Well, camp is over. The campers have gone back home to their tin roofed shacks and seemingly hopeless situations. Our desire is that they go home with new hope in the promises of God, and a knowledge of the power of faith in Christ. They heard the gospel clearly -- 11 times in chapel, 10 times in devotions, and also in English class, character class and music class, not to mention individual counseling times. We are praising the Lord for Arturo, and have challenged him to get into God's Word. He is going to be a great leader some day! The kids all have Bibles, and a shepherd here at Centro Biblica de Juan Tomas to help them. Please pray for the young people of Juan Tomas!
The message today was on the camp theme - to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind & soul. David read the context in Matthew about the Pharisees, and how they tried to work their way into heaven. He explained that even those who knew the law to the letter could not keep it completely, and neither can we. The path of salvation was made clear, as was the exhortation to Christians to be sanctified and to live differently from the world.
The team did a skit about a courtroom judge who had condemned several people to die for their crimes. Their situation was hopeless, with no way out. Then someone came along who was willing to take their sentences and die in their place. All accepted the pardon except for one, who was then led off to his execution. It was a good visual of Christ's atonement for our sins.
We have been told by many people how good this year's camp was, and what a difference we saw in the campers. The leaders here have passionately begged us to come back. They say we are different than all the American groups that we see - in dress, in music, and in interaction with the teens. I praise the Lord for years of teaching us how to follow His ways and how to be in the world (to serve), but not of the world. The blessing is OURS, not theirs! We are humbled to be privileged to serve the Lord in this way. Every young person who came on this trip was a stellar example of God's love and Christ's character. Praise be to God!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thou shalt not steal.....................
Our last full day of camp started with the chapel service by Mason on the command, "Thou shalt not steal". You will see the irony of that later in the post. His message was to the point about physically stealing something -- a way of life in the DR due to the extreme poverty. It is not okay to break in and steal something, but if something is left unattended, it is considered to be fair game and free for the taking. That is why everything has to be stored under lock and key. Mason also made the points about stealing in other ways -- stealing ideas, stealing reputations, and stealing from God (time, money, talents). The message closed by talking about the One who can fulfill our every need - and eliminate the desire to steal.
Our English classes focused on prepositions and body parts, and how to use those words in sentences. The kids were fantastic today, and well deserving of praise and reward. We saw marked changes in those counseled yesterday, and they all expressed their gratefulness that we cared enough to confront. It is so hard to send them back into the village tomorrow.........
Character class was presented by Lisa and Daniel, on the quality of gratefulness. If we are grateful to God and others for all the benefits we have received, we have no need to steal! The Dominican leaders have been helping in that class every day by telling the longer story in Spanish, and have done a great job.
This afternoon we skipped art & music and went to the local water park (2 pools with 4 slides). Ordinarily we shy away from swimming events, but having taught character all week and setting standards (and having no choice in the decision the director made!), we went ahead with it. All of the campers were very compliant in dress, the girls and guys were covered, and they had a fantastic time horsing around and expending that middle school Dominican energy!!
The park is maybe a mile and a half from the mission so we walked there -- in the POURING RAIN! No lightening, so the kids figured if they were going to get wet, they may as well start walking. We were all drenched to the skin when we arrived, including those of us who didn't want to swim!! The temperature dropped dramatically so we had some chilly swimmers for about 4 hours! We had to wait overtime for the 20 (yes TWENTY!) large pizzas to arrive (no delivery -- pickup about 20 miles away), so didn't eat until 7 pm. We knew we were racing nightfall at that point because the long days of summer are only until 7:30 pm and it is black dark very quickly.
The trip back proved to be an eye opening and frightening experience, but gave us a special insight into how these villagers live. The campers were all walking back through the muddy roads of Juan Tomas, in the pitch dark at this point. The camp director and mission maintenance person were following in their cars with headlights on the group. After rounding a curve, we heard shouts and saw a mob in the road. The campers were quickly rounded up and sent to a nearby yard, while the driver went to investigate (I was in his car, but my children were outside!). He found out that someone had robbed the little local store, and they had caught one of the three thieves. Since there is virtually no law enforcement, vigilante law was happening before our eyes. Our driver said they usually kill the thieves on the spot =:-O and that fights break out. Our leader determined that the best thing to do was to walk the campers as quickly as possible around the back of the mob with the toughest guys in front and back. It was disconcerting to say the least, especially since we passed several men with knives walking to and from the incident. Our students saw first hand why "thou shalt not steal"! We were VERY grateful to get back to the safety of the mission compound!
What a dramatic end to an exciting day!
Our English classes focused on prepositions and body parts, and how to use those words in sentences. The kids were fantastic today, and well deserving of praise and reward. We saw marked changes in those counseled yesterday, and they all expressed their gratefulness that we cared enough to confront. It is so hard to send them back into the village tomorrow.........
Character class was presented by Lisa and Daniel, on the quality of gratefulness. If we are grateful to God and others for all the benefits we have received, we have no need to steal! The Dominican leaders have been helping in that class every day by telling the longer story in Spanish, and have done a great job.
This afternoon we skipped art & music and went to the local water park (2 pools with 4 slides). Ordinarily we shy away from swimming events, but having taught character all week and setting standards (and having no choice in the decision the director made!), we went ahead with it. All of the campers were very compliant in dress, the girls and guys were covered, and they had a fantastic time horsing around and expending that middle school Dominican energy!!
The park is maybe a mile and a half from the mission so we walked there -- in the POURING RAIN! No lightening, so the kids figured if they were going to get wet, they may as well start walking. We were all drenched to the skin when we arrived, including those of us who didn't want to swim!! The temperature dropped dramatically so we had some chilly swimmers for about 4 hours! We had to wait overtime for the 20 (yes TWENTY!) large pizzas to arrive (no delivery -- pickup about 20 miles away), so didn't eat until 7 pm. We knew we were racing nightfall at that point because the long days of summer are only until 7:30 pm and it is black dark very quickly.
The trip back proved to be an eye opening and frightening experience, but gave us a special insight into how these villagers live. The campers were all walking back through the muddy roads of Juan Tomas, in the pitch dark at this point. The camp director and mission maintenance person were following in their cars with headlights on the group. After rounding a curve, we heard shouts and saw a mob in the road. The campers were quickly rounded up and sent to a nearby yard, while the driver went to investigate (I was in his car, but my children were outside!). He found out that someone had robbed the little local store, and they had caught one of the three thieves. Since there is virtually no law enforcement, vigilante law was happening before our eyes. Our driver said they usually kill the thieves on the spot =:-O and that fights break out. Our leader determined that the best thing to do was to walk the campers as quickly as possible around the back of the mob with the toughest guys in front and back. It was disconcerting to say the least, especially since we passed several men with knives walking to and from the incident. Our students saw first hand why "thou shalt not steal"! We were VERY grateful to get back to the safety of the mission compound!
What a dramatic end to an exciting day!
Anger and forgiveness...................
The messages for Thursday covered the commands, "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not bear false witness". Mason taught chapel in the morning, and did an outstanding job of clearly presenting Jesus' teaching on that command about murder. Of course, Jesus equates anger with murder. Mason presented the gospel once again, as he explained that the only genuine way of "anger management" is to have the indwelling Holy Spirit through salvation in Christ.
Our character focus for the day was forgiveness, and in-depth teaching about repentance if you are the offender, and forgiveness if you are the offended. This is new information for the campers, but was such a good reminder for all of us mature Christians. God used it to put us to the test in the evening, and gave us an opportunity to live out His Word and our teaching.
We have one camper who is a live wire, but who professed to be saved. He is an impulsive prankster, and most often acts without thinking. He had been given one last warning earlier in the afternoon, and was to be expelled for one more offense. That offense came in the form of spraying the other guys in the cabin with shaving cream, after getting into a leader's belongings and being told to put it away. He was taken to the ultimate authority (the missionary pastor), who sent him packing.
When we passed by on our way to dinner, he was just leaving the cabin with his belongings. He tearfully came up to me and asked if he could talk with Pablo (the pastor) -- and this is a very tough kid. After discerning that his repentance seemed real, we went to ask the pastor if he would listen to Yoan, and he agreed - as long as no one told him what to say, and he would speak of his own volition. We all agreed that the real proof of repentance would be confession and asking forgiveness of all the group, including leaders. This was all accomplished, and he truly had a new countenance when he came to the evening service. This is one of those kids that will truly be hard to leave, as he goes back to a very difficult family situation where there is no love. I told him that God has great plans for his life, and that I had a son just like him one time (David!!). Please pray that Yoan will grow spiritually through the school and church here.
The evening message by David about not bearing false witness also include much about the tongue, and how it can destroy relationships, families and communities. Once again, the gospel was presented as the only hope for controlling the untameable tongue. A longer invitation was given for the first time this week (having wanted to build the foundation). You could feel the presence of the Spirit, and he was working in lives. One of our prayers was answered as Arturo came to the Lord!! We are all so rejoicing over that! He also comes from a broken home, but lives at a higher standard of living than most of the villagers. His dad is a pilot, and Arturo is very intelligent and articulate (an advanced English student) and a true leader. God has great plans for this young man!
The older guys cabin (including Yoan & Arturo) had an extended time of prayer and sharing after the service. We excused them for having lights out late :-). We also have a situation with some of the older girls, and after a time of counsel are waiting to see if God can break through their hard shells. Please pray for them - God knows their names!
There is a difficult situation in the church that needs urgent prayer. There is a developing relationship between a short term American visitor and a church member. It is a hopeless dead end for both of them, and can only damage the reputations and the ministry. Please pray that God will intervene quickly.
We are bound heart and soul to this place, and it will be difficult to leave the unfinished work and the dire needs. Please pray for the village of Juan Tomas!
Our character focus for the day was forgiveness, and in-depth teaching about repentance if you are the offender, and forgiveness if you are the offended. This is new information for the campers, but was such a good reminder for all of us mature Christians. God used it to put us to the test in the evening, and gave us an opportunity to live out His Word and our teaching.
We have one camper who is a live wire, but who professed to be saved. He is an impulsive prankster, and most often acts without thinking. He had been given one last warning earlier in the afternoon, and was to be expelled for one more offense. That offense came in the form of spraying the other guys in the cabin with shaving cream, after getting into a leader's belongings and being told to put it away. He was taken to the ultimate authority (the missionary pastor), who sent him packing.
When we passed by on our way to dinner, he was just leaving the cabin with his belongings. He tearfully came up to me and asked if he could talk with Pablo (the pastor) -- and this is a very tough kid. After discerning that his repentance seemed real, we went to ask the pastor if he would listen to Yoan, and he agreed - as long as no one told him what to say, and he would speak of his own volition. We all agreed that the real proof of repentance would be confession and asking forgiveness of all the group, including leaders. This was all accomplished, and he truly had a new countenance when he came to the evening service. This is one of those kids that will truly be hard to leave, as he goes back to a very difficult family situation where there is no love. I told him that God has great plans for his life, and that I had a son just like him one time (David!!). Please pray that Yoan will grow spiritually through the school and church here.
The evening message by David about not bearing false witness also include much about the tongue, and how it can destroy relationships, families and communities. Once again, the gospel was presented as the only hope for controlling the untameable tongue. A longer invitation was given for the first time this week (having wanted to build the foundation). You could feel the presence of the Spirit, and he was working in lives. One of our prayers was answered as Arturo came to the Lord!! We are all so rejoicing over that! He also comes from a broken home, but lives at a higher standard of living than most of the villagers. His dad is a pilot, and Arturo is very intelligent and articulate (an advanced English student) and a true leader. God has great plans for this young man!
The older guys cabin (including Yoan & Arturo) had an extended time of prayer and sharing after the service. We excused them for having lights out late :-). We also have a situation with some of the older girls, and after a time of counsel are waiting to see if God can break through their hard shells. Please pray for them - God knows their names!
There is a difficult situation in the church that needs urgent prayer. There is a developing relationship between a short term American visitor and a church member. It is a hopeless dead end for both of them, and can only damage the reputations and the ministry. Please pray that God will intervene quickly.
We are bound heart and soul to this place, and it will be difficult to leave the unfinished work and the dire needs. Please pray for the village of Juan Tomas!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Honor thy father and mother...............
The teaching this week on God's commands has been well-received, and it seems for many to be a brand new idea, the first time they have ever heard these concepts! Yesterday's verses were to honor thy father and mother, and to not commit adultery. So many of these kids come from dysfunctional situations and it is hard for them to grasp the concept of honor and obedience to a parent who is either absent or ignorant. The abject poverty is a contributing factor, but the lack of God's Word in homes is what is so striking. There is a marked difference in the average villager and those that are faithful to the mission church, where they receive sound doctrine. The character quality was "obedience", and focused on heeding the instruction of God first of all, and of authorities.
The evening message, with a good Wednesday night crowd in addition to the campers, was about purity, expounding on Jesus' teaching on adultery, and the need for purity in heart, mind and body. This culture is very physical, so while they seem to understand the principle of purity of heart, they do not "connect the dots" of what steps they can take in a physical sense to guard their hearts, minds and bodies. The concept was clearly presented, and perhaps a few will take the challenge to be different and to be examples in this area.
We had a great day yesterday with all the other activities - English classes, musical fun & learning, painting T shirts, water relays and games. One interesting note is that the kids seem to LOVE the music -- and it is all from the Majesty Hymnal! Though they grew up with and are surrounded by the merengue and reggae (very loud African origin music), they seem to thrive on the melodious style, and actually can hear the words they are singing. We are repeating the songs over and over, so when they go home, they will be singing, "The greatest command of God is to love you Lord..." and "Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe". We are teaching them in Spanish of course, so that they fully grasp the message. The songs each day are reinforcing all the other things that they are learning.
We ate -- as usual -- rice, rice and more rice. I think we have had rice every day in various forms, mangu, yuca & beans. The protein for the day was 2 meatballs -- and that is generous! Most of the villagers have very little meat in their diets, and are blessed if they have beans or any source of nutrition beyond the carbohydrates. They are blessed to have abundant fruit - mango, banana, pineapple and others.
We are off to another day - and praising God for what He is doing. The Dominican leaders are seeing a difference in these campers, and our prayer is that through discipleship and further training, they will see new mature young leaders come out of this camp who have a heart for God.
The evening message, with a good Wednesday night crowd in addition to the campers, was about purity, expounding on Jesus' teaching on adultery, and the need for purity in heart, mind and body. This culture is very physical, so while they seem to understand the principle of purity of heart, they do not "connect the dots" of what steps they can take in a physical sense to guard their hearts, minds and bodies. The concept was clearly presented, and perhaps a few will take the challenge to be different and to be examples in this area.
We had a great day yesterday with all the other activities - English classes, musical fun & learning, painting T shirts, water relays and games. One interesting note is that the kids seem to LOVE the music -- and it is all from the Majesty Hymnal! Though they grew up with and are surrounded by the merengue and reggae (very loud African origin music), they seem to thrive on the melodious style, and actually can hear the words they are singing. We are repeating the songs over and over, so when they go home, they will be singing, "The greatest command of God is to love you Lord..." and "Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe". We are teaching them in Spanish of course, so that they fully grasp the message. The songs each day are reinforcing all the other things that they are learning.
We ate -- as usual -- rice, rice and more rice. I think we have had rice every day in various forms, mangu, yuca & beans. The protein for the day was 2 meatballs -- and that is generous! Most of the villagers have very little meat in their diets, and are blessed if they have beans or any source of nutrition beyond the carbohydrates. They are blessed to have abundant fruit - mango, banana, pineapple and others.
We are off to another day - and praising God for what He is doing. The Dominican leaders are seeing a difference in these campers, and our prayer is that through discipleship and further training, they will see new mature young leaders come out of this camp who have a heart for God.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Love the Lord Thy God..................
Try, try again to write this post --having lost it 3 times!
We have completed our first day and a half of camp, and are encouraged but tired!! We have about 22 campers and several Dominican helpers. They arrived at lunchtime yesterday, and after placement tests, got started with afternoon classes. The days are full, with chapel twice daily, English class, character training, music class, art & sports.
The theme of camp is "The Greatest Command", to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul & strength. This is fleshed out with the Ten Commandments, and they are learning two each day. The first two days have dealt with the commandments about our relationship to God, and each message has moved from the law to the cross. These kids have heard a clear gospel presentation 4 times already! David also preached twice on Sunday, so has preached six times in 3 days! He will get a bit of a break as John & Mason will be doing morning chapels for the next three days, and David will only preach at night.
Our character studies the first two days have been on Truthfulness and Self-control -- attributes we all need, but that are particularly appropriate for this audience. The character qualities are being tied in to the scripture verses with Biblical application.
English classes were fun today, with students competing in (English) Bible memory and enjoying English conversations with the leaders. We worked on "greetings" and "getting to know you" conversations. Craft projects so far have been decorating Tote Bags and baseball caps. The tote bags were filled with notebooks, pencils, pens & Bibles.
Daniel has appointed himself drill sergeant, and has the young men doing PT (physical training) every morning before breakfast. That has turned out to be a very positive thing, building respect for the leaders and for the boys themselves.
During that same time, the girls are learning about modesty and femininity, beauty without enticement, with Lisa as their leader. Guys and girls both have devotions first thing, before any of these activities.
This trip took months of financial and teaching preparation, and I had some doubts due to the smaller team size this year. However, God is faithful to bless, and I am so filled with joy at His preparation of these young people for their time of service. I knew that Lisa and and David wold be prepared, but am so thrilled to see the active roles that John, Mason, Anna Beth, Daniel & Kristina have taken in stepping up to the plate. John & Mason have especially stepped into a leadership role with these difficult young men, and we are so grateful.
Monday, July 18, 2011
English Camp starts today!!
We have had a difficult time blogging due to internet problems, but hope that is now resolved and that we can now post pictures.
English Camp starts today and we are READY!!! After months of preparation, and three days of practice and set up, we are good to go. I love the enthusiasm of my team and think the campers will too! They start coming in this morning and will be with us until Saturday morning.
Prayer requests: endurance for the physical challenges, patience with the campers, and most of all, the love of God for them so that they will see the hope that lies within us and desire Christ in their lives.
Off we go!!
English Camp starts today and we are READY!!! After months of preparation, and three days of practice and set up, we are good to go. I love the enthusiasm of my team and think the campers will too! They start coming in this morning and will be with us until Saturday morning.
Prayer requests: endurance for the physical challenges, patience with the campers, and most of all, the love of God for them so that they will see the hope that lies within us and desire Christ in their lives.
Off we go!!
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