MilesAhead.TV

While many hours were put into play in preparing for the children’s ministry portion of this trip, only God could really call the shots on where we’d be and what we were going to do. One of the reoccurring lessons the children’s team faced was the fact that we needed to be flexible. We needed to be prepared. We needed to have complete faith in the purpose of God’s mighty call.

Daily schedules were given out weeks in advance, however upon arrival and even up until the moment we stepped onto the bus for the day’s lineup, anything could change. Wednesday was a great example of exactly that. The team of 27 was still split in two and scheduled to regroup at one final stop in the late afternoon. We were always eager to find out just a hint of how many children to expect. Of course, that information was never accurately released - can you wonder why God made it that way?

One group of ladies (and a gentleman) eagerly headed out to a school, told to expect approximately 120-some children. Were they in for something that was going to blow their mind. As they got to the school, the reality of 120 kids quickly faded and revealed 800-some kids! With no PA system for a setting in the great Jamaican outdoors, the team lead the children in worship, a short message and prayer. One member of this group continues to say, “You just have to be flexible.” Nothing had gone according to plan for them this entire week for the team, but they reached out to the children with such fire.

Our other group had a full lineup, too. Ready to visit 3 different schools throughout day, that agenda was altered as well. Word traveled quickly about the children’s team from school to school as local outreach ministry guides enthusiastically arranged for more visits each day. An extra school was added and what a joy it was to be with those children. It was definitely less affluent than the earlier campuses by the looks of its schoolroom and playground. Though it was small, it was evident that there was much pride in their humble beginning. We quickly started our program by singing at the top of our lungs. Every school has had its unique flavor, but the surprised smiles on the faces of these children at this tiny school will never be forgotten.

Another added stop of the day was a visit to the nearby straw market. “Pass out rave cards and tell them about the crusade!” was the objective. We didn’t sign up for the street evangelism team, but it didn’t matter. Spreading the news and maybe even having an opportunity to pray over someone couldn’t be passed up. For an hour and a half, the team mingled with the vendors, passed out fliers and absorbed a little more of the culture. A few of the ladies even had a moment to lead one man to Christ and encourage that new commitment with a prayer.

Looking back on the week thus far, God showered us with so many divine appointments. From onlooking kids who wanted to experience the programming but couldn’t because their parents weren’t well off enough, yet heard a story anyway, to children praying for us, how could we have said, “No,” when another stop was requested? The truth is, if we are obedient to a call, in responding to that call we will be blessed many times over.

The point to all of this? Don’t question God when He calls- just get ready and GO.