Day 4 of ministry!

Wow, I'm overwhelmed with everyone reading the blog. I'll do my best to get pictures of everyone and keep you updated daily. The kid's are loving hearing from you, it really means alot to each of them. Also you can right clip on any of the picture and save them for your kids.

Ok, day four. I woke up this morning at about 3:30 to get a warm shower and while walking down to the shower I heard the most interesting thing. I stopped to listen for some time and finally realized it was one of the students from the college praying. I believe he had been praying all night for his Country - (South Africa). These people in SA are so passionate about there people and there land. We are learning so much, we watched a movie the second night with the missionaries called the "The Power of One". If you have a chance to rent the movie and watch it before we get home I would recommend it, extremly compelling and you will see exactly what it looks like where we are working everyday.

We began the day at about 8am for breakfast and devo's, we read out of Romans 14 and 15. We talked about complaining and saying things to encourage our friends and people around us rather than point out the stuff that we feel is wrong. We had a great time together talking about this passage of scripture. One of the comments made was simply, "I will never complain about anything at home again, after what I've seen, I have no right." Thank God for his word and encouragement to all of our kids this morning. It was great.

We arrived at Freedom Park at about 10am with a large group of students waiting for us to come. As we drove into the little village down the dusty road a large contingent of children began to run down the road after us in expectation of what was to come. I think this was really encouraging to our students, and helped give them energy to accomplish our task of loving these precious little kids with all our strength. As we parked the kids waited patiently for us to pour off the bus and as we exited the bus many hugs and smiles of renewed friends began to fill the air. I think the little guys and gals really wondered if we were actually going to come back.

Our students divided into groups of five and headed out to invite people to come to the program we were about to present. At about eleven the teams arrived back flanked by large groups of children waiting to hear the message for the day. The dancers began with there normal excitement and charisma while the drama team waited eagerly for there turn and the chicken skit. (you'll have to ask them about that one) Johnny Wilson gave his testimony first followed by Drew Reid then ended with Ashley Beach. The local children's pastor was there to give his presentation with us watch what we were doing. We he finished we gave the call and every child who was in attendance prayed with realness that is hard to come by. I believe they were praying the prayer begging God to deliver them and give them purpose and new hope for there life.

We finished the rally and said our goodbyes promising to see them tomorrow. We loaded on the bus and headed back to the school where we had lunch together and began our work. Today we are finishing the painting and tile work as well as reviving the volleyball court and soccer field.

Please pray that the students remain healthy and in good attitude. This is the time of the trip when things get more difficult the new is wearing off and the fact that we are digging in for the next week is sinking in. Every student is doing great. I have no complaints. The work is tiring and difficult. And the adrenaline of arriving is now gone.

I haven't often seen a group that is as this excited everyday about what we're doing. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will hold.

I have passed on all of the comments you have sent in and the kids return them all with gratitude and love. They miss you all, and can't wait to see you.

Love you Gretch,

PDoug