First Kids Club

Hello everyone,
Today we were able to visit a school and share the good news with the children and teachers of the school. Along with Captain, I was fortunate enough to teach a lesson and talk about the parable of the Prodigal Son. I shared that we are fortunate enough to have a God who will forgive and welcome us back with open arms if we repent and accept the forgiveness Jesus gave us on the cross. After the school, we went up to the church to work on the cistern and, because of the large number of people working, I went and sat down next to Chris and had the opportunity to talk to her. One of the conversations we had was about the immediacy of results we expect and receive in the United States. I was discouraged after my lesson because I wondered how I would see the results of it. Chris shared that we may not always see the fruits of our labor immediately, but to always remember we don’t always see how God is working immediately, but never doubt that He is working. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such wise people to learn from and be encouraged by and I want to thank everyone who supported this trip for giving everyone here the opportunity to learn from these people. I want to ask for prayer specifically for the lessons Captain and I gave that they had an impact on the teachers because they have the most interaction with the students. Additionally, for the students at the school who we had the privilege of being around today that even if our impact was just sharing with them for the first time that this seed would be watered in the future. I appreciate the time and prayers you all have contributed to this trip thus far and know we appreciate it immensely.
With love,
Emma O’Brien

It was our second day in the village and even though our expectations of work were different, it has still been a successful day. We got to encourage the village by just being there to support them and give them love. The kids clubs at the school were successful. There are many children hearing the gospel through the lessons and translators. It was a great experience to be able to play sports with them also. God has given us a way to connect through activities such as Plato Plato gonzo (duck duck goose) and soccer. Getting to play games with the kids has been one of my favorite parts of this trip. First, because I get to be around the sweet children who are easy to make laugh, easy to hug and super easy to love. And second because I have so much energy to get outh after the long 2 hour car ride to the village. We also got to show the gospel video with them which was a great experience to be a part of. Our car ride has been very long and hard to stay patient and kind to one another as we spend hours tightly packed together in the big yellow bus, driven by the fearless pabbs(Pablo). But we have gotten to bond and draw closer with each other and closer to God. Together holding our cookies down as we read the book “Do Hard Things” on the windy roads, we have learned how low expectations put on young adults affect our relationship with Christ. One big thing that has stuck out to me so far in the book is that, often times, Christian teens are praised for the things that we don’t do instead of being encouraged to do hard things... (It’s really convicting.) I am excited for tomorrow and the unexpected work we may do, and doing it all for the glory of God and giving all our God given energy towards the children, adults, the pastor, CHE, and each other. All for God’s glory and His kingdom.
Love, Carolyn