Since Camp, Now What ...
Since Camp my schedule has changed a bit. Before all the restrictions were in place with the virus I had the opportunity to be more involved with the mission trip teams that came down. When teams come down (during the school year) one of the areas they get to be involved in is one on one tutoring in the school. I had the opportunity to assist during this time of tutoring which allowed me more time to get to know the kids God has blessed us with, as well as to help and get to know those in the ministry team who are partnering with us.
Shortly after that time restrictions started to begin and it was announced that schools would be cancelled for three weeks. As the majority of our kids do not have internet access, our team worked hard to put together 3 weeks worth of (paper) homework packets for our 400+ kids. Bus drivers delivered the boxes to a central contact in each village so that students could continue practice and reviewing what they have been learning.
We have about 20 missionary kids who fall in the preschool to 6th grade age range. We wanted to take some of this time to invest in them, so we have been doing a special program with classes our kids wouldn't normally have the opportunity to take. I have had the opportunity to help with our preschool program, check it out below!
We have also been taking this time to continue to study the language. Some of our fluent Spanish speaking missionaries are teaching those of us (kids and adults) still learning the language. I am so thankful for this opportunity to further sharpen the tool of language and hoping this time can allow those of us continuing to learn to better communicate with and disciple our kids when they return.
Our director is also teaching through the book of Ezekiel to the older MK'S (missionary kids) and missionaries. Another blessing about this unusually time is the gift to plan ahead for the ministry to come. I am thankful for the time I have had to organize things at camp and begin to plan for our next camps. Construction continues as well, many of the guy missionaries and some of our older missionary kids work daily.
To the best of our ability we are staying on campus other then to go out for groceries. My roommate and I went out with a few other missionaries to get food and household supplies. Stores here are requiring each person to wear gloves and a mask before entering.
Another cool opportunity our ministry has had during this time is to display Christ to those around us who are hurting. Just as many of you in the states are not able to work at this time, the same is true of here. There are many here that do not have savings to fall back on and with no income find themselves struggling to meet some basic needs. When things were first starting to take a turn Freedom decided to stock up on beans and rice with the hope of helping our community during this time as the need arised. Our director has partnered with the mayor to discover those currently in need and we have been able to give out over 700 pounds of rice and beans to those in need in our area. Our goal is to take this opportunity to point them to Christ and be the hands and feet of Christ.
We recently received news that curfews and school closures are being extended. We of course miss our kids, teachers, and staff. We wish we could be with them and that they could return, but we are trusting that our God is sovereign. We trust His plan during this time and have peace. We are seeking to be good stewards of this unique time and use it to bring Him glory!
One thing that hasn't changed in these uncertain times is that
OUR GOD IS AMAZING.
OUR GOD IS WITH US.
OUR GOD SENT HIS ONLY SON TO THIS EARTH TO PAY THE PENALTY FOR OUR SINS (WHICH IS DEATH)
OUR SAVIOR DEFEATED DEATH RISING AGAIN
For those of you who have a relationship with this God remember EVEN THOUGH THESE TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN HIS TRUTHS ARE ALWAYS CERTAIN!
Our sins are forgiven and we are pure - 1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The Lord is near - Psalm 145:18 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
You have the potential to bear much fruit - John 15:5 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
He will guide your path - Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The peace of God will guard your heart and mind - Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
For those of you who don't have a relationship with Him, I would love to tell you about the hope I have in Him ... and the hope you also can have!
Please pray for
Our kids, teachers and staff
Wisdom for those in leadership at Freedom
Flexibility and peace with changes in schedule and ministry
Wisdom and direction in planning for our next camp season
Perseverance and further understanding of the language
I appreciate your partnership! Let me know if there is a way I can be praying for you specifically!
Happy Easter! Our Lord Is Risen!