Day 4 . . . Fire & Light

This is Troy doing today’s blog . . . this is going to be interesting.

Today started off a little crazy.  We woke up and it was pouring rain.  Our fearless leader (Jon) was sick, along with a few others not feeling so dandy.  We started out 7 people down (3 of them sick) and it was time to head “to the nest.”  No need to worry . . . we were in Jamaica (no problem-mon) and no matter where we were, God was in control.

By the time we arrived at the nest, the rain had stopped completely.  We decided God wanted to give everything a good washing before we got started for the day.  He turned off the water just in time.  Imagine that.  We then gave out Jamaica t-shirts that we were all wearing to the kids as well.  They went crazy over them.  Even one little fella said “now I feel like I am on your team!”  It was good to hear that.  We then marched on down the hill to our VBS gazebo and cranked out some worship music.  It was good seeing the kids really enjoying the music.  After that, Clark spoke about God’s light and how we need to let it shine.  Clark took a risk and gave the kids each a candle, actually lit the suckers, and spoke briefly about we need to share God’s love (light) with others.  I personally thought this was a crazy idea letting kids under the age of 5 play with fire, but God pulled it off! (Maybe why we had all of the rain!)  One child ran from Rob because he wanted to see how far he could let the candle burn.  Rob blew it out before the child suffered any 3rd degree burns.  Another miracle!

Rob then told a story to the kids that tied in well with letting Jesus’ light shine.  We then did our craft for the day which was a journal/diary that the kids could write their thoughts in, scripture verses, etc.  It contained a photo of each child and then they personalized it with different Christian symbols.  It was a hit.  One child named Dean decided his was utterly fantastic and proceeded to show his to all 40 of us who were there.  We ooooh’d and awwwww’d. 

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, we had 7 on our team not show up.  God stepped in and provided some help.  While we were there, a bus load of teachers from Dallas, TX showed up.  They were in Jamaica to help train other teachers for the upcoming year.  A few of them volunteered to help us out.  We got that project done with help from Dallas!  Pretty cool.

The last thing we did for VBS was a skit several of our students put on for the children.  At first, the kids were so unruly we thought we were going to have to punt that idea.  Finally after trying to settle them down for 10 minutes, we regained control.  Our students pulled it off flawlessly!  It was about falling into sin and praying to be released from our sin.  It was impressive.  God used our students for his glory!

Later on, Rob, Bart, & Clark went down to where the boys stay (Jakes House) to pray and talk specifically with Shaqell . . . a little boy about 10-12 years old.  His heart is somewhat hardened, but has massive potential to be a great leader and Christian.  They spoke words of praise to him and prayed with him about different things.  Shaqell then wanted to pray for Quest . . . the little boy in the hospital with cancer.  He prayed so sweetly from the heart it was hard to keep your eyes dry.  He misses Quest a lot.  It was good to have some Christian men surrounding Shaqell during our stay. (If you think about it, say a little prayer for Shaqell . . . he is at a crossroads right now.)  There is also a boy named Ian that needs our prayers in the worst way.  He is a troubled young boy that has a long ways to go . . . there is still so much more work to do.

Later on in the day while it was scorching, we thought it would be a lot of fun to take 15 loads of gravel down a steep driveway and dump it in another location so someone else could shovel it into little buckets and then hoist it up a ladder standing in a pool of water up on top of a concrete roof.  We now know how it feels to build a pyramid as if we were in Egypt.  This was done for the Wiley’s so they could actually have a floor to stand on when their home is finished.  We also wrote scripture verses all over the walls.  They may end up being covered with paint, but God knows they are there and will provide protection from the enemy when the Wiley’s move in.  Take that, Satan!

This was the last day at the nest, so it was sad to say bye, but we had to leave about 4pm.  Some of the kids we will see tomorrow at the beach.  That will be fun IF it does not rain.  Pray for NO RAIN!  We got back and had one other bit of business to take care of.  Today is my daughter Holly’s birthday!  She turned 12 going on 17.  We surprised her with cake and ice cream.  She even received a couple of gifts.  That was sweet.  While at the nest, she got an unexpected gift from a little boy who thought an appropriate present would be a little pee-pee.  Holly lives with 2 brothers . . . she is used to gross things such as that!

A little long tonight, but it was a busy and fun day.  We are glad to have Jon back on board along with all of the others who were feeling sickly.  Take care and God Bless!

Jon feeling much better.

Sharing the light.

The "Bucket Briggade" old school style . . .

Advertisement