Ministering to the Children

Mrs. LizAnne Reading the Daily Bible Verse.

Melvin Reading the Bible Story

An obvious switch of authors now….you can always tell when it’s me, Jennifer, writing! It has been amazing to see the children of Rodeo open up, and learn. I remember the first day I pulled out my guitar, and sang “I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy”, and “ Jesus Loves Me”. Most just sat, stared, and listened. Then to hear them while the groups were here, especially the last day all the gringos were in the village, was a huge change! Now the children sing loud, clap, and just praise Jesus. It’s almost as though the whole world stops to hear them sing for those 10-15 minutes. The men working on the church, and people passing by just stop what they are doing to listen. It’s a beautiful sound.

The Children in Line for the Daily Cooked Meal

We also read a few stories daily from the children’s bible story book. I started off trying to read the stories to the children, but they would gather around me, correcting every word I messed up! So we usually choose 1 or 2 children to read the story. Last Sunday during church, Pastor Max asked for ladies to volunteer to help with teaching children after we are gone. There were about 7 ladies that stepped forward. The next day, at least ½ of them attended bible school, and assisted with reading the stories. Please pray for these ladies: that they will first teach their own children, then other children in Rodeo about God, His love, and salvation. A most precious sight that we witness almost daily, is that after we read the bible story, and move onto the craft for the day, there is always 1 or 2 children that would rather continue reading the bible story book. May we all thirst for God’s word as these children do.

Craft Time for the Children

While the groups were here, thanks to a few dedicated people on both teams, we were able to feed the children and men working on the church a hot lunch everyday we were in the village! It ranged from mashed potatoes, black beans and rice, to beef stew and chicken & dumplings. Even some of the village dogs lapped up the leftover juices in the bowls. This was a vision that Marvin and Pastor Irvin of Toxey Baptist had while preparing a few months ago.

And  let me tell you, as much candy that was passed out the past 2 weeks….we will need a dental clinic trip planned soon for Rodeo!