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!