be holding. We have considered the carnage potential if it were to eat itself as many of us are within the frag pattern. But, since your prayers have us covered, no worries! Now to more important matters. We met at 0700 for devotions. Pastor John led a short study of Colossians 3 and we prayed that God’s Word and His Love would go out to those we met “along the road”. John finished up Ezekiel thru chapter 24 and Jim took the baton which allowed John to survey the damage the rest of us did while unsupervised! The VBS team made it to the amphitheater in time to rehearse the parable of the day — The Prodigal Son. We decided it would be good to lead the effort off with some worship music as the kids began streaming in around 45 minutes after our advertised start time. We reviewed the lessons and messages from Days 1 and 2 and introduced the scene for the day. The skit was a lot of fun, especially where the Gentile Employer (Jim) sent our prodigal (Joel) into the “pig sty” to work. What a picture of destitution. Luckily for us all, he was able to “come to his senses,” repent, return, and have his relationship reestablished providing us all a valuable lesson of God’s Love. We loaded up the truck and bounced our way to the orphanage. We almost lost Margie out the back but she’s pretty wiley and hung on tight. Upon arrival, the kids came running out of the building to greet us. We retrieved the special needs kids (about 15) and set up for the Lost Sheep skit. Emily did a great job and JT made sure we had some maracas ready to go for all (40-50). As I was sitting on the steps during some singing, one of the little boys, about 3 or 4, poked and prodded my shirt pocket. I pulled out a clean tissue and handed it to him. He was fascinated, wrapped his maraca in it. Hmmm. Ilya set up some cones where he intended to run the Hope House version of a Sprint Cup race with wheel chairs. His adversaries (4 year olds) kept moving the cones but ultimately, Ilya prevailed and the one-on-one races commenced. The was a mixture of joy and maybe a hint of terror–depending on who was pushing/navigating the course. Really, the kids had a great time and although they could not communicate verbally, they could with their eyes and their smiles. It was good. Other orphanage events of interest: Kelly captivated and taught the kids how to love by picking up and cuddling a shy little puppy. The kids had been tormenting it but they really seemed to”get it” as Kelly modeled the love and care. Even Kosnoski was caught holding a Lille child. I think that child may have found a chink in his armor. We arrived back at the compound, had some dinner and went to the amphitheater where the Jesus movie was playing. I saw about 100 men, women, and children watching, even quoting the lines as they came up. Remember, this is an outdoor event running on fairly outdated technology. No complaints. Community. After the movie, several young teens asked if they “could help tomorrow” (with VBS). Oh yeah! You bet you can!

Starting to get into a routine. Everyone up early for devotions and an on-time start for our 0700 meeting. John finished teaching up thru Ezekiel 19 and Emily led the VBS lesson using the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Another small crowd that grew very quickly. Easily 150 and probably closer to 200 including adults and older teens. JT’s craft was a Big Hit with the kids. The Haitian’s are very musically inclined so the maracas were not only appropriate but were held onto tightly and used constantly during song and praise.  In the afternoon, we went to the orphanage. What an eye opener that was! The special-needs kids were heart breaking. I think most of us were trying to swallow the lumps in our throats and trying to move forward with our mission. Many of us went into the Hope House where the special needs kids were and helped to wheel them into the courtyard where they were positioned in a semi-circle to observe the Good Samaritan skit and lesson we had completed for VBS on Monday. Many other orphans were also on hand. Of course there is no difference between an orphan and a non-orphan. Can’t pick ’em out of a crowd or anything. They were just great kids who need a lot of loving. What an incredible experience to think through James’ statement about perfect religion and taking care of widows and orphans. Many just really wanted to be held and wanted extra crafts (hearts symbolizing God’s love). Some of our folks even put the special-needs kids on to a specially designed platform, strapped them in, and gave them a ride as on a swing-but in a reclined positioned. Hard to tell who was enjoying the moment more. After the orphanage we proceeded to the Tent City church for a service. The service was chock full of kids who welcomed us by climbing up on our laps to sit. All in all very well behaved. The worship was passionate. We knew some of the songs based on the music. The message was provided by Big Jim with translator where he was very well received and managed to bring the congregation a little deeper into the Word. It was night when we departed. We all climbed aboard the pickup truck and made our way back for a late dinner. All are still healthy and in good spirits. Mosquitos minimal. Wind is helping. Heat is tolerable. Much to see. Much growth. Much stretching of our comfort zones. The prayers are felt and there have been cases where things could have gone south but the Holy Spirit has intervened and the Gospel has been furthered. Praise be to The Lord, Jesus Christ. Jezi renmen ou!

Who needs an alarm clock?!?. We’ve got our first alarm (Lead Rooster) at about 0430. That alarm alerts the rest of the roosters outside our perimeter and there has to be at least 50. Each one sounds the same! But they seem to wake up between 0430 and 0600 so there is no excuse for tardiness! We hit the ground running. Devotions at about 0700 where Pastor John taught from 1 Peter 1. Pancakes at 0730. No syrup. Syrup is for the weak! Bible student training at 0830 and VBS practice and set up around 0845. Kids started showing up around 0930 and we kicked off shortly thereafter providing a skit of the Good Samaritan and linking it to our VBS theme of “God’s Love” and key verse Romans 5:8. JT provided a craft to help symbolize and solidify the lesson. The kids, teens, and adults enjoyed the skit and participated in the lesson, answering questions and generally having fun. Two locals including one of last year’s graduating Bible students and a missionary from Costa Mesa entertained the group with songs and games. The kids had lots of fun running and jumping in the newly minted concrete amphitheater. Only one casualty-bloody chin. He was repaired and back in working order in no time. After VBS we handed out a boatload of crocs and take-away bags-about 150. As orderly as we’d have liked it, chaos became the word of the hour. But throughout, we served and loved our neighbor. So many kids to hold and play with. Smiles and joy aplenty.  Not long after we wrapped up VBS Day 1, we were on our way to Tent City with dresses and more crocs. A long walk over the lose and rocky terrain. Much like our journey to the church on Sunday. Tent City was quite a scene. It really breaks ones heart to see how and where they live but at the same time lifts one up to see the joy they have and show to each other. Their love for each other especially family, is evident. The Tent City church, where we decided to pass out the dresses, is simply constructed, with a wood frame and a corrugated tin roof. The sides are also wooden to about five feet and chain linked to the roof to allow air to circulate. But the inside is filled with the Love that only Jesus can provide. So many kids with so few personal possessions. After a few words from Pastor John, the kids and parents/guardians/siblings filed to the table where dresses and other clothes were assembled and provided. They moved on to the shoe station where they were fitted and provided crocs-you would not believe what some of these kids had for shoes. Many looked liked they had been worn by about fourteen children prior. Half of their foot might be protruding. Still, nobody complained. It didn’t take long for the word to spread throughout Tent City and pretty soon the orderly file turned into, well how about “barely restrained anticipation”. When it was all said and done, much more was done than said. I think a few pictures tell the story quite well. Hopefully we can get them uploaded. Keep the heat (prayer) coming. This is definitely a “contact sport” and endurance is key. It’s nonstop baby!

Dresses that were made given to the girls in the tent city.