Hello everyone, this is Trent.
As is almost everyday here in SA, today was a very full day. We began today with our Rock Harbor led church service here at the academy with the theme "More than Conquerors". It was a very special service as the team lead worship, a couple of us shared a message and testimony and then we closed with communion. Several of the students joined the praise team as we worshiped. There is something about hearing all of their voices so freely praising the Lord that is just so pure and joyous.
The afternoon was filled with some intense games of "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" (sort of a SA version of musical chairs that included 50 people), Bridges of Hope vs. Rock Harbor World Cup Soccer Game, several crafts and then the ever famous Capture the Flag...which the winner is still being debated. To close the free time we had a great Photo Scavenger Hunt that all the kids loved.
Then tonight we kicked off our HIV/AIDS education and awareness week by watching "Beat the Drum". It is a movie based in South Africa that follows one child's journey to understand what is killing off his village. It was very powerful and moving and as we closed the night we invited all the kids to anonymously write any questions or comments they may have pertaining to HIV/AIDS and drop them into a "Dear God..." box. Over the course of the week we will spend time answering these questions, as best we can, and at the same time discussing that there are some that we just have to take to the Lord and trust Him to answer in His timing. While reviewing the questions we immediately began to pray as so many were spiritual questions, probing much deeper than even the practical prevention questions. We are so thankful that all of you are praying for our time here and ask now that you add to your list these questions that we know will be opening up conversations that only the Lord can lead us to answer wisely.
We close this very busy weekend looking forward to starting another week here in SA as some of us head back to Sweet Home tomorrow to continue that work and as we dig deeper into our HIV/AIDS discussions. There is no doubt the Lord is opening doors here at Bridges and we are all motivated to continue His good work! With love from all of us to you.
Yeay! I love hearing from my brother. I look forward to hearing Evelyn's perspective soon. Thanks Presh for sharing/writing today (there's a nickname your group can enjoy ribbing you over.) Thinking about you on and off throughout the days and praying for positive changes in all of your lives - both the servants and the served! LOVE from North Carolina, Dana your sis, Macy your 3-legged niece and Pearl your 4-legged niece
ReplyDeleteHi Team,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great weekend. I love that you all are having so much fun and having those hard conversations, too! We will continue to pray for you and especially the HIV stuff this week.The time goes quick there so make sure you are making the most of it! Can't wait to hear the stories of transformation!
Love to you all,
Monica and Wood
Hello Leaders,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for peace and strength for you. I am hoping you are getting some rest and having a great time. Thanks for all you do for the ministry and for the team. God is using you in amazing ways, remember that!!!
Monica
Tell Brennan that Nick Anderson says what's up!!!!
ReplyDeleteTell him I love him, and tell him I'm smiling and rubbing my tummy right now because all I'm thinking about is 1 thing..............CHICK-FIL-A!!!
praying for him and I'm sure he is having the time of his life!
SA Team,
ReplyDeleteLove hearing the stories coming out of your trip so far. God is doing a work both seen and unseen through you.
Speaking of unseen.....please tell me there is video of the Bieber dance. If so, ir should be posted.
GDub, the house is so peaceful....errr I mean boring without you around.
Lai, make sure GDub is on his best behavior, we will want a full report when you return.
Praying for all y'all!
Jim
Please send more pictures of the teams in action. We are praying that God continues to bless his work & keep the teams healthy & safe
ReplyDeleteAs always...amazing to "hear" each update & a blessing to see the photos! I'll definitely be praying for the HIV/AIDS curriculum this week...that you would all have wisdom & that the information would be received with open hearts & minds. P.S. Saw Pastor Todd & some of the PowerHouse crew at church last night...they send their prayers too!
ReplyDeleteHi Team! Thanks for posting the photos! It's so great to be able to see the kids in Sweet Home and to see the great work that you're all doing there!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that you've seen things in Sweet Home and heard stories from the students at the Academy that have broken your heart. But here's a reminder from Psalm 33 that God sees everything that goes on there and we can have hope in that: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,even as we put our hope in you."
We're praying for extra strength and love for you all! Also, praying for the HIV/AIDS classes and can't wait to see God's truth break through!
AMEN!!!
ReplyDeletePraying that God will shine His light into the darkest places of the heart- where people have hidden their deepest hurts. That we would be vulnerable to His touch- so that He can heal us.
I pray for miraculous transformation- in, through, and by the Holy Spirit. I pray that answers from Scripture would come to your minds and hearts as you minister. Because all Scripture is God-Breathed and useful for teaching, encouraging, and correcting.
Lord- let your love flow. Pour yourself through us into the pain we see before us. Quench every thirst and extinguish the burning lies of the enemy.
I pray against the lies that have been plaguing God's people.
You are Truth, Healing, Restoration. You are LIFE!
With hope- we wait actively for You-- ever trusting and casting down wrong thoughts. In all things WE WILL PRAISE YOU!
AMEN!
P.S.- Molly I miss you!!