Joyous faces!

Hello Friends & Family!! 

Hope you're all doing well! We miss you all so much!! 

Today we were able to start off the week on such a great note. After breakfast we had team time which began with Dustin leading an amazing devotional in Ephesians Chapter 3. Shortly after, all of us were able to spend some time alone processing all that has been happening this past week as well as what we expect to happen this upcoming week. We each went out into different areas outside on the grounds for about 30 minutes to spend some alone time to journal, pray or read the bible with no distractions. All of us had been so thankful to be able to spend time outside and enjoying God's beautiful creation here in South Africa. 

Prayer has been huge part of our trip. Throughout this week our team has been able to really step into prayer and take time to listen for what God has for all of us. We have noticed how powerful it has been to put aside time out of our busy schedule and pray for everything in preparation for the camp. Most specifically we have been praying over all of the rooms the kids and leaders will be sleeping in, all of the buildings on the grounds, and that the enemy would not have any place here and that God would reign in this place.

At around 12 o'clock all the children finally arrived for the beginning of the O.V.C. (Orphaned and Vulnerable Children) Camp! We were all so excited to see their bright and shining faces. This is a younger group of kids from last week with ages starting at 6 years old. We welcomed all of the kids by rolling out a red carpet and cheering for them all as they came off of the bus. The joy all of these kids had on their faces was absolutely amazing and such a great way to begin our second week of camp!! :) 

Camille here! While the campers were busy watching a movie, a handful of the RH team and all of the facilitators stepped aside to listen to a devotional led by Meredith. She read from 2 Thessalonians and God was affirming to the facilitators that His plan above anything else is perfect. Each of the facilitators have different things that are going on in their life but they were still able to give God the glory which encourages the body of Christ on a deeper level. Despite the circumstances that we face, it doesn't dictate God's goodness. We were just reminded of His goodness and the power of God being able to touch each and every one of us in different ways. Camille out!

Tuesday will be a very busy day with many activities planned and great bible studies prepared. We will also be having team members sharing their testimonies (one for the first time) so please pray for strength, courage, boldness, and that God would be on display and speaking through us as we tell our story.

Continued prayer for physical, emotional, and mental strength for the upcoming week would be much appreciated also, as about half of the team are battling colds and fatigue. We are all so thankful that we are a part of what is going on here in South Africa and have the opportunity to love on these precious kids. Part of the theme for Tuesday will be talking about how great of a Father our God is. Please pray that these children will be open to hearing what we have to share and teach them. We want to make sure that they understand our loving our Father is and how they can have a personal relationship with Him. We are SO excited for what is to come today and know that God is going to do great things!!

One of our group's favorite verses for this trip we wanted to share with you is is 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. We are ready for all that God has for us and will stand fearless as we do what we know God has called us to do here.

With love and big hugs,

            Jackie and Racine (feat. Camille)