Refugee Retreat
Praise the LORD
Praise God in His sanctuary,
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His acts of power,
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Psalm 150:1-3
The past four days have been a joyful expression of God's love, peace, and provision for those of us gathered together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The languages were different, but never a barrier. The presence of the Spirit was tangible as we talked, listened, learned, cried, played, worshipped, supported, cared and loved.
Children's Ministry Memories:
Missi loved holding babies and being peed on, bouncing on the trampoline and playing on the playground with the toddlers
Sarah loved having some of the same students as last year and seeing how all of them have been growing and learning more english
She noticed that some of the 12-year olds had really deep questions for their ages
One of the kids even gave Sarah a spontaneous haircut
The kids loved the craft times: they made a heart with a bible verse in pocket of the heart - showing how we hide God's word in our hearts
They made sandles to remind them of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus
They painted their hands on a piece of paper and wrote their name on the palm, reminding them that their names are written on the palm of God's hands
Youth Ministry Memories:
Luke noticed that youth are pretty much the same all over the world
They had really deep conversations about the Trinity and how Jesus could be both God and man
They kept asking questions because they wanted to be able to share Jesus with their friends from other religions
They loved the games, especially the football/soccer game called "kick the ball at the white guys" with Jason and Luke in goal
Luke shared with them how it's seems so hard to be a Christian here, but easy for us back home
The refugee youth group sent a video message to the Northwood youth group saying "don't waste the opportunity you have to live out and share your faith"
Adult Ministry Memories:
Our topic was "Jesus, more than a prophet" and our theme verses were Colossians 1:15-20
Mark, Jason and Cyndi all felt it was an important but huge topic with truths that are often hard to grasp - the truth that Jesus was God in flesh
Mark and Jason both felt at times unworthy to be speaking in this setting, but sensed God's support and inspiration throughout the five teaching sessions
There was so much to cover, but our times included deep and meaningful discussions, especially in the men's and women's small groups
Cyndi observed the women really learning to listen to each other and crying tears together about what Jesus has done in their lives
We all sensed their struggle to overcome the fear of witnessing to their neighbors
We all loved worship times as the refugees sang songs in their native tongue and style
We really caught a glimpse of the depth and beauty of God's kingdom and what it will be like to be in heaven together with every tribe, every tongue worhipping at the feet of Jesus
The whole retreat was exhausting but energizing at the same time. One of the men thanked us for being "oxygen for them, and a breath of fresh air for their fellowship." We can honestly say we felt the same way about what they gave to us.We all are feeling satisfaction in a job well done. Thanks for all your prayers. God has answered them all.
Praise God in His sanctuary,
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His acts of power,
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Psalm 150:1-3
The past four days have been a joyful expression of God's love, peace, and provision for those of us gathered together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The languages were different, but never a barrier. The presence of the Spirit was tangible as we talked, listened, learned, cried, played, worshipped, supported, cared and loved.
Children's Ministry Memories:
Missi loved holding babies and being peed on, bouncing on the trampoline and playing on the playground with the toddlers
Sarah loved having some of the same students as last year and seeing how all of them have been growing and learning more english
She noticed that some of the 12-year olds had really deep questions for their ages
One of the kids even gave Sarah a spontaneous haircut
The kids loved the craft times: they made a heart with a bible verse in pocket of the heart - showing how we hide God's word in our hearts
They made sandles to remind them of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus
They painted their hands on a piece of paper and wrote their name on the palm, reminding them that their names are written on the palm of God's hands
Youth Ministry Memories:
Luke noticed that youth are pretty much the same all over the world
They had really deep conversations about the Trinity and how Jesus could be both God and man
They kept asking questions because they wanted to be able to share Jesus with their friends from other religions
They loved the games, especially the football/soccer game called "kick the ball at the white guys" with Jason and Luke in goal
Luke shared with them how it's seems so hard to be a Christian here, but easy for us back home
The refugee youth group sent a video message to the Northwood youth group saying "don't waste the opportunity you have to live out and share your faith"
Adult Ministry Memories:
Our topic was "Jesus, more than a prophet" and our theme verses were Colossians 1:15-20
Mark, Jason and Cyndi all felt it was an important but huge topic with truths that are often hard to grasp - the truth that Jesus was God in flesh
Mark and Jason both felt at times unworthy to be speaking in this setting, but sensed God's support and inspiration throughout the five teaching sessions
There was so much to cover, but our times included deep and meaningful discussions, especially in the men's and women's small groups
Cyndi observed the women really learning to listen to each other and crying tears together about what Jesus has done in their lives
We all sensed their struggle to overcome the fear of witnessing to their neighbors
We all loved worship times as the refugees sang songs in their native tongue and style
We really caught a glimpse of the depth and beauty of God's kingdom and what it will be like to be in heaven together with every tribe, every tongue worhipping at the feet of Jesus
The whole retreat was exhausting but energizing at the same time. One of the men thanked us for being "oxygen for them, and a breath of fresh air for their fellowship." We can honestly say we felt the same way about what they gave to us.We all are feeling satisfaction in a job well done. Thanks for all your prayers. God has answered them all.
7 comments:
So good to hear your report and the wonderful ministry that took place. Praise God for what took place this weekend because of the efforts of you six! I'll pray for week #2 and that you can get rested.
Grant
I think there definitely needs to be a game of "kick the ball at the white guys" when you get back! That sounds fun!
Such an awesome report! I have this beautiful picture in my head of you all worshipping together and I'm sure it just pales in comparison to what you experienced. A tiny glimpse of heaven I am sure!
I agree with Katie and am looking forward to a game of kick the ball at the white guys. And Sarah, I look forward to seeing your new hairdo!
Wow! It's exciting to hear that the retreat was such an amazing experience.
Have you heard that there will be an annular solar eclipse visible over Kenya on Jan. 15th? It's supposed to run from 4-7pm Universal time. Not sure if you'll be able to catch it before you have to leave, but it looks pretty cool...
Praying every day for you. The retreat sounds amazing. Can't wait to hear even more stories when you get home. Trusting and praying that week 2 will be powerful with the Holy Spirit at work.
Love you all,
Bret
Blessed going in and Blessed going out. Praise God!! Thank You Jesus!! Holy Spirit let Your words be heard!! Let every "ear" hear. Thank You God for their safe return and Your mission accomplished. God Bless and Thank you for your commitment to God. Celeste
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