Today was the last day of English camp, with it ending at noon. It seems that the time has flown quickly by, but yet it has been so full that it seems we have been working in Juan Tomas for a LONG time! We started out with cornbread for breakfast -- a typical morning meal, then went on to a special chapel service. We did some fun stuff - our "little people" John & Noelle made one last appearance as they were preparing to leave camp. We sang fun songs, and then all the songs that we have learned through the week.
We moved on to the message, where David spoke on the verse of the day - and how our strength comes only from the Lord. He again talked about how to be saved and how to live a victorious Christian life. He was dressed in his martial arts uniform, and gave a vivid analogy of how we need to access the power of God to be able to achieve victory. He broke one board, then went on further with the message before breaking 3 boards together. The boys were especially impressed. We decided that David should have done that message the first night, and then the boys might have had a little more respect! It was well received and the point made.
After the preaching, we had testimony time from the campers, and it was sweet. Many said that the services were their favorite part! Some told specifically what they had learned and we could see obvious fruit. Several of our workers gave testimonies as well, of how God has used the week in their lives. It is hard to leave these kids and send them back to their home environments. We are praying that God will put a hedge about them as they go.
After the testimonies, we had a time of invitation, and a time of prayer by the team. God's spirit was moving. These kids are very, very concerned about what others think and did not move from their seats, but conviction was evident. During the closing prayer, one of the young boys broke down. He was under heavy conviction and was gloriously led to the Lord by Justin & Dario. How we were all rejoicing once again for the salvation of Yoan!! Many of the girls are so close, but did not make decisions. They are afraid of what others will think. Rebecca & Kristina (who is staying another 3 weeks) are going to try to do discipleship one on one with these girls if they can get them to come back.
After lunch, when the kids were getting ready to leave, John was able to share with one of the older boys. That boy, too, was prepared to make a decision. David had been working with him all week, and Aiden was at the point of readiness. He asked the Lord to forgive him of his sins and to save him, and John was in on the fruit-picking! We are so overwhelmed with what God has done here. Our biggest concern is for the follow-up of these new Christians, some of whom don't live near this church. They will be going back to their homes with no spiritual training, and the antagonism of the other village religions.
We had an evening service tonight, even though camp dismissed at noon. Many of the campers returned, including two of the boys that made the decisions. Please pray for Aiden, Miguel, and Yoan, that they will grow in the Lord through discipleship and through this local body of believers.
PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!
On a lighter note, Mason has discovered the local soda shop (A shed on the side of the road). He has gotten some real Pepsi and several Dominican sodas. Justin said he has "only" had five so far since they discovered it. I don't know how many Mason has had! In any case they were greatly relieved to find some real junk food in the village.
Tomorrow is a fun day for the team as we go to the mountains in central DR. They deserve it after a long, hard, hot, & exhausting week!
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