Family Festivals in Costa Rica

Yesterday's blog post was about the schools in Costa Rica wouldn't allow us to distribute tracts or Bibles, but how God was still able to use the spoken lessons, testimonies and gospel presentation to bring many students to a saving faith in Jesus.

We had six family festivals while we were in San Jose--four in private apartment complexes and two in open neighborhoods.   The festivals included the inflatable, clown, games for the kids, drama and the gospel presentation.  

We were able to share door-to-door in the open neighborhoods, but in the apartment complexes we could only knock on doors and invite the families to the festival in their park.  We couldn't be prouder of this team, 3 from Rock Harbor Church in Bakersfield, CA; 15 from First Baptist, Murrells Inlet, SC and 10 from Faith Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC. They faithfully followed the rules and sought out and shared with people who came to the park.  It was awesome to see more than 100 people make professions of faith even with restrictions.  

Please pray for the follow-up team as they contact each person who made a profession of faith and invite them to one of three receptions the church will be holding over the next two weeks.  

5 Days of VBS in Guatemala

VBS started on Monday, November 11.  This year's theme was:  Colossal Coaster World--facing fear/trusting God.  The kids could easily relate to the theme and we all loved the music.  I was assigned as a guide for the 11-year olds and Stephen as a guide for the 12-year olds.  We both had awesome groups!  Each day consisted of an opening session, five rotations (Bible story, Bible verse, crafts, music, games/snacks) and a closing session.

DAY 1--There were just under 200 kids in attendance.  Everyone in attendance received a sash and a Colossal Coaster button for attending.  They had the ability to earn a good behavior button (and the ability to lose it); the older kids (11 and up) were also able to earn a star button for memorizing the daily Bible verse in both Spanish and English.  

Hard at work on their roller coaster picture frame craft.

 Awesome group of 11-year olds with our trademark "elevens."

Bible story time--learning about Paul's miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus.

DAY 2--Friend day saw the attendance increase to almost 230 kids!  Everyone who brought a friend earned a LOVE button.  

 Foam ball caps were the craft of the day.  Yes, they're showing their "elevens"

Closing session

Day 3--Another high attendance day for Crazy Hair Day.  

 Fernanda--our 11-year old, 1st place Crazy Hair Day winner with a Barbie doll on her head.

 Dulce--our 11-year old, 2nd place Crazy Hair Day winner.

Rosemarie Rivas (VBS Director) and one of her assistants.

Day 4--We thought we reached the epitome of craziness on Wednesday, but kids of all ages really loved Clown Day.  More than 230 kids attended.

 Two guides and a group of kids "clowning" around

 Me and my good friend, Sherry Jobe, from Corinth, Mississippi

Smiling 12-year olds working on their cross craft.

DAY 5--Highest attendance yet--237--and almost all were in their pajamas for PJ Day.  It was the last day to earn all 5 of the scripture verse buttons and the final day of Apostle Paul's amazing life story.  

 Making a self portrait

 Yes, 12-years will wear their PJ's to VBS

A stage full of kids on the last day!

What an awesome week!  It was worth every minute of preparation to see these kids learning about Jesus and how they can face their fears because He is with them.  My favorite song from the week:  Change my heart, O God; open up my eyes I want to see your glory shining like a light.  Change my heart, O God; stir me up inside I want to feel your spirit movin' in my life.

Pray for the church as they begin follow up with the kids and adults who made decisions during the week.