Yesterday was our first actual ministry day where we got to go out into the neighborhood and play with the kids together! Instead of VBS being held in a school or church, we took VBS to the kids- the street became our stage and we played with them. We had fun with the kids, picking them up and playing and talking to them, then shared the gospel through a retelling using the salvation bracelet, which the kids all got to keep to help them remember. We held a dramatic performance and explained to the kids what it meant.
The first neighborhood we went to had lots of kids- they were adorable and friendly, though some of them were shy. I noticed a girl with casts on both arms and after meeting her; she walked down the street with a couple of other kids, then went into a house. I invited them outside to play and they joined us. Her name was Alise or Alisia or something that sounded similar.
Esteban, around age 10, would love to jump on my back for a piggy back ride. I enjoyed spinning the kids around and playing with them. I asked them their name and tried to speak in Spanish with them, with the little that I know. Callie was another little girl who loved piggy back rides and she sweetly asked for one before getting on my back. Then she shouted, “Mas!” for “more!” and “rapido” for “faster,” when I spun her around.
There was also a little three year old girl wearing pink and in pigtails, who was so adorable and I held her in my arms while the music was playing. She was very content. Her older brother, around 8 or 9, was very observant and cared for her, along with their mother and grandmother, who were also there.
He was concerned to watch over his little sister until his mother told him he could play and join the other kids getting ready to all play a big game together with candy for prizes.
We danced to music together and when the chicken dance came on, I danced with the little girl in my arms and she smiled when we spun around.
At the end of the presentation and stories, we made them balloons. My time at the Camp of the Woods Carnival sure came in handy then, as I was able to remember a couple of things after getting a quick refresher demo.
I made swords and hearts, “corazon,” and 1 or 2 dogs or “perro.”
The 2nd neighborhood we went to was closer to the church. We invited some kids who were playing at home to come join us and their parents let them come, as they seemed to know the pastor, who talked with them.
I ran around playing tag this time with the boys. I picked one of the boys up and spun him around. Once they saw I could do that, there was a line of requests to be spun around too.
Owen reminded me of one of my little brothers, just with dark hair, as he wore glasses and had some of the same mannerisms.
The boys were jumping off a log onto the gravel and Owen let me catch him a couple of times and spin him around.
I sat next to him during the gospel presentation with the bracelets and helped him put his together. He answered questions during the presentation. I tied the bracelet onto him.
He was also like a regular kid, playing with the dirt beneath him during the talk and prayer.
When it was time for balloons, I made Owen a sword. I invited him to church and made sure he knew where it was and what day and time it was.
Then it was time to say “Hasta luego,” (see you later) or Hasta Domingo- (Until Sunday).
Please join me in praying for Owen and all of the other little kids and teens in the area of Los Guidos.
Pray that they come to know Christ and can be part of the church community, as this may be one of the only safe alternatives to feel part of a community, in an area where many kids have turned to gangs.
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Please give whatever amount you feel led to, to get me to my goal!
- $13,000 – Due 2/29/2016 (Fundraising Goal 3)
- $16,962 – Due 4/30/2016 (Fundraising Goal 4)
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