Friday was our last day of Vacation Bible School with the kids. They showered us with hugs and thanks, which helped perk us all up (waking up today was rough!).
The children love pool time, which happens every day after the final rotation of VBS. Several of us swam with them, and Tanner and Mitchell often had three or four kids hanging onto them at a time. It was sweet.
After swimming, the parents of all the participants joined us in the gym for a celebration of all the children had learned. The kids sang the VBS songs with lots of enthusiasm, and the parents seemed excited that they were singing so loudly in English. (Yee-haw!)
Following a short slideshow presentation of the week's activities, we all went outside to the church courtyard for Western-themed games and an American-style picnic, complete with hot dogs, chips, watermelon, and ice cream. Many of the kids had dressed up in western wear, and they loved the stick-on mustaches we gave out as prizes.
The students had a ball with all the activities: Jackie Taff and Mitchell George took pictures of the kids in a jail-style photo booth, Kim Howard and Kristin Rogers face-painted, Christy Young manned a bean-counting jar, Tanner Taff and Jeff Young helped the kids with a beanbag toss, and I gave out autograph sheets so kids could collect signatures.
It was the first "Family Night" the school/church had done, and according to the school's principal (who is also Pastor Jorge's daughter), it was a big success.
Friday evening after dinner, Pastor Jorge had us over to his house for dessert. He presented us all with Bibles and other souvenirs, and thanked us for our ministry. It was a perfect way to end our time in Spain.
Our travel day (Saturday) was mostly uneventful, thought two pieces of luggage will have to be re-united with their owners in a couple of days. Some of us planned to get a big glass of tea with lots of ICE once we landed. And we were looking forward to sleeping in our own beds. Ahh....
We are all back home now, and we're grateful for safe travel, new friendships, and those who made it possible for us to spend time in Denai. We'll miss our new friends and our Christian brothers and sisters at Iglesia Bautista and Alfa Omega School, but we are praying that the seeds of the gospel we planted this past week will take root and bear much fruit.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Day Four: Denia
Yesterday, Pastor Jorge took us sightseeing and the views were magnificent. We ended the tour by visiting the cemetery where many of his friends, family and church members were buried. He showed us bullet holes on one of the walls which had been put there by Franco's soldiers when he was dictator of Spain. Jorge's great-grandparents would listen for gunshots and go find the victims and care for the families (or help those who had been wounded but were still alive). That's how their church got started. WOW.
Jorge also showed us the wall that had separated the Catholic deceased from the Protestant deceased (and suicide victims). Up until forty years ago, Baptists were still persecuted. However, a mayor in recent years--who had gone to school with Jorge--gave the pastor and his church members a huge gift: they tore down the wall. Now, Jorge and his Catholic family members who have passed away no longer have a separating wall between them. It brought to my mind Ephesians 2:14, "For He is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
We have been so warmly received here by our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the volunteers and teachers here at the school/church/camp. There truly is no barrier between us besides language (which we can work around with broken Spanish/English, gestures and smiles). Many of the children are hungry for affection, which we freely give.
One English girl (whose parents are French and English) has stolen our hearts. She asked Tanner if we were leaving Friday and when he said yes, she responded, "Please stay." When we asked her whether she went to church, she said, "Yes! Twice a year, at Christmas and Easter." It's a common answer. We've learned that Spain is a very secular place, like much of the rest of Europe. Our presence and continued support of this sister church is much needed and much appreciated.
We are missing our friends and family (and pets), but God has truly given us an experience we will never forget.
Jorge also showed us the wall that had separated the Catholic deceased from the Protestant deceased (and suicide victims). Up until forty years ago, Baptists were still persecuted. However, a mayor in recent years--who had gone to school with Jorge--gave the pastor and his church members a huge gift: they tore down the wall. Now, Jorge and his Catholic family members who have passed away no longer have a separating wall between them. It brought to my mind Ephesians 2:14, "For He is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
We have been so warmly received here by our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the volunteers and teachers here at the school/church/camp. There truly is no barrier between us besides language (which we can work around with broken Spanish/English, gestures and smiles). Many of the children are hungry for affection, which we freely give.
One English girl (whose parents are French and English) has stolen our hearts. She asked Tanner if we were leaving Friday and when he said yes, she responded, "Please stay." When we asked her whether she went to church, she said, "Yes! Twice a year, at Christmas and Easter." It's a common answer. We've learned that Spain is a very secular place, like much of the rest of Europe. Our presence and continued support of this sister church is much needed and much appreciated.
We are missing our friends and family (and pets), but God has truly given us an experience we will never forget.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Day Three: Denia
The team had a great morning with our Spanish students. A
nice rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the kids, and cooled us off, as
well. Several children had learned John 3:16, the verse from yesterday, and
were excited to recite it for us. We pray they learn the Truth and reality of
the Person behind the words!
After lunch and swim time, we went downtown to shop and
partake of the local ice cream. Yum!
Tonight we were blessed and honored to be part of an
historic event. Ninety-three years ago today, the church we are serving with
held their first baptism. Many of those first converts went to the beach late
at night to avoid arrest. This evening, on the boardwalk near the beach, local
officials dedicated a statue in honor of that baptism---one of the only
non-government statues in Spain. We witnessed that brief ceremony, as well as a
baptism of twenty-five individuals in the Mediterranean Sea. One of those was a
team member, young Tyler Rogers. What a great experience! The sun was setting
as the church's worship team sang praise songs. It was truly unforgettable.
All of us have also enjoyed getting to know the young people
who are volunteering here ato camp for the summer. They are stellar, godly from
all over Europe, New Zealand, and the USA. Several are from Texas--Yee-haw!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Day Two: Denia, Spain
Today, the team led our first day of a western-theme Vacation Bible School for over 100 students of the Alfa Omega school, which is an outreach of our sister church.
The children were excited and energetic. They moved through stations, much like the kiddos do at LBC's VBS, for crafts with Christy Young, music with Regina George, drama with Kim Howard, Morgan and Micah Young, and Jackson Dyer, Bible stories with me (Dena Dyer0, recreation with Tanner Taff, Mitchell George, and Jeff Young. Jackie Taff and Kristin Rogers led the preschoolers through separate activities. All the kids swim in the campus' two pools after VBS, and many of our group joined them to build relationships.
The language barrier was a bit of an issue, but the school had teachers assisting each leader from Texas, so they helped translate when needed. The older kids speak very good English. All in all, we had few problems and felt like it was a really successful day. The theme for day one was God's "Ultimate Plan."
It's been an adjustment for some of us to have lunch at 2:00 (or later) and dinner at 8:30. The pace is more laid back, and that's nice. We enjoyed some of the local culture this afternoon during free time--snorkeling in the Mediterranean. (I know, I know--we're really suffering...)
Tomorrow, we look forward to a baptism ceremony on the beach, another day of VBS, and more relationship building.
Yee-haw!
The children were excited and energetic. They moved through stations, much like the kiddos do at LBC's VBS, for crafts with Christy Young, music with Regina George, drama with Kim Howard, Morgan and Micah Young, and Jackson Dyer, Bible stories with me (Dena Dyer0, recreation with Tanner Taff, Mitchell George, and Jeff Young. Jackie Taff and Kristin Rogers led the preschoolers through separate activities. All the kids swim in the campus' two pools after VBS, and many of our group joined them to build relationships.
The language barrier was a bit of an issue, but the school had teachers assisting each leader from Texas, so they helped translate when needed. The older kids speak very good English. All in all, we had few problems and felt like it was a really successful day. The theme for day one was God's "Ultimate Plan."
It's been an adjustment for some of us to have lunch at 2:00 (or later) and dinner at 8:30. The pace is more laid back, and that's nice. We enjoyed some of the local culture this afternoon during free time--snorkeling in the Mediterranean. (I know, I know--we're really suffering...)
Tomorrow, we look forward to a baptism ceremony on the beach, another day of VBS, and more relationship building.
Yee-haw!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Day One in Denia
Often during our trip to this beautiful Mediterranean town, we laughed so hard our sides hurt, and that made the journey bearable. I've been blessed to travel on many mission trips, but I have never been on a trip with a more positive, patient crew. During an exhausting, frustrating, stressful day, I didn't hear one unkind word spoken by a team member. Amazing! Jesus shines through each one of them. God has already given us great memories, and we're sure to make many more.
This morning, we woke up to an incredible view...WOW...and then our hosts treated us to a delicious breakfast. We were welcomed with hospitality and Christian fellowship to our sister church's worship service, in which Pastor Jorge and the congregation prayed over us. What joy to sing in one spirit with our family in Christ.
Regina and I were honored to sing "Lord, I Need You," and the words spoke to my heart--as they have many times. We desperately need Him to give us strength, endurance, health, patience, boldness, and compassion this week...we're also already praying for an uneventful trip home!
This afternoon, we took a much-needed "siesta" and planned for VBS. Tonight, we'll have supper, meet with our hosts, and decorate our rooms. VBS begins in the morning, and though we'll have help in translating our message, please pray for the Holy Spirit to translate more than words to the children. Pray that Jesus will be evident on our faces as we share the story of the gospel. Pray that the children who come expecting games, drama, and recreation (and swimming--the church/school has a pool and VBS includes swim time) will find MUCH more. Pray that they find a Savior who is waiting to welcome them in.
Until manana. :)
Friday, June 20, 2014
Spain Mission Trip
Mission trips are all about flexibility, trusting God and adventure; and just five hours into the trip to Denia, this intrepid group of travelers has had the chance to experience all three.
Our flight to London had mechanical issues (some sort of leak in the galley, and then another leak near a wheel well) right away, so we didn't get off the ground. Thankfully, American Airlines had another plane for us, which we hope to board soon.
Everyone is keeping a great attitude--even the little guys (Jackson and Tyler). We've teased Tanner about spilling a water bottle on the plane and perhaps causing the leak 😉
Seriously, we are glad to be given a plane with NO problems, and whether we have to take a bus, train or burro to Denia, we WILL get there...eventually.
😃
Our flight to London had mechanical issues (some sort of leak in the galley, and then another leak near a wheel well) right away, so we didn't get off the ground. Thankfully, American Airlines had another plane for us, which we hope to board soon.
Everyone is keeping a great attitude--even the little guys (Jackson and Tyler). We've teased Tanner about spilling a water bottle on the plane and perhaps causing the leak 😉
Seriously, we are glad to be given a plane with NO problems, and whether we have to take a bus, train or burro to Denia, we WILL get there...eventually.
😃
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)