JourneyMissions2010

Talofa!

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise. It was great to see the sun again. Many in our group get up early every morning to watch the sun rise over the ocean. We headed off to breakfast. Everyone is doing good with the food, trying new things everyday! We went to the chapel where we joined in with the student devotions for the morning. It was led by one of the instructors, who gave a very passionate and motivating talk on discipleship. I went and met with the president of the college for an hour and a half. We had a great talk. I found out he is part of a world council of churches. He told me about last year’s topic for the conference, which was defining the church. It was fascinating to hear how different countries and denominations answer that question. We also talked a lot about the economy of Samoa and its future.

While I was doing this, the team had team devotions next to the ocean next to a new fale (by the school pool for those that have been here before). It was led by Adam Arsenault, who I heard did a great job. Afterwards, our group met in the little chapel area, and unloaded all of our boxes. We sorted everything out and got organized for both camps. We then broke up into our camp teams to go over last minute details, and then made our way over to the big fale and field for Day One!

The kids started arriving 30 minutes before the camp was even started, so Jennie and Will had a group signing songs and playing games. Melissa is heading up our kids camp, and has done a wonderful job organizing her team and all the materials. The theme is Parables, and they opened with the Good Samaritan. Jennie, Katie and Ashley headed up the crafts, and Katei was amazed at how quiet the kids can be while putting stickers on papers. Will, Jason and Azalea are teaching the lessons, and Jason is still shocked at how good of listeners the kids are. Becca, Amanda and Drew are leading the games, and Amanda just loves the enthusiasm of the kids. While Bethany, the on the field first aid person, keeps track of everyone.

I am keeping the sports camp organized, and our four team captains are Molly, Adam, Matt, and Michael. We did soccer, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. Half-way through the camp, each captain gave their testimony to their teams. Matt was struck by one of the girls, who said that since we came here, the youth group has gotten a lot closer!

Day One of camp was a great success! I was just asked if it would be ok if a local village could also bring their kids for the rest of the camp, so it will get bigger today!! The night was closed off with eating another awesome meal, evaluation, and of course more games, but the team was worn out and didn’t stay up as late as usual.

Molly and I had a great conversation with a woman who sought us out. It was exciting to see God use Molly and her counseling gifts to help this woman with some difficult situations she has at home. There is a lot of this happening with our group.

I would like to thank everyone who has left comments here, I have passed them on the group, and it has brought great enthusiasm. Thanks for all the prayers, but keep them coming, the group is starting to get tired. Encourage them to give everything they have every day!