VBS Fishing for Men

We started our day by conducting a VBS at the church that was on the site of the medical clinic. Between 60-70 children came and participated. We began the fun with some singing and then Jack fascinated the kids with magic tricks. Then we performed a short skit telling the story of Peter, James, and John learning how to be fishers of men. Elaine narrated the skit and Austin, Nick, and Dare played the apostles.  Danny played the part of Jesus and the cast was supported by Bev, Rachel, and Patty. The kids loved it as a few of them got caught in the nets as examples of what Jesus really meant.

When the play was over, the kids broke up into groups to perform a craft that Kim Nuss developed. They made fish out of old CDs, gluing on eyes, fins, and scales. It was fun to walk outside and see the kids wearing these around their necks. It was a lot of bling for such small bodies. J The morning concluded with the team going to the feeding center below and feeding the children lunch.

In the afternoon we went back to central church to conduct the same event there and everything went great. I even saw kids wearing those CD/Fish the next morning.

Our day concluded with a special event. Eating hotdogs and watching the Louisville Cards beat Witchita State. Have we already made it to heaven?

Pictures coming.

Chris

 

Watching Jack do his magic!

Singing

Peter, James, and John with Jesus

The little ones are captivated

Fishing for men!

Elaine getting Ready for crafts

Lana and Sandy getting ready for crafts.

Go Cards!

Day 3

Today the teams went back to digging and back to the medical clinic. The medical clinic saw 216 patients today and one case really stood out. A young girl who was around 8 years old came into the clinic with severe scoliosis. Dr. Lawson examined the child and determined that she really needs medical attention in the United States. Please be in prayer about this young girl. The trip will take tremendous planning and logistics to organize a Visa, transportation, a hospital, doctor, and accommodations for the family. We would ask you all to pray this family and what you should do to help.

Following the medical clinic, we visited the feeding center below. We had a great time with the children and saw the Lord’s face in each one of them.  These families have so little but by looking at the happy children, you would not know it.

Patty Bleau is doing a great job painting a mural in the nursery of the main church. Everyone who stops by takes a peek in and gets excited as the finished product is close at hand.

Tonight the St. John families that sponsored GO Children had a dinner with the children and their families that they sponsored.  It is very special to be able to sit down with the child you sponsor every month and get to know their families. Jesus Christ is shared in a very special way in this ministry.

As I write this, I think about being here 6 years ago. There is no doubt that God is working in the ministry and through Will and Audrey. Since I last came more churches have been built and opened to feed the needy and spread the Gospel. More and more people and coming down to be the hands and feet of Christ and new church leaders are being developed and challenged to start working with the churches, giving the pastors opportunities to rest and recharge. I see joy in more faces, healthier children, stronger families, and passion for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Chances are we will not be able to see the results of the earth we moved or the patients we treated but that is how God works. Some people plant, some people harvest, others walk by and enjoy the beauty are their paths never cross, but God’s plan is accomplished in His time and through many hands and feet.


Chris

Jackie delivering books to the school.

Louis "Man'in Up"

Team Smith 

The bucket brigade!

Dentist from Illinois

St John at a GO feeding center.

Post Arm-Wrestling with the guys

Jack kept everyone entertained with his magic and dancing!

Patty working on the mural in the nursery of the Central church

The Big Dig in the DR

Hola from the Dominican Republic.

Everyone arrived safely. Day one of our mission trip started out with a hike and a worship experience next to a natural waterfall which was absolutely beautiful. As Will led us in worship, we discussed the reasons for our trip and being visitors in a foreign land. It was great to hear each family’s comments on why they made the trip and we all felt in one accord. This was a good thing, because after worship and lunch most of our team began digging a deep trench about 5 ft deep to aide in the construction of a medical clinic that will serve the community. It was very hot and the earth was mostly clay and a little tough to dig in, but as we all worked together it was wonderful to see the hands and feet of Jesus Christ working to serve others.

The rest of our team went to set up for a medical clinic that was led by a local doctor, Dr. Lawson, and a dentist from Chicago. They sorted medication and got organized as there were high expectations as to how many people would come the next day.

We closed the day with a dinner of….wait for it……wait for it……Chicken and Rice blessed by the song of “Give Thanks” sung at meals by every St John team since the “Bakers Dozen” in 2007.

Our second day began back at the Dig Site and with the opening of the Medical Clinic. The team made great progress on the dig and the medical team saw about 200 patients. We took a mid-day break and visited “The Hole” where 500 Dominican families live in an abandoned city dump. The church there is flourishing under the guidance of Pastor Felix. As we entered the area, which is made up of make shift houses, we were greeted by smiling children who immediate jumped on our backs for a ride down to the church. It is hard to believe how happy they were amidst such conditions. We were blessed to serve them lunch in the church which occurs every day and supported by GO ministries.

We finished our day back at the worksite and came back to no power and no water. But God blessed us with a wonderful rooftop breeze and more chicken and rice.

A special shout out to Daddy Nuss, the girls want you to know that they love you and take care of the dog!

And for Angela, Nick is doing great and playing with a ton of Dominican kids.

Blessings!

Chris Smith