So I realize that I'm doing a ministry update 2 weeks into our ministry but, what can ya do?
For the past 2 weeks we have been staying at Kids International Ministries, which is impeccably run by Mr. Jeff Long. KIM's focus is the kids in their community, and they reach out to them in so many inspired ways. They run a children's home and a school, which provide care and instruction founded in Christ. They also have a very intentional ministry with the street kids. Specific ministries with the kids range from tutoring and bible study, to swimming lessons and simply playing. They also do twice daily "feedings" where they take food out into a community of families displaced by the flooding as well as a closer community that has fallen on hard times. Jeff's daughter also started a home for girls who have been trafficked or experienced abuse, the JAZ home, and they work very closely with KIM.
Not only are the ministry opportunities amazing, the accommodations are incredible! I've been staying in a room with four other girls, with my own bed with sheets and everything! And we have our own bathroom with a shower! We are provided three meals a day by the incredible kitchen staff and all the water in the entire facility is filtered. We have been feeling very pampered! Oh, did I mention that there is a swimming pool out back??
Come to find out, most of my team (including myself) is not very excited about small children but we have definitely learned and grown in that way. While here we have done construction (clearing out the space around the pool for chairs and tables and digging holes at the children's home for the foundation of a new building), gone on the feedings, tutored, lead VBS and a church service for the kids at the school, hung out with the "community angels" and played with the street kids. Spending time with the community angels is the favorite within the team. These girls live in the neighborhood around KIM and go to the nearby schools. Tragically, many of these girls face abuse or neglect or pain at home and many of the girls who live in the JAZ home were community angels first. We have been so blessed to be able to build relationships with these girls and simply love on them and tangibly show them Christ's love through hugs, hand-holding and high fives.
All of V squad is working and living together this month, which has been so sweet. Everyday I am just so humbled that The Lord chose to bless me with such incredible squad mates. And such incredible teammates. Getting to know my team through working together, hanging out, giving feedback and having fun, has been such a blessing. We still have a lot of getting-to-know-you to do, but I am more confident than ever that The Lord specifically designed Team Sozo for the good works He has set out before us.
