The Children Multiply

With a later start today, breakfast was at 8 am, we got to sleep for 9.5 hours last night. We are thankful for the extra time, as the rest of the week will likely have us waking up at 6:00 or 6:30. With no chapels scheduled for today, we used the time for devotions, training, praying and preparing for the next few days. What a sight it was to see each member rehearsing their lessons with each other and preaching the gospel as they practiced. 

Eric, our OAC team leader and trainer taught the students a new song today, with actions. Here's a sampling:

As we returned to the two locations for our afternoon Kid's Club, we were slightly nervous. We didn't know if the kids would return today or if they would bring their friends. For one group, it was so exciting to through the streets and see familiar faces greet us along the way.  Even before getting out of the van, some kids were introducing us to new attendees!  The other group was greeted by 2 kids when they arrived, which initially was disappointing, but as they set up, more and more kids gathered - what a reminder of God His work and drawing hearts in His time.

We are preaching the Creation Series this week and today's lesson walked the kids through the 7 Days of Creation. As part of the lesson, we got to help the kids look up a verse in the Bible. It was incredible to help the kids navigate the Bible and for some of them, watch them open the Bible for the first time. We ended with a few fun games of Tug of War.

Some are now playing games, some still preparing for tomorrow, some showering and we'll be meeting in 30 minutes to debrief the day together. The team is in great spirits.  Thank you for your continued prayers for unity.

Kid's Club Kick Off

After arriving at the Christian School this morning, we were told that the days had been mixed up and that we had been scheduled to lead the chapels on Thursday. So, we headed back to the church, where we're staying and utilized the time to rest, have group devotions and rehearse. The team was slightly disappointed by the mix up but were reminded that God's plan for us is always better than the plans we make for ourselves. Having the morning off allowed us to better prepare for the rest of the week. We are thankful.

During our group devotions, we read John Piper's well known quote, "Missions exists because worship doesn't". We're reminded that God is seeking worshipers who worship Him in spirit and in truth and ultimately, that is why we are here in Orlando.  One day, missions will no longer exist, but worship will last for eternity.

In the afternoon, we split into two groups and held Kid's Clubs in two neighborhoods. 'Incredible' would be a word we would use to describe the feeling we had as we went from kid counts of zero to watching in amazement as kids seemly came from no where to sit on our tarps for story time. Each team member played a vital roll in leading different parts of the Club - welcoming, leading songs and games, telling stories etc. In our reflection time this evening, everyone expressed their excitement for the opportunity to get to know the kids over the next four days. Please pray that the kids will continue to come and that they will eventually begin attending Orlando's Children's Church on Saturdays going forward.

As I type, the team is sleeping. Tomorrow we have a full day of training and prep with the kid's club happening in the afternoon.  Thank you for your continued support.

Long day of travel

We give thanks for God has been so good to us throughout Day 1. We got through customs without any problems, everyone remains in good health and good spirits even after a turbulent ride on the airplane and we are excited to begin telling the stories and sharing the object lessons that we've spent the last few months learning.  

During our rotisserie chicken dinner (thank you Sam's Club!),  we learned a bit more about this week's ministry opportunities. In the mornings, we will be chapel guest speakers at various Christian schools and in the afternoons, we will hold Kid's Camps in underprivileged areas of the city. As I write, the team continues to prepare. But lights out will take place soon. It'll be a very full day ahead that will begin with breakfast at 6 am and starting at 8am, we will be speaking in a string of three different chapels at a local Christian school. Please pray that everyone will rest well tonight.

Thank you for your continued support.

Safe Arrival

After a bumpy ride in the air, we are now at our place of residence for the week. The team is starting to prepare for tomorrow's very full day of ministry.

Thank you to the PCA sending team for coming to the airport to send us off.  It was such a treat to receive the plane letters from the school, the card from the Grade 9s and a few treats for the plane ride. We are so blessed.  

PCA Orlando Outreach 2014

We are departing tomorrow!

Meet at Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, Pillar G @ 8 AM

Returning home

Please be reminded that we are returning home tomorrow on Porter Flight #940.  It is scheduled to arrive at Billy Bishop Aiport at 1:00 (this is a change from the letter that was sent home).

Please meet your child at the ferry terminal.  We will take the ferry across and meet you there.

Today

It is almost 6pm as this post is being written.  We are about to sit down for dinner.  All the students are safe, happy and healthy.  The teachers are keeping abreast of the developments in the city.

Tomorrow was originally set aside for site seeing in Boston.  We will not proceed with those plans.  We are looking at visiting Plymouth Rock in New England instead.  We will not go into Boston tomorrow.

We continue to thank God for your prayers and support.