We had our family time this morning, in which we debriefed each other on the week. These times are always special, and tomorrow will be our last morning all together as Barbara is leaving on Friday. Barbara brought $40 with her to bless the youth with a special "something," and we had a brainstorming session to decide what the "something" would be. We decided on having a fun food game night after the service this evening. We'd play crazy games like "Chubby Bunny," the "saltine cracker and whistle game," "eat a donut off a string without using your hands", the "egg rolling contest," and lastly a game where u stuck half an oreo on your forehead and tried maneuverer it into your mouth by contorting your face and wriggling your eyebrows.
Lisa, Barbara, and I walked to Pali (local grocery store) in Chichi Gulpa to buy the supplies for the games.
After spending some time with the kids, everyone filed into the living room for a "meeting." There had been some drama in the community surrounding the dance team. Everyday, a group of kids from the youth group had met to learn and practice dances that would be used for evangelism. These kids started the team by themselves and the leader was a seventeen year old guy named Jovanny. He has an obvious gift in dance and in leadership. Trouble arose, however, when jealously and gossip crept into the team. Jovanny was really hurt by the rumors and disrespect he received. He was on the point of leaving the church and dancing elsewhere. The Lord can take any scheme of the Enemy and turn it into good, however. While Diego took Jovanny aside and heard his side of the story, the youth met in the living room to discuss the problem. I saw openness, patience, and most importantly humility from the youth members as they talked it out for two hours. Then when Jovanny came in to the room, a few brave souls tearfully repented and asked Jovanny to forgive them. It was a wonderful process to witness. Linda and Tommy facilitated the meeting, teaching the youth how to reach healing and release bitterness that causes dissension in the church body. If the kids hold on to these truths and apply them to their lives like they did tonight, the rising generation of the New Song Church will be powerful and will make a great impact on Candelaria.
After a short break, Lindsay lead the youth service. It was her last youth service here for a long time. On Monday she leaves and will be travelling with a missions organization all over the world for eleven months. Pray for her as she makes her transition from her home here and prepares for her adventure around the world. She will be greatly missed by the community here.
When Lindsay finished sharing her heart, the games began; everyone had a blast stuffing their faces with marshmallows and using their noses to roll an egg across the ground.
Three more people will be joining the team tomorrow so more excitement awaits.... Pray for easy transitions and team unity.
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