Clean Team Adventures - 2/27/08
Wow, this was one exciting day! We all woke with the sunrise to prepare for our second day out at Ventanilla. Children ran eagerly from all directions when the bus carrying sixteen sunburned gringos drove through the streets. Soon all the children were sorted out into three classes and the kid’s program was once again under way. Things ran surprisingly smoothly for the first rotation, as the sounds of Bible stories, verses, lunch preparation, and tooth brushing instructions rang through the air. That was all to change in only a short time…
It wasn’t long before news of “regales” from the Americans spread throughout the streets, and suddenly more kids than anyone would know existed in that part of Ventanilla started running in. Unfortunately the gate was left unlocked and unattended, and pretty soon an official mob started forming around the clean team area. Organized lesson time turned into mass chaos, as cries of “mi, mi” became the only audible sounds. 500 hygiene kits brought by Amy and Ben were gone all too soon, and it was heartbreaking having to say “no tenemos mas regales” to at least another hundred kids that hadn’t gotten anything. The needs of these precious people, both physical and spiritual, are beyond imagination. Only Jesus is the true answer, and we were blessed with several opportunities to clearly share the Gospel with the children. Rope tricks, verses, and Bible stories were the methods of planting seeds today, and we pray that a great eternal harvest will result.
The afternoon consisted of a quick stop to drop off some dirty laundry to be washed (yea!), celebrate three birthdays at a restaurant called “Pardo’s”, and clean up for the kid’s program in Callao. The theme of the night was responsibility, with the specific application of maintaining a clear conscience. The evening was highlighted by a hilarious rendition of the Hockenstock story, performed by five very talented actors. Elizabeth, Lacey, Ben, Christie, and Daniel kept us all laughing with their creative jokes, costumes, and stunts, and the kids received an excellent visual of the necessity for telling the truth.
We are so blessed with the opportunity to be here, and are having an absolutely amazing time. So many different needs, yet one answer for them all – Jesus Christo. Please continue to pray that we will serve the Lord effectively during our time here, make the most of every opportunity, and glorify God through our actions and words. As we drive through the city, we see so many needy, hurt, and lonely souls watching at us, showing even through their eyes a longing for something more. We continue to labor for the Lord, praying for lasting fruit in the lives of many for the glory of God.
Amy, for the Team
A small taste of the enormity of Ventanilla. Even this doesn't come close to doing it justice.
Ben teaching the Story Team.
Preparing lunch for 600 kids - Elizabeth, Nate, and Jacob working together with a bunch of Peruvian ladies to put together sandwiches and pour drinks.
Charlie trying very hard to pass out tracts and getting mobbed. Wouldn't you love to be mobbed when you are trying to share the Gospel?
Click here for more reports from this team...