Danielle here! Sorry for the delay in our post, we have had quite the busy day. It was such a beautifully full day! Today was our first day of camp! In the morning, which feels like forever ago, we entered into a time of worship with the facilitators from BYD (Bridges Youth Development program). We were overwhelmed by the desperation and deeply rooted cries to the Lord. Most of us have never experienced worship like this. It was an honor to be a part of such an intimate time with the Lord. The BYD staff/facilitators have such beautiful hearts and stories, such that their worship flows out of the depths of their souls, crying out for the favor of the Lord.
Our day then progressed to making beds for all the students! The best part, now reflecting back, is that we ended up filling every single one of these beds and had to make even more! We welcomed 110 students on a red carpet today with a beautiful celebration and "tunnel" welcome. We were all struck by the amazement in their eyes as they realized that we were celebrating them! The next festivities included a time of welcoming, camp rules, crafts, basketball, Bible studies, memory verse rap offs, and lots and lots of energy. Initially, we were all quite overwhelmed by the size and energy level of these kids, but soon we were so graciously reminded that God would prepare us for all of His plans. He not only carried us but empowered us through our day.
During the afternoon, the kids enjoyed a wonderful time of basketball with Chris, Dustin and Kelsey, making prayer journals with Alexa, Kristin, Susie, Racine and Hannah, and a Bible story with Camille, Meredith, Kinsey, Jackie and Nolan. We were so encouraged by the joy they showed on the basketball court, the artistic talents of so many kids, and the deep, thoughtful questions that the kids asked during Bible study.We ended with a memory verse rap-off, encouraging the kids to have fun memorizing God's word. It was boys vs girls and as you can imagine, things got pretty crazy. The boys ended up winning and blew our minds with the beautiful song they created. Worship in itself was incredible. These kids sang with their entire being. It was absolutely beautiful to see how much God was moving through each unique soul.
It has been such a beautiful experience watching God work in
each and everyone of our teams' hearts. He is so good to us and loves us so
well. He is so tender and gracious to us when we daily fail. We have another fun filled day ahead of us and of course would love your prayers and encouragemnt. Keep up the wonderful comments, they truly brighten up our demeaner at the end of the night when we are exhausted and drained. Lots of love,
Danielle and The Team
I am trading these great posts and loving what I see. This will be an experience those kids never forget! Please tell Mere mom says I love you and I have been praying for you all everyday.
ReplyDeleteSooooo wonderful to hear of God's amazing work!! Thank you all so much for blessing us here with the message of God's love to the students, His beloved children. Thank you again for being His hands and feet. We feel honored and blessed to get to be a part of that through your sharing with us!! Love you all!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you all!!
Kim Peterson
Wow, what a beautiful story. You guys are such an encouragement to everyone back in the states, your joy, hearts, and service. Wish we could be there worshiping with you. I know that God is looking down on you guys and just smiling. Praying that you guys have energy for all the kids, your health and for your witness to everyone there. What an awesome opportunity. I was reading in Romans yesterday (15:5-6) and thought of all of you – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
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ReplyDeleteWow that story brought myself and my mom tears of happiness because we know that God is using every single one of you guys to impact these kids greatly! We are praying that the Lord gives you guys more strength and energy to help each and every kid!
ReplyDeleteP.s. Mamí , Papí, Jojo, Prims says we love you Suse
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Daniele....To GOD be the Glory! What an experience and priviledge to serve & share Love to all of God children ! My prayers continue for all of team... pls tell camille mom miss her so much w 3 dogies1
ReplyDelete"And over all theses virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." - Colossians 3:14
ReplyDeleteNuff said. Those people must feel at home with you guys whom are very close to us already. Glad to hear these daily updates!
-Bentolovestallie