Click on the thumbnails below for a larger Picture
|
May 9 2006 Having enough crafts for 100 children has been like an
insurance policy this year. Usually we only prepare for 50-55 children. It has
been nice not to have to worry this time that we will not have enough crafts.
:) On Monday we had 53 participants (and 6 adult teachers and 1
parent), and on Tuesday we had 63 participants (with 6 adult teachers and 2
nannies). This is really about the maximum number our front porch, driveway and
yard can hold. To be honest, 60 is comfortable, but 71 is fringing on crowded.
But what a wonderful blessing to have so many--both old and new too! 21 children have memorized both of their Bible verses this
year. We expect that 2 more will be added to the list today--the children of a
Filipino Christian teacher here. On Thursday night we will buy the reward gifts
for these children. This year it will be a shirt/blouse. So many of them have
so little in the way of nice clothes. I have recognized several wearing the one
they earned last year for perfect attendance. :) This year we will give school supplies for perfect
attendance. For one day--a small pencil sharpener, for two days--2 pencils, for
3 days--an eraser, 4 days--a ruler, and 5 days will be a pencil case to keep it
all in. This is all standard and expected equipment for Filipino schools, so it
will be most welcome! Far better for their teeth than the candy we gave in
years past. :( This year we were not able to get help from the Kid's EE
team at our church. However, our Thursday and Friday lessons will be evangelistic.
So, it will be up to our teacher, Romy, to explain and give opportunity for the
children to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. He has been excellent at giving
an invitation in years past and we can see the fruit of that in several
children's lives. We all learned some valuable lessons yesterday about how to
distribute craft materials. It was chaotic as we had to make sure each child
had 8 different Bible verses. I know better what to do the next time around. :) Thanks much for your prayers! B
|
|
May 13 2006 Everyone agreed that this was indeed the best Bible Club we
have ever had! Thursday was such a wonderful day! The children came forward
for Pastor Romy to pray for them individually. We were all suprised at their
openess to the Gospel. The crowns they made for their craft were special
favorites! It was fun to see the look on their faces as they put them on their
heads. It was also tremendously encouraging to realize that some of these
children will one day receive a crown in glory! Here in Davao we have rain, but it mostly comes in the
evening hours. Only a few days of the year have rain during daytime. In all the
years we have held a Bible Club, we have never had rain. This year was
exceptional in that way too as it rained on us on Wednesday and Friday. A
typhoon came through the northern Philippines and we got some of the feeder
bands. No wind, just rain. On Friday there was even lightning and thunder to
remind us of the tremendous power of God and His ability to keep us safe--even
when it is scary at times. :) Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you how many children we
had. On Wednesday there were 73 children--Thursday and Friday were an all time
high of 77! The increased numbers made it even harder when it rained, but the
resiliency of the Filipino spirit is a beautiful thing to behold! Everyone took
it all in stride and carried on in spite of the inclement weather. 25 children (1/3) learned all 5 Bible verses. 3 others
learned one verse and one of the younger boys learned 2 of the verses. We gave
those with perfect verses a T-shirt and school supplies. For perfect
attendence--there were 48--I resorted to candy again this year. There were just
far too many to try and get them an individualized gift. So... we bought a
toothbrush and toothpaste for each one also. So many of the children have no
way to care for their teeth. One of the Cebuano teachers gave a little talk on
dental care too. :) Thank heavens for cheaper products from China. :) Thanks once again for your part in making this all possible!
We could not do this without you! Please be in prayer for our next Bible Club the week of May
22-26. Serving together, R & B |