Showing posts with label Payne Ave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Payne Ave. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2011
Payne Ave E Free Prayer Need
Dear friends,
We wanted to share a few tangible God-sitings we've had in the last few days and also ask you to pray with us for these situations. A few of our students were given a "divine appointment" the other day when God led them back to the church from their prayer walk on a different route. They encountered 5 children and 2 adults that essentially asked to hear the gospel.
That night, all 5 children and MORE came to the VBS program. It went fairly well the first night with them, and remained manageable. Last night, however, it was evident that some of these girls were out of control. One started to get violent...others couldn't follow any instructions...others were just doing whatever they could to be disrupting. As VBS leaders, it was miserable. But walking these kids home last night, we heard stories, saw their homes, and gained a little perspective. These children are living in places where the same bath water is used for all the children so the parents can save on the water bill. The beds are uncovered moldy mattresses with no pillows. Cigarette butts litter the rooms and explain the round scars the children have on their arms. It was depressing. In a moment, it clicked: "So that's why they're acting this way."
After dropping the kids off, we decided to pray as we walked. Shortly after praying, several of the kids rushed up behind us just to give us hugs and run back. It was as if God said, "I heard you. I'm using you and using them in your lives too."
We wanted to share a few tangible God-sitings we've had in the last few days and also ask you to pray with us for these situations. A few of our students were given a "divine appointment" the other day when God led them back to the church from their prayer walk on a different route. They encountered 5 children and 2 adults that essentially asked to hear the gospel.
That night, all 5 children and MORE came to the VBS program. It went fairly well the first night with them, and remained manageable. Last night, however, it was evident that some of these girls were out of control. One started to get violent...others couldn't follow any instructions...others were just doing whatever they could to be disrupting. As VBS leaders, it was miserable. But walking these kids home last night, we heard stories, saw their homes, and gained a little perspective. These children are living in places where the same bath water is used for all the children so the parents can save on the water bill. The beds are uncovered moldy mattresses with no pillows. Cigarette butts litter the rooms and explain the round scars the children have on their arms. It was depressing. In a moment, it clicked: "So that's why they're acting this way."
After dropping the kids off, we decided to pray as we walked. Shortly after praying, several of the kids rushed up behind us just to give us hugs and run back. It was as if God said, "I heard you. I'm using you and using them in your lives too."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Payne Ave E Free 7/20 Updates
Enjoy some photos!! :)
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| Creating the Bible verse obstacle course. |
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| The kitchen ladies! We've had DELICIOUS food this week. |
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| Prayer walking and handing out flyers. |
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| Making name tags! |
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| Registering the kids. |
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| Craft time! |
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| Let's play games! |
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| Snacks :) Everybody loves food! |
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| We needed to feel cool. |
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| Prepping for craft time. |
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| We're all winners! |
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| The Tech Guy :) |
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| Don't forget all the games of Ninja! :) |
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Payne Ave E Free 7/19 Update
We've been experiencing technical difficulties with the internet the last few days and aren't able to post pictures tonight, but hopefully tomorrow we'll have some great things to show you!
The last two days have been great ones for the Payne Ave team (Northfield, Boone, and Hot Springs groups). We have bonded SO well as a team and have had growth, depth and encouragement in our conversations. Our students have gone above and beyond the requirements and have sought out ways they can serve not only the VBS kids, but also each other. We are so impressed.
Prayer walking yesterday and today, many students interacted with Atheist individuals, Muslim families, Christians excited for the programs, etc. The responses vary tremendously! But God has been faithful to bring those kids (and parents!) that He wants to come. While the children participate in the VBS, the parents are invited to stay for a Bible study, and many have!
We praise God today for the weather. It was much cooler outside for our game time and the kids were responding fabulously. We're thankful for Pastor Larry and the other church members who do so much to make sure we are prepared as we need to be. They've invested so much in us and we come away each day with renewed energy and spirits. We also praise God for the BUMP staff that have facilitated air conditioning for us to sleep with! THANK YOU!!
SO...that's all for now, but look forward to pictures tomorrow!
The last two days have been great ones for the Payne Ave team (Northfield, Boone, and Hot Springs groups). We have bonded SO well as a team and have had growth, depth and encouragement in our conversations. Our students have gone above and beyond the requirements and have sought out ways they can serve not only the VBS kids, but also each other. We are so impressed.
Prayer walking yesterday and today, many students interacted with Atheist individuals, Muslim families, Christians excited for the programs, etc. The responses vary tremendously! But God has been faithful to bring those kids (and parents!) that He wants to come. While the children participate in the VBS, the parents are invited to stay for a Bible study, and many have!
We praise God today for the weather. It was much cooler outside for our game time and the kids were responding fabulously. We're thankful for Pastor Larry and the other church members who do so much to make sure we are prepared as we need to be. They've invested so much in us and we come away each day with renewed energy and spirits. We also praise God for the BUMP staff that have facilitated air conditioning for us to sleep with! THANK YOU!!
SO...that's all for now, but look forward to pictures tomorrow!
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