MilesAhead.TV

How can you capture the events of the first 2 days of this outreach in one entry?

The entire children’s ministry team arrived by Saturday, April 26, 2008. Though most of the faces appeared to be deshoveled, everyone was eager to partake in the week’s agenda. One of the first treats of the week was a visit to The Meeting Place, a church not too far away from Rosehall Resort. As soon as the team stepped off the bus, ushers greeted everyone with smiles, hugs and kisses. What a welcome. What a difference from American culture. After church, the team was free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and prepare for Monday.

The children’s team of 27 was split up into two groups in order to reach more schools each day. Hosanna Preperatory was one of the first schools visited. Prior to arrival, we were told to expect approximately 30-some children. Clearly, we were in for a surprise and an experience that would show us all the more that God is in control. As the principal stepped out of the school house, something resembling an unfinished brick building “about 120 children” was the response given when asked how many children attended the school. A complete reorder and prep for that many bodies was in order. When everyone came together and the children settled down before us, we proceeded to talk about how Jesus is our friend forever, the children’s ministry team’s theme for the outreach. We quickly noticed that although the children knew the Bible very well, probably better than most of us, the concept of having a relationship with Christ was not entirely understood. “Talking to Jesus like you talk to your friends or family members” was an idea presented to the children. Once again, it was to emphasize that Jesus wants to be our friend forever and we can talk to him just like we talk to our friends to help build that relationship.

As we boarded the bus to head to the next school, New Haven Children’s Home, sad faces followed us out and waved goodbye. If another moment could have been spared to spend just a few more minutes with these children, we would have. However, nothing could have prepared us for what was waiting at New Haven. Little information was given about this home and it seemed the bus driver and local guide knew exactly where we were heading. As we pulled up to the gate and drove into the driveway, we began to see who lived there. The children of this home suffered from every possible illness and more. Team members found it difficult to hold back tears as they stepped off the bus and began to immerse themselves in the environment these children live in. One of the most memorable highlights of this visit was that the children of this home knew modern praise songs. As soon as the radio turned on, everyone, the team and nurses included began to dance and sing alongside the kids. What was supposed to be 20 minutes turned into 3 hours and lunch. It was a complete blessing that more time (definitely not enough) was given. We didn’t have to scramble for more supplies because these children just wanted to be held, touched, played with and loved. They were so simple and impacted our lives in more ways than one.

Our last stop of the day was the Safety House, a juvenile boys’ home. The age of these boys ranged from 4 to 18. As soon as the boys turned 18, they were found jobs and sent out to live on their own. We were a little concerned with the general demographics of these boys, but once again to our surprise they were completely receptive to our presence. We had a lot of fun singing praise songs, playing games and spreading the gospel through a couple who teaches using balloons. Even though these boys have experienced much in their young lives, they too just wanted to be loved. Many were curious of our home and asked questions regarding the week’s events and the crusade. Hopefully, their confinement to the compounds will be loosened so they, too can hear more of the gospel at Pastor Miles’ crusade on Friday and Saturday.

It has been an incredible first two days. The rest of the week still stands before us with many more humbling moments. Why we were called to come out here to this particular outreach, we will never know. However, God continues to show us more of who He is through our teamwork and through these children who have one major thing in common with us: the love of Jesus Christ.