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.
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.
