VBS final

The last day for VBS has come to an end. There were many promises made, and goals set. We had a few disappointments. Some goals were met and even a couple of surprises. And, there were even a few tense moments thrown in.

Chuck and a group went to finish installing the doors. Another group went to the Jacobsen’s to do more projects. Another group stayed at the hotel to do laundry. We went to the Jacobsen’s to eat and while we were there, J P Blake caught a bass behind their house. Funny thing, I had the video camera running, but for some reason it cut off when he hooked the fish. So, you will have to ask J P how big the fish was. I did get a picture of the Cuban lizard he caught.

We got to the church and made ready for tonight. The team had every thing ready. It was a slow start. But they keep coming. Several new faces were there. The word was out. Pastor Chuck would eat a goldfish if we had fifty people, but we just didn’t make it, we only reached 42. One little boy sat in the corner with his head down. He was mad. He had wanted to stay home and watch wrestling. In the closing exercises he wanted to know when we were going to do this again.

We passed the goal for the offering. They gave over $130.00. Pastor Mark would eat a goldfish. Mark’s son Caleb would also eat one. We really wanted to see Chuck eat one, too.

The kids brake up into their groups and everything is running smoothly. Well, I thought they were running smoothly. One of the team is outside pacing back and forth. They have run out of a very important piece of material. It is the little card they use to ask them if they are saved, do they have questions, or are they ready to get saved. Pastor Mark had to run home and run off more copies. They only had ten minuets left in group time and they really needed those cards. Time was running out. Pastor Mark made it with only minutes to spare and they used the cards go through the plan of salvation and have them check if they had questions. Two young ladies, one in middle school group, the other in high school checked that they had questions. Each were taken aside and talked to. Two young ladies who happen to be sisters, one in middle school and the other in high school, accepted Christ tonight. We would like to have seen more saved, but we rejoice in those who were saved. I asked if any goals were set and JP summed it up best; all of them.

The program is coming to an end and we all gathered for the last time. Pastor Mark and Caleb ate their goldfish and even Chuck eats his. The kids huddle in the middle for the final team chant, then gather so each group can run out through the banner to face the world. Some were already saved and some are not. Our hearts go out to those who left not knowing Christ as their saver and we pray for them. But, one thing is for certain, there are eleven young people who now face what the world will throw at them with Jesus in their hearts.

Here are a couple of small video clips from this week.

The 3 year to 3rd grade group.
The high school group.

Thursday night update

Today it rained. It stopped, and then it rained again. We divided into work groups again and a couple of the groups went to finish what they started yesterday. It rained again. Chuck’s group went to finish hanging doors for a couple from Mark’s church. The wife had just come home after having surgery. She had had a rather rough time with it. Several of the team had visited her in the hospital. I got to drive the van again today and I didn’t get lost. But, I did go to the wrong store. The guys had just gotten the door and jam removed from the bathroom when they realized that the new door swung the wrong way. So it was time for a field trip. We had to return the wrong doors and get the right ones. That took a bit of prayer because she could not find the receipt. We also had to purchase the new doors with her credit card. After calling several people and they verified that we had returned two doors they let us use her card to get the doors. It rained again. The work group was not able to finish installing the doors today.

VBS went well tonight. Chuck told them if they get 50 people to come, he will eat a live goldfish. Pastor Mark said if they raise $100 in offering, he will eat a live goldfish. We had 46 tonight and the offering reached over $70. I think if we only get 45 tomorrow night, then Chuck should only have to eat half a goldfish. The offering will go for bible translation of the Old Testament for the Haitian people.

It was very exciting watching tonight. There was a lot of excitement and every one listened well. Afterwards, Steven (one of the guys who got saved last night) and Cedric went with us to get ice cream. I walked in and told the lady behind the counter that we had 30 people getting ready to come in. “Yea, right!” she replied. It was about fifteen minutes before closing and they were rather surprised. It was an enjoyable time. Her husband and daughter came in and the daughter wanted to know if we were on a field trip. We got to tell them what we were doing an invited them to come Friday night. I’ve developed a cold today, but Mrs. “Doctor” Jacobsen found out and I have been doused with things I have no idea what they are. Apparently I’m not the only one she got a hold of. They say what ever it was she gave me works.

We again thank you for your many prayers. We have seen the results of those prayers time and time again. And, we will continue seeing the results as we continue.

Link to Thursdays pictures.

I forgot to say that because I am running the video equipment , Sara Simmons and Paul Saunders have been taking many of the VBS pictures. Thanks guys! This is the link to more pictures.

Wednesday night

Well it is Wednesday and our week is half over. Today we divided into four groups. One went to the Jacobsen’s to do work around the house. Another group went out to paint a room for a lady. Chuck's group went to hang doors. And, the last group stayed at the church to clean up and get ready for tonight. I stayed with the cleaning group. I got to drive the van to Wal-Mart. I got lost. But, I broke the man mold and stopped for directions. I let Pat go in and ask for them. I got to drive the van to the Jacobsen’s house. I got lost again. I’m not really that bad at finding places.

After what happened last night everyone was praying for tonight. I didn’t know what to expect. Some were praying for more people to show up. Some were praying that some of the older ones would get saved. All of us were praying that God would move in hearts. We did not have time to gather together and pray so everyone gathered in their groups and prayed by themselves.

Music is playing and we are just waiting. “Lord, tonight is in your hands, let your will be done.” They begin to arrive. Three together, then a boy who had only been there Monday night, then the girl who told a young man named Steven to turn off his Devil music in the church, and then more come in. The room is filling. In walks a young man and his friends. He takes his normal place over by my chair at the computer. There are 41 present! The program is in full swing now. Every one breaks up and goes to their classes. The leaders step back and watch our youth at work.

The high schoolers are outside doing games. Once again Steven is setting off to the side. Once again one of the leaders goes over and encourages him to join in the games. He finally joins in. We walk back into the building and the middle school team is out in the hall together. What’s wrong someone asks. They reply four in their group have just accepted Christ. The high school group comes out looking rather stunned. Two in their group have just accepted Christ. Steven is one of them. The elementary group comes out and one more of their group has accepted Christ. Seven new believers now walk this earth. Now we pray for their growth and protection.

The conversation during the trip back to the hotel reflected on car washes, yard work, and working in the hot sun; how small that price paid seems now.

Please continue to pray for the team and the people who come out tomorrow.

Here is the link to the pictures. Sorry, didn't get them posted last night.

Tuesday Night

Today started with many fears and hopes. The final total last night was 41, I had missed six people. We hoped they would bring their friends tonight. But, we could not really hold many more than we had last night. Our biggest hope was also our biggest fear. We divided up into three teams today. One group went to the Jacobsons to do yard work and try to get their car running. One group went into a neighborhood to invite people to come out to the VBS. Another group stayed at the church to get ready for tonight, and then they would go out and pass out invitations also. So it was with great excitement that we waited to get started tonight.

The word came down, they are here! The music begins and we started singing. Three people walk in. We keep singing and eventually two more come in. The program is getting into full swing and we have less than 15 total. Oh the disappointment starts to set in. But, that’s okay, many came late last night. They will be here before 7:30. We divide into the different groups and still no one else has come.

It is now 7:39 and a car pulls up and 4 youth walk in. Another car pulls in and 4 more enter the building. Six teenagers get out of another car. “Oh, I’m so sorry for being late”, one girl says as she enters the building and heads to the check in table. Paul is smiling so much that he really does look like Santa. Our hearts are soaring. 31 is the final count. The 3 year old little girl joins in with the other little ones as they play games and listen to the Bible story. The teens are screaming and laughing out side. Every one gathers for the closing exercise and listen to Chuck as he speaks. The heads are bowed and the eyes are closed. “Who wants to be on God’s team?” Chuck asks. One little hand goes up, then a second. Two little girls walk out of the room, and then, two new born little ladies walk back into the room. The night comes to an end, we turn off the lights, and head to the hotel to get ready to once again face the joys, sorrows, and victories which are before us.

Monday night

As this day comes to an end, I just sit here and wonder. We were prepared and ready for little kids. What we got were 35 total with 25 of them being high schoolers and one was 21 years old. Every one worked well. Some of the team may have been just a little shocked. The day started with a lot of running around and buying items we needed. Several of the team went with Mark Jacoben to give out flyer's door to door. This was a lot different from giving out flyer's back home. When we were getting ready to go back to the hotel, Chuck got a phone call that Mark's car had broken down and we had to go pick them up. After we left VBS, Mark had not gotten his car home yet. The funny thing is, someone at the hotel had offered us a car he wanted to give to the ministry the day before. This is in the Lord's hand and we know that He will work it out.

Some of the teens were a little down before the start of VBS because they had been told by someone not to expect more than three kids. They were afraid that just a few kids who were already involved in the church would come. When they saw the people lining up to register, they were greatly encouraged. Every one who came got involved and seemed to have a good time. I am almost afraid to ask that people pray that all come back tomorrow and bring their friends and relatives. The main room where we meet was completely full. One young man while doing the hand motions to a song knocked part of a poster off the wall.

Please continue to pray for us, and as Paul Saunders said, our teens did a great job and we are very proud of them.

A few extra pictures.

Monday Morning

This morning we gather material for VBS. The teens were up late last night sitting in the hall way making posters. They sang "One" last night and every one seemed to like learning the song. God has worked mightily already. The Haitians seem really open. Before the service ended last night we had an open prayer session. It was exciting praying this way. Not every one could understand what everyone prayed, but we all new what our hearts desired. God has no problem understanding.

Oh, by the way. Natalie, JP says Hi!

What a wondeful day.

We just completed our first day. The church service was great. We are now winding down. The service was a real blessing and our hearts were greatly moved. Here are a few pictures from today. PICTURES

Hey mom and dad and korie!
Just wanted to say hi and that i miss you! Love you!! Kristin


Hey Mom and Grandma.
I miss you guys sooo much! We're having so much fun already. Hope you guys are doing well. I'll give you guys a call later today! ~Bryn <3

Sunday Morning

Well, we made it. Chuck and JP to fly down around 5:00. When we left at 8:00 they were still waiting for their flight. They were to get the vans because we would get here about 10 minutes before they close. When we reached Atlanta, Chuck and JP were waiting for us. When we reached Fort Lauderdale, they had to run to rent the vans. We were just a little bit early and they made it. We got to the hotel about 2:00. Over all it was a good trip. No problems during the flight and no luggage lost. And we didn't lose anyone! The beds are very nice. We are now having breakfast and getting ready for church.

The Trip Begins

Pray for us today as we gather and prepare to fly. Chuck and JP leave around 5 p.m. and the rest of us leave at 8p.m.

This was our last car wash. Thanks to all who came out to have their car washed and the ones doing the washing. Great job guys!

Strange break out

There seems to have been a breakout of strange pink birds in the last couple of days. They were noted gathering in several yards Sunday night. On one incident I heard that the homeowners tried to drive them off with squirt guns, but I don't know if their attempts were successful or not. I also hear that insurance can be purchased to prevent them from gathering in one's yard. And, also for a small fee they can be persuaded to gather else where.

The Fund Raising Continues

The mission team is still hard at work raising funds for our summer trip to South Florida. The Lord gave us a perfect day for our car wash. Thanks to all who came out to support us and to have their car washed. We had a successful day. Once again, thanks!