..."I'm blown away by His love for me"

Evening all!

I apologies for our late post, especially since yesterday's is missing! The last two days seem to have slipped away from us in the midst of song, dance, baking and paper crane folding.

Kids club seems to be attracting one or two more children every day, which is giving us a manageable and steady increase in numbers, and we are loving it. Tuesday was all about the monkey football, which was enjoyed by all ages. It is a new favourite and is a great opportunity for children who are a little more shy to get involved. Naomi taught on the miracle of Jesus walking on water, and completely engaged the children with her own failed attempt at it. It's funny how simple examples can completely engage a child, and help them learn and understand concepts.

We started practicing the drama that is to be performed on Sunday, and the children are finding the characters funny, and are all involved in some aspect of the performance, although we leaders are trying our best to be able to make it as dynamic as possible within a week, which is a little more stressful than we were prepared for, although really we should have seen that coming. Regardless, we have complete faith that the children will do their best and that it is a great tool for bringing families into the church on Sunday! Please pray for us!

Some of the kids came to us today saying that they love the grace we sing before our (healthy) snack times. And want to sing it before every meal, and in between. It's encouraging to hear that they are taking some of the little things away with them.

After Kids Club, and an amazing lunch when we were blessed with a free tray of sushi by the local sushi restaurant (for some of us it was our first try of Sushi, and the reactions were positive!), we began hard work for the Acoustic Night. Some of us spent the day (rather happily I may add) completely in the church, folding paper cranes, moving musical instruments, rehearsing, hanging fairy lights and, best of all, baking. The acoustic night was a wonderful success, with a lot of unknown faces, and a packed out hall. Phil courageously and honestly shared his testimony which was well received and generated some discussion amongst those who have little prior experience of church. it's hard not to gush, and although nothing is ever perfect, it was a fun and talent filled night.

As we continue through the Galatians our discussions have been circling around the concept of being courageous to share your testimony with others, and the living gospel that transforms from the inside. Some hard lessons, and complicated theories, but in the end it all boils down to the mercy and unconditional love of Christ.

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am”
― John Newton

This evening we had a rest evening, and spent it with the Camerons, where we were well fed and made to laugh. It reminds us of the things we are grateful for:

We are grateful that we have enough helpers for kids club, so that each child, no matter what their need, can be cared for, and shown attention.

We are thankful that we have all the provisions that we need to be able to run all of these events comfortably, and without having to scrimp at every turn.

We are thankful that we are able to provide a small snack for children and some adults who are in positions where they are unable to have substantial meals every day.

We are thankful for two of the women who have found the church comforting enough to come in for a chat and a kind word daily! Please pray for Dawn as she struggles with addiction.

We are thankful for the continuing joy and energy that the team return to Holiday Club with each day! We know where the only source of this can be!




Thankfully

SoS13 Team