Tuesday, July 23, 2013
2013 BLOG!
Follow our blog for our 2013 trip! We are excited to go back again for the 4th time:) click the link!> 2013 blog
Saturday, August 11, 2012
VBS Day 5~Celebrate!
The morning was spent packing and cleaning Father Mark's. We got to the school and started preparing the food for lunch. We prepared 175 hot dogs and 40 hamburgers for our picnic lunch (only 20 hot dogs remained at the end). We also had chips and sweets to finish off the meal. The Southend kids were excited to join us and showed up even before the scheduled time. We celebrated the last day by singing their favorites songs. The joy filled the room and was such an inspiration. We knew that the Holy Spirit was at work!
Saying goodbye was hard - we made many new friends this past week and rekindled friendships from prior years. There were tears from them as well as from our team members. The relationships have intensified over the years as we have shared our love and the love of Christ. When we say we will see you next summer, they now trust that we will return. We are privileged to have been a part of what God is already doing in Southend. We provide hope and love to them while they provide love and joy to us!
Thank-you for following our blog and thank-you for your prayers and support. This Journey for Jesus is not over....this was just one leg of the trip. We look forward to Southend 2013!
Heading down the hill from the school to Father Mark's to say more good-byes.
The Southend Rocks...
Thursday, August 9, 2012
VBS DAY 4 ~ Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life
We had 102 children register for today's VBS and we gave each of the kids a special t-shirt that we had made. It said "Jesus Loves Southend" and we had an image of rocks and someone jumping off the rocks which is what they like to do. We used the shirt as a visual reminder of Jesus' love for them and our love for them. The kids love to sign things so we thought it would be a great momento and so our craft for the day was autographing each others' shirts.
The lesson for the day was "Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life" and so we taught them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The kids have done a great job of memorizing the daily Bible verse and today's verse was "In my Father's house there are many rooms." John 14:2 The music this year has been a big hit and the kids have been very joyous and energetic in their singing and actions. The challenge has been in keeping the kids back far enough so everyone can see.
The weather did not cooperate so our whole team was unable to go to an island and net the fish for our shore lunch. The silver lining was that we enjoyed our last full afternoon and evening with the Southend kids. At one point, we had 38 people in the house doing crafts and singing the VBS songs! It was very busy but very fun. Some of our team members were able to go with Joseph to pull the nets and bring home the fish. A couple of local men (Joseph and Hector) cleaned the fish and cooked them over a wood fire for us. It was a wonderful meal and we enjoyed visiting with them.
This was the last night for soccer camp and tomorrow will be the last day of VBS. We are hosting a picnic for the kids and family members of both the VBS and Soccer programs. This week has gone by so fast ~ it is hard to believe our time in Southend is almost over. We are already looking forward to next year when we return, and so are the kids.
VBS Team 2012 with Father Mark
The image on the t-shirt we gave all of the Southend kids. It says "Jesus Loves Southend".
Shirt signing with Molly
A lot of autographs!
The lesson for the day was "Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life" and so we taught them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The kids have done a great job of memorizing the daily Bible verse and today's verse was "In my Father's house there are many rooms." John 14:2 The music this year has been a big hit and the kids have been very joyous and energetic in their singing and actions. The challenge has been in keeping the kids back far enough so everyone can see.
The weather did not cooperate so our whole team was unable to go to an island and net the fish for our shore lunch. The silver lining was that we enjoyed our last full afternoon and evening with the Southend kids. At one point, we had 38 people in the house doing crafts and singing the VBS songs! It was very busy but very fun. Some of our team members were able to go with Joseph to pull the nets and bring home the fish. A couple of local men (Joseph and Hector) cleaned the fish and cooked them over a wood fire for us. It was a wonderful meal and we enjoyed visiting with them.
This was the last night for soccer camp and tomorrow will be the last day of VBS. We are hosting a picnic for the kids and family members of both the VBS and Soccer programs. This week has gone by so fast ~ it is hard to believe our time in Southend is almost over. We are already looking forward to next year when we return, and so are the kids.
VBS Team 2012 with Father Mark
The image on the t-shirt we gave all of the Southend kids. It says "Jesus Loves Southend".
Notice the "t" in Southend is a Cross!
Shirt signing with Molly
A lot of autographs!
LAMP Soccer Team
Front row Messiah members: Amanda, Celia, Kate, Dominique and Molly
Back row: James, Dan, Andreas, and Stephan
Day 3 ~ Jesus, the Fulfillment of God's Promise
This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! It's a beautiful morning in Southend and the children are already out at the rocks swimming!! We start our day as a team with Bible Study at 9:30 based on what we are teaching the children each day. We enjoyed an additional teaching from Father Mark about how covenants were made in the Old Testament days and how this connects with the new covenant and Jesus' sacrifice for all of us. After Bible study, we have brunch together and then head to the school to prepare. We were all happy to see Ron Ludke, director of LAMP, who visited us yesterday.
On Day 3 of VBS, we taught the children about Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise God made to Adam and Eve after the first sin. The children love to sing, and each day their voices are stronger. There is so much joy in the gym!! The children who range in age from 10 - 12 enjoyed a soccer game with the LAMP soccer team! Great interest builder for next year's soccer camp and so much fun! After craft time, the care packages made by Messiah VBS kids were given to the children...they loved them. Thank you, Messiah VBS!! Also thanks to Dr Raab who donated toothbrushes and toothpaste!
After VBS, there is time at Father Mark's and at the rocks...swimming, kick baseball, wiffle ball and other games with the younger children. Everyone has enjoyed continuing crafts at Father Mark's such as God's Eyes, Thumb Print creatures, bracelets and coloring. All this time provides many opportunities to talk with children in smaller groupings. We are already saddened at the prospect of leaving tomorrow because we love these children so much. Some of the kids on our team have said that they wished this week wouldn't come to an end. God has been so good to us!
Molly, Celia, Amanda, Dominique and Kate join the Soccer Camp from 6:30 to well past dark. They are enjoying this so much and each night, there are more Southend kids who participate! The kids play for an hour and take a water break. At that time, someone shares a testimony. After that, there is more play and then the food comes out and is quickly consumed by the very hungry soccer players. Last night, Dan, one of the soccer players shared Peter's perspective on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Each night, there is teaching and sharing around the fire. Adults from our team assist in preparing the camp fire, setting up chairs and food preparation and serving. It is fun for us to see our former VBS kids and continue a relationship with them. Molly will blog more about her adventures in soccer camp soon.
Today our lesson is Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life. We will pass out T-shirts which say "Jesus Loves Southend" and the kids and adults will all have the chance to "autograph" them. Our friend, Joseph, has set some nets on the lake and our team will travel by boat to an island to help pull up the nets and prepare a "shore dinner."
Thank you for all your support and prayers! "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His Name is exhalted." Isaiah 12:3.
Music Time!
On Day 3 of VBS, we taught the children about Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise God made to Adam and Eve after the first sin. The children love to sing, and each day their voices are stronger. There is so much joy in the gym!! The children who range in age from 10 - 12 enjoyed a soccer game with the LAMP soccer team! Great interest builder for next year's soccer camp and so much fun! After craft time, the care packages made by Messiah VBS kids were given to the children...they loved them. Thank you, Messiah VBS!! Also thanks to Dr Raab who donated toothbrushes and toothpaste!
After VBS, there is time at Father Mark's and at the rocks...swimming, kick baseball, wiffle ball and other games with the younger children. Everyone has enjoyed continuing crafts at Father Mark's such as God's Eyes, Thumb Print creatures, bracelets and coloring. All this time provides many opportunities to talk with children in smaller groupings. We are already saddened at the prospect of leaving tomorrow because we love these children so much. Some of the kids on our team have said that they wished this week wouldn't come to an end. God has been so good to us!
Molly, Celia, Amanda, Dominique and Kate join the Soccer Camp from 6:30 to well past dark. They are enjoying this so much and each night, there are more Southend kids who participate! The kids play for an hour and take a water break. At that time, someone shares a testimony. After that, there is more play and then the food comes out and is quickly consumed by the very hungry soccer players. Last night, Dan, one of the soccer players shared Peter's perspective on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Each night, there is teaching and sharing around the fire. Adults from our team assist in preparing the camp fire, setting up chairs and food preparation and serving. It is fun for us to see our former VBS kids and continue a relationship with them. Molly will blog more about her adventures in soccer camp soon.
Today our lesson is Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life. We will pass out T-shirts which say "Jesus Loves Southend" and the kids and adults will all have the chance to "autograph" them. Our friend, Joseph, has set some nets on the lake and our team will travel by boat to an island to help pull up the nets and prepare a "shore dinner."
Thank you for all your support and prayers! "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His Name is exhalted." Isaiah 12:3.
Having fun with the new toothbrushes from Messiah VBS!
Music Time!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
VBS DAY 2 - Man fell into Sin and God makes us a Promise
Our second day of VBS was another success with at least 88 kids registering. Some of the Southend kids that attended VBS in the past and are now too old for this program have volunteered to help this year with things like registration and crafts. It is encouraging and rewarding to see that they want to be involved and are so supportive. One of them (Diana), when asked what the best thing was that happened in the last year responded with the comment "when you guys came last summer". She is also the one who was overheard telling the younger kids that we ( the Messiah team) only come once a year and they need to be respectful and pay attention. It was heartwarming because we have known her since the first year when she at first said that VBS wasn't fun. We hope we are instilling a passion and desire for future Christian leaders in this community.
The day was filled with the VBS, game playing at Father Marks, Soccer Camp and fellowship. Our time is passing quickly and we hope to continue to be blessed with opportunities to make a difference. God is definitely here in Southend!
Father Mark and his bell ringing vehicle that drives through Southend to remind the kids to go to VBS. With Ben, Luke, Caleb and local friend Kevin.
The day was filled with the VBS, game playing at Father Marks, Soccer Camp and fellowship. Our time is passing quickly and we hope to continue to be blessed with opportunities to make a difference. God is definitely here in Southend!
Father Mark and his bell ringing vehicle that drives through Southend to remind the kids to go to VBS. With Ben, Luke, Caleb and local friend Kevin.
Sidewalk chalk with the pre-schoolers
Tug of War!
God's Eye Craft - a favorite from last year. Dominique with her craft group.
Swimming at "The Rocks" - this is the place they hang out daily
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
VBS DAY 1 - GOD CREATED US
Our first day of VBS was a busy and exciting day with 106 kids joining us! We are so happy that God brought all of those kids to VBS. There were a lot of familiar faces and a lot of new faces. The lesson and theme today was about how God created each of us and we are special to Him. A typical day consists of the opening with music, coloring, tattoos and free time in the gym. This is followed by singing, teaching the kids a Bible verse through a game, a skit, a puppet show, and then game time. After that we have snacks, music, and crafts. The VBS starts at 1:00 each day with the morning being filled with a team Bible study and the preparations for the day.
After VBS we walked down the hill to Father Marks where there was a gathering of kids ranging in age from 3-13. We spend time with them playing kick baseball and other games with the smaller kids.
This is the first year for soccer camp with about 20 Southend teenagers participating! There are four young men traveling from LAMP who spend their summer hosting soccer camps for teenagers in the Cree communities. They are doing it at the same time as our VBS so that there is something available for all of the kids in the community. Messiah is supporting this by having some of our females be a part of their team since we want Southend males and females to be comfortable participating. Molly is a counselor joined by Amanda, Celia, Dominique and Kate. This made for a long day for the girls since they were involved in the VBS as well. The soccer camp starts at 7:00 each night.
We were very pleased with the lives we were able to touch today through both programs and during our free time. Your continued prayers are appreciated as we continue to share Gods love.
Soccer Camp - notice the long grass soccer field
After VBS we walked down the hill to Father Marks where there was a gathering of kids ranging in age from 3-13. We spend time with them playing kick baseball and other games with the smaller kids.
This is the first year for soccer camp with about 20 Southend teenagers participating! There are four young men traveling from LAMP who spend their summer hosting soccer camps for teenagers in the Cree communities. They are doing it at the same time as our VBS so that there is something available for all of the kids in the community. Messiah is supporting this by having some of our females be a part of their team since we want Southend males and females to be comfortable participating. Molly is a counselor joined by Amanda, Celia, Dominique and Kate. This made for a long day for the girls since they were involved in the VBS as well. The soccer camp starts at 7:00 each night.
We were very pleased with the lives we were able to touch today through both programs and during our free time. Your continued prayers are appreciated as we continue to share Gods love.
Adam and Eve (Ben and Angela)
I've got the "joy, Joy, JOY!"
Craft time! A book of this weeks Bible verses.
Soccer Camp - notice the long grass soccer field
Monday, August 6, 2012
And Then There Was Light!
Our latest adventure on this trip was when the power went out for 17 hours. That happened later in the afternoon so we had already been to church with Father Mark and had the soccer team over for brunch. Because the power went out we couldn't reherse any songs or skits because there was no light or electricity. Instead we passed out invitations with some of the kids from Southend to people's homes. The yard was full of our team and Southend kids as we played kick baseball, painted nails, and had games for the little kids. There was about 50 kids that we spent time with and gave out snacks to (provided by Messiah members).
MEALS ON WHEELS~Because the electricity went out we were not able to provide food for the 21 mission workers. Plan A was to cook on the kitchen stove, Plan B was to use the gas grill which ended up not working either. Plan C was created by Father Mark. It involved by putting chuncks of rock and sand into a wheelbarrow. He then put scraps of wood in, torched it, placed a grate over on top, and then we were ready to prepare our Meals on Wheels.
MEALS ON WHEELS~Because the electricity went out we were not able to provide food for the 21 mission workers. Plan A was to cook on the kitchen stove, Plan B was to use the gas grill which ended up not working either. Plan C was created by Father Mark. It involved by putting chuncks of rock and sand into a wheelbarrow. He then put scraps of wood in, torched it, placed a grate over on top, and then we were ready to prepare our Meals on Wheels.
Brian, Father Mark, and Barb cooking dinner in the wheelbarrow
Yard Games - waiting for their turn in kick baseball and interacting with the Southend kids
Brian and Dave with the cross they built for VBS
We are now starting our Monday with Bible Study and Brunch, then it is off to school for our first day of VBS. We are so Excited to see what God has planned for the day!
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