Our first day at the care point was filled with hugs, smiles, and lots of love. We have about 350 children at the care point we were at today who learned about Noah and what sin is. They created popsicle stick arks and tissue paper rainbows to learn about God’s promise to never destroy the world again with a flood. You would have loved hearing all of the children singing “Victory is mine, victory is victory in Christ is mine.” They raised the roof as they sang “Best friend, Jesus is my best friend, Jesus is my best friend. I am not alone, no I am not alone.” Both of these songs they learned 3 years ago when this team came to their care point the first time. You could tell the songs have become favorites, and the truths sung are so profound they will never forget.

Though we have structured Bible story times and singing there is also lots of time just to walk around with children, hold hands, or listen to children as they try to pronounce your name and you theirs. Many of these children have lost one or both of their parents to AIDS, so time spent really listening and interacting with them is rare. One team member said, “I expected them to hold my hand, but I did not realize they would pull you away from the other children just to have your attention.” Oh that there were more of us to sit and hold them or just listen to them sing or tell their story.

We also spent time with the adults who serve the children daily. One of our team asked one of the ladies who cook, “what is something good God has done in the last year.” Her answer shocked our team mate. She said, “I lost a baby this year. I was seven month pregnant and the baby was still born.” Our team mate was struck, how could this be good? The lady continued to tell how God is sovereign and they had been praying for a son. The child was a son. She had been praying to get pregnant and God answered that prayer. Though they experienced much grief, God had been there with them and for her that was a good thing.

Oh that we could see good in the times of hurt. Oh that we could find contentment in the simple things like the children here do. Oh that we would be contented with pap and beans like they are daily. It is a humbling to thing to think of how much we have and we still struggle with contentment.

Tomorrow will be a full day with our team dividing to go to a second care point. We are very excited to see children and friends there that we have had relationship with for many years. Pray that as we teach lessons, share songs and bible verses that the love of Jesus will be so evident that the kids are drawn to the Father. Pray that our provisions of craft supplies will be sufficient for the ever growing numbers. Pray for first year team members who will be taking key leadership roles tomorrow. Most of all pray that every child knows the love of their Heavenly Father because of our actions and words. Thank you for joining us through prayer. You are a super valuable part of this mission!