Week 4
Sunday
We, as a family, were responsible for the church
service this afternoon at the mission where we are
learning and working. Grayson played in and directed
a skit that we learned in Peru, called "Stuck
in Sin." This powerul skit demonstrates that
sin can be fun for a while but the only way to get
out of sin is through Jesus Christ. The entire drama
is acted out in mime, so we are claiming that it was
in spanish!
Grayson represented a "strong man" who,
despite his best efforts could not deliver the man
from his sin through his own strength.
Scarlet, Maverek and their friend Heather, tried to
use fun and games to rescue the man from his sin,
but this too failed. As did the attempts to escape
through alcohol, flirtation, catholicism, music, or
a witch doctor. After the skit concluded Kelly preached
and we celebrated at least 3 new believers.
In this blank space you can imagine a photo of Kelly
preaching. He did a fabulous job, but I was too busy
praying for him and the audience to capture it on
film. Sorry! I consoled him with the fact that I am
quite sure God and the angels made a record that would
outlast any photos.
Prayer Requests:
- Please continue to pray that we'll be able to
retain what we are learning. We so much desire to
be able to talk with people on the heart level.
- Beginning this Thursday we'll be working for two
hours in the local school playing games and sports.
We'll use this as an opportunity to share the love
of Christ.
- Pray that the Lord would begin to lay this area
on a church in the states heart who would like to
return and use sports to reach the lost in 2008.
Monday
Kelly and his teacher Armando. Armando recently left
his church of 15 years to start another one in a near
by town. Kelly presented him with a soccer ball to
use in sharing the Gospel in his community.
Here the group of indigenous people that live at
the mission come out to play with us. We took them
to the local plaza and first warmed up with some ball
handling skills.
Maverek demontrates correct form for dribbling and
Victorino practices with Scarlet.
The first try at actually running while dribbling
was successful, when they made it across the court
and back with no injuries and much laughter.
Victorino had to overcome the difficulties of ball
handling from his chair, but with Scarlet pushing
him, he too was successful! Then Wayner learns the
proper form for shooting, although he much prefered
to granny shoot....
Victorino was our top scorer with 6 baskets, you better
believe that he was keeping score. Tercero, above
with Kelly, did not want to come out and play with
us Monday afternoon. He was saying, "No quiero,
estoy cansado, estoy enfermo..." I don't want
to, I'm tired, I'm sick. But then he spied Kelly's
cool SportReach hat, "Puedo llevar su sombrero?"
he asked. Kelly offered it gladly and Tercero hopped
up in search of his shoes. He then led the pack in
energy, antics, laughter and dancing. What a riot!
Group photo from left to right: Raynor, Kelly, Pricilla,
Mario, Tercero, Grayson, Weyner, Mav, Scarlet, and
Victorino.
Mario wanted his photo taken but does not make eye
contact, despite his disability he scored several
points and seemed to genuinely have a good time. Kelly
and Grayson had to guide, carry and drag the wheelchair
up a precarious rock road to arrive at the park.
Tuesday
This afternoon we were blessed to lead a small group
Bible study with about 15 people in attendance. Once
again, sink or swim we had NO translators what-so-ever.
I shared my personal testimony and then Kelly shared
the gospel using the evangecube. He also used it as
an opportunity to train the believers how to use the
Word of God to share the Good News. Both he and I
got several "amains" amens from our
lively audience, signifying that they understood at
least part, or were very generous in their praise,
probably some combination of both.
Every gathering here is accompanied by coffee and
bocadillas (small cookies and cakes) Everyone drinks
coffee even the children....can you imagine Maverek
on caffeine? Me neither!
At the end of our time at this meeting we had a drawing
to give away one of the balls of many colors as well
as some of the tracts that accompany it. This particular
neighborhood is more modest and is swarming with children,
teenagers and young adults. We are trusting that the
Holy Spirit will do his work and get this particular
gospel message into the right hands and hearts.
Thursday
Today was our first clinic in the local school and
we had a nice turn out. We pray that over the next
two weeks it will build and more and more kids will
come.
Jenni explains a large group game call American Eagle.
It got a little crazy and the kids had a blast.
