“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18Happy 4th! It doesn’t quite feel like the Fourth of July save for the heat – and the fact that I was in Taiwan this time last year. Two preschools marked our last day of morning ministry.
The first school was only a few blocks away from TTUM. The small school decided to host our program outside – just as it began to rain (though it passed just as quickly as it came). Following our program, we once again we able to visit with the children and have a wonderful time. If you know me fairly well, then you probably know that I can make kids laugh pretty easily (I think God gave me a chemical imbalance that, when I’m around kids, causes a chemical reaction of some sort. Not really but it sure does seem that way sometimes – and I’m happy for it!) I began by popping in and out from the side of the building, which helped break some of the ice of shyness. After I thought I had done enough of that, I came over to get some pictures. There was one little boy that was absolutely a blast just to watch him laugh. Absolutely perfect! It turned out that one of the girls had a birthday and we were invited to come inside to join in the festivities. Some of us (mostly me I think) danced with the kids as music played and cake was brought out as well as a very spicy dip and some kind of small bread-balls. Unfortunately, we were not able to stay long as our maxi-taxi driver was growing rather impatient and we needed to go to our next school to stay on schedule.
We reached our last school, also a preschool, and as we began our program, once again it began to rain, but this time rather hard. We moved inside and by the time we finished it was bright and sunny outside. Once again, we were able to play with the young children afterwards. One of them came up to me with a red towel, so I stuck part of the edge down the back of his shirt at the neck, and then picked him up so he could be Superman. Mistake. Many of the other kids then wanted to be Superman or Supergirl! It was a lot of fun though…
This afternoon our small group took an early afternoon break while the other half of the group went to the prison to do ministry. Learning from our minor mishap of our scheduling the previous day, the group was able to talk with the boys and were ministered to themselves as they learned why each one was being held.
After gathering the rest of our group from the prison, we ventured off to our last Bible club meeting. The same program ensued but with some changes in the order of events. One of the really special moments of this last meeting was when Jill gave a passionate talk on accepting Christ into our lives using a Build-a-Bear to illustrate her point. Afterwards, each child received one and, wouldn’t you know it, there was just enough for all! It’s always amazing to see God provide! Each child was then given an opportunity to have his or her picture taken with a Polaroid camera to take home to remember the Bible club on top of it. It really felt like Christmas seeing the joyous smiles and looks of excitement on each of the kid’s faces. What a moment! I think everyone wished to stay for the rest of the night but we needed to return to the compound for church so it was with reluctance that we returned.
Before we left, we were given a card of appreciation quoting Hebrews 6:10 (What do you mean you don’t know what it says – look it up!) and, what I think was also very special, we were able to give Bibles to the pastor to give to whoever they deemed. As I mentioned before, several adult women had been attending our Club each day. The pastor’s wife decided that each of them should have a copy, much to the distress of some in our group (they were afraid that there wouldn’t be enough for all of them). You know what I’m going to say, don’t you? There was a perfect amount for the small group and some of our adults were able to witness with them using the Bibles they had just received (they were of Hindu faith).
On the way back to the maxi-taxi from our site, the young man that I had met a few days earlier with a burn on his thumb came back a few minutes before we left. I was excited because (and I know it’s nothing special) I had found a band-aid for it to help protect his thumb. I asked him how he received the burn and he said at work. When I asked him what work was for him, I almost immediately regretted it. He replied, without batting an eye, “Hotwiring cars.” Yikes! I had absolutely no idea what to say at all because I was so surprised! In fact, I’m not even sure what I said if I did say anything. We got another quick picture together and it was off to TTUM. I suppose that’s why there were so many nicer looking cars in the area…
Because of the sanctuary being in the middle of the stage construction, we were relocated into a hot, small room brimming to over capacity. The guy band SHARC, from Illinois in our group, led worship and Steve from our group gave the message in only his third time preaching. Go Steve! This was followed by a very brief meeting with the large group before we headed off to bed.
It’s hard to believe that already our time of ministry is finished on this very short mission trip. One thing that was particularly refreshing to see and hear was how mom was used and was a blessing. Most of the time I hear how she possesses no “gifts’ and that I have many. I saw her sit with several kids during the week, especially today, and talked with them and was a witness in that way. I also heard from several members how they were encouraged by mom’s presence on the trip. It had been an exciting trip – but it’s not over yet!
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