Monday camp activities

Camp is off and running! The registration table was set up, name tags ready, and colored wrist bands lined out to greet the 100+ singing, excited boys and girls arriving at Homecare Fellowship this morning. It’s always challenging to write name tags for names we aren’t familiar with, such as many of the Swahili names, and we’ve discovered that our “Texas English” is sometimes difficult to decipher as is often the Kenyan English. What a variety of accents! But with smiles and hugs, communication happens nonetheless.

Some of our local volunteers, David and Chris, got everyone into action immediately with their spirited songs and dancing. Can these young people ever sing! We then began our lessons on the parables; today was the parable of the four soils. With the help of the “not quite ready for prime time players” of the team, the children seemed to understand the illustration of the seed sown on hard soil, taken away by birds, easily choked by weeds, as well as the seed that continued to flourish in rich soil. They were encouraged to hear the Word, embrace the gospel, and then act on it and grow in the Word. When we had review time later in the day, it was evident that they had truly listened as they explained the parable and recited the memory verse.

It doesn’t take long at all to make special connections with the campers! They are eager to be loved, and all the helpers and team members are eager to love them! Special bonds indeed!

We had one little boy, Arnold, who apparently has been sick for some time. Soon after the praise time began, he began complaining of pain and had to lie down on a sofa. It seemed to be more than just an upset stomach. The Homecare workers came immediately to pray for him; the local volunteers began gathering information about his family and how to contact them so that they could get him some help. But how wonderful that the first thing that entered their minds was to pray fervently for his healing.

The bus was tied up in traffic and late in picking up the children, but they didn’t seem to mind at all. They enjoyed having some free time for “football”(it’s still soccer to me), singing, dancing, and just enjoying being together.

After the VBS, we had a time with the local volunteers to begin some training on leadership and mentoring. We’re looking forward to this special time with them, praying that we can encourage them and share some resources with them.

All in all, it was a great first day! We have again been welcomed so graciously by our Kenyan friends. The joy on the faces of the children is such a blessing and delight! Pray with us for each day of VBS this week, that the children will truly have ears to hear and experience transformation in their hearts, and not only them, but all of us.