This Little Light of Mine

Hello Everyone!

Today was the second day of OVC camp and we powered through so many activities and spent some amazing time with the kids. We started out the day by acting out a skit that told the story of Paul.  Nolan played the role of Paul, while Hannah narrated to show the kids how powerful and loving God is in a way they could understand. It was amazing to see how the skit successfully came together at the very last minute and how much the kids enjoyed it. I played a minor role in the skit, and then shared a story about my life to support the theme of: "I am an instrument of light." I shared with the kids how I used to be very shy and how God transformed my personality and gave me the confidence to be a light to others as I now lead Bible studies for kids. We gave the kids flashlight key chains at the end and taught them the song "This Little Light of Mine." It was so great to see the whole lesson come together and the kids actually getting excited about how great God is.

The kids and leaders later participated in group games that no one really seemed to understand, but it made it even more fun because everyone just ended up laughing a lot. I was pulled into the kitchen to help out with lunch. I have never seen so many eggs in my life. It was fun working in the kitchen with the kitchen staff and just taking a little bit of time to regain some energy.

After lunch, the kids divided into their three groups for Bible study, crafts, and indoor games. Dustin, Racine, and Jackie led a study on Luke 15:11-32 about "The Parable of the Prodigal Son." They later led a Bible quiz where the kids lined up by cabin and answered questions to earn points. This was probably one of the highlights of the day because it was awesome to see the kids so engaged and excited about answering questions about the Bible. They did a fantastic job answering questions and everyone was impressed with how well they paid attention.

Later on in the day, the kids and leaders had some time to spend outside together. The kids played in the field, on the swing set, and pretty much anywhere they could get out as much energy as possible. I spent some time with a little girl named Shayley. I taught her a hand clapping game and we spend quite a bit of time just making silly faces and laughing. This was my highlight of the day because I feel like this is what I came to South Africa to do: to show these kids God's love and simply love on them.

Jackie did a wonderful job sharing her testimony with the kids. God definitely spoke through her as she spoke from her heart and told her powerful story. There is no doubt that God used her to touch many, if not all of the kids in that room with her story. We were all so proud of her and she is such a blessing to have on this team.

While the kids watched a movie, Kristin led a devotional for the facilitators which turned into a time where they could open up about things going on in their lives and openly share what was on their hearts. Not only has it been great getting to spend time with these kids, it has also been eye opening and a huge blessing on both ends to spend time with the facilitators. We all have struggles, some similar, some extremely different, but it has been wondering being able to bond because of our love of God.

Please continue to pray for our physical, and emotional health. Emergen-C and vitamins are being taken like crazy. I have managed to stay well, but please pray for all of our health and that we are able to stay strong and accomplish what God has sent us here to do.

Much love,

Kelsey