Welcome back! Thanks to those who read the last blog. This blog is not being written at 10 at night so hopefully the amount of errors won't be as much. Thanks for hanging in with me as I get back into the swing of things.
We started off Monday with a total of zero coming to VBS. It was Memorial Day and the kids were busy cleaning up the graves of the ones that gone on before them. It gave me a chance to learn more about the people helped made it possible for the kids to be where they are today. The time it took for them to hunt, to gather, to fish and to survive. Memories flooded into my mind of people that taken time to invest into my life that have since gone to be the Lord. To be grateful to those who gave their life to make it possible to have the freedom to do what we do today.
It was a good day to go for a walk. We decided to check out the store. As we walked past the playground we saw three kids but kept on walking not wanting to be scary. Turns out the store was closed as we found ourselves walking right past those kiddos again. We stopped and introduced ourselves. They said their names and I instantly knew that I had seen them before. I had prayed specifically for them before. They had been at VBS a couple summers ago. Of course they had forgotten me and didn't remember much. They got to be introduced to the team and we played mouse on ground. We invited them to VBS the next day. That night we got a knock on the church door wondering about so the word was getting out more that we doing it.
The village of Ekwok held it's clean up day on Tuesday, as not to interrupt with that we decided to have VBS later. Before VBS we decided to walk and pick up garbage along the way. When we got to the gas pump there was a young man who got out of a pickup and called my name. Turns out it was one of the kids I had my first year. It was great to be able to reconnect with him for a little bit. It's always a joy to see those you've taught previous year and seen just how much they've grown.
We still had some time before VBS so we went to the store and it was open. We were able to talk about VBS while we were at the store. That day we had 6 kids and 1 youth come to VBS! It seemed like we had our hands full compared to none the day before. With the busyness of VBS that day it was wonderful to be able to go have some pizza and jello at one of the locals house. It was wonderful way to end the day.
Imagine something with me for a moment. You're camping out in the church without plumbing. Using a camp kettle you make some soup and set out items for wraps on the table. You're all sitting down looking to make sure everything is on the table when you hear this sudden loud knocks on the door. For a second you wonder who could it be? You say come in and Jeremy walks in. To make up for his unannounced presence we made him pray for the meal. (For those of who don't know Jeremy is one of the pilots and also a preacher in Naknek. We know him.)
Wednesday VBS we ended up going to the playground to have our game time over there. There were some kids already at the playground and we got the chance to invite those kids to VBS too. A conversation between 2 kids at the playground was, "Have you've been to VBS?" "No, I'm in kindergarten." "Bible is better." We actually had some songs and a puppet skit left to do that they got to join in on that day. It was a joy to continue to add our numbers.
In evenings it can get a little boring just hanging out in the church so we went for a team walk. After the walk Zach went to go play with some kids. After a half an hour the girls decided to see what he was up to. He was playing basketball. We ended up hanging out with them until 11 at night. The sun is still up and it was sunny so you have to use those times when you have them.
Thursday we were longing to have some of the kids that were there previous times. More came as we continued to do VBS. The youth was willing to do puppets for us which was a joy to see his excitement to give it a go! We had some for a hour after VBS. That same youth that did an after VBS prayer that was so sweet it all of us girls got a glisten in our eyes. After supper we played basketball in the rain with them.
Friday morning came much to Zach's dismay. One because he's not the most energetic person in the morning. (I'm not a morning person either.). He also told some kids he'd jump into the river with them. It was the lows 50s most of this last week. The kids showed up to the church VBS to jump in. Zach, the youth and a kid went in. It was cold but they were refreshed. Everyone was safe and able to join us for lunch.
I could end the blog right here and you would still be able to see God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. A smile comes across my face as there is one more day to write about. Now it's happy tears because I'm an emotional human being.
We were praying this week. We were praying for wisdom with what to do with the different dynamics that we have in our students. We were praying for protection. We were praying for the kids by name. I know you guys were praying too!
Friday VBS we had 7 kids come to VBS we decided to spilt up lesson time to better cater to the needs of the students. Jennifer and I took the younger ones and Zach and Katy took the older ones. During the youngers' lesson we were able to share the Gospel through the use of a cube that tells the story. Katy and Zach were able to share the Gospel with the older ones. Towards the end of the lesson a student wanted to receive this free gift. Turns out all of the older ones did!
Not knowing this was going to happen we had arranged earlier in the week for Bibles to be
delivered to the kids. They got to the village 30 minutes after they had received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That is all except one of the Bibles.
Last summer in wanting to give Bibles out but still waiting for some to be bought we packed Bibles with the purpose to give away. Katy was the only one that gave one away. We've carried them with since though waiting for the Lord to put someone in lives that we can pass it on to. This week Zach was able to give his Bible away to the youth. I wish I could accurately describe the moment the youth got the Bible. I wish I could accurately describe his joy when he realized Zach wrote a prayer for him on the inside. I wish I could accurately describe the moment Zach prayer over him while the youth gripped the Bible in his hands.
Thank you! Thank for reading this blog! Thank you for praying! Thank you for the Bibles, crafts, snacks, food, gas money for planes, and other things I'm probably forgetting. We are grateful for the wonderful kingdom that we get to be a part of.
Leaving behind: Please pray for these kiddos to read their Bibles or have adults read them to them.
Going ahead we are in Manokotak this next week. Our housing there currently isn't available so we are planning to fly in everyday. Prayers for safety in flying. Prayers that Lord willing we could be able to find housing. Prayers for the hearts in the village. Prayers that we would be willing to raise the additional funds to cover the cost flying everyday if we can't find housing. We are planning doing our most expensive option this week because it's worth it for the kids to hear it. God is doing something and we are just along for the ride. Knowing that how we start the week doesn't mean that God won't be able to use the week.
Disclaimer it now after 10 at night when I'm writing it. I started before 10 though!
Let us know your prayer requests and praises! We'd love to rejoice and seek the Lord on your behalf and on behalf of your loved ones.
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