Drawing Closer: Lesson Time

The living, breathing, transforming power of the gospel, understood by children and studied by theologians - it never gets old, sharing the truth of Jesus Christ.

We had 41 children for six days.  12 of them were from Harvest TGM, the others were from the community and surrounding towns.

This object lesson is perhaps my all-time favorite: The Rope Trick

Not only is it highly effective, but also leaves the kids thinking I'm a magician with mad talent.

A Word of the Day for each of the six days kept our focus and provided an anchor for crafts, games and memory verses.  We explored truth together, applied it throughout the week, and memorized a verse for each day.

Rotating groups for lesson, craft and game filled up our mornings.  We then broke into small groups during the afternoon for more specific discussion and interaction. 

I sincerely love watching children ask questions, wrestle with truth in their hearts and come to a better understanding of Jesus.

We had a whole day dedicated to the Word of God (Day 2) and how reading, meditating and memorizing God's word helps us to draw closer to God.

Inspired by points, the kids worked hard on their memory verses; some could quote all six by the end of the week, and we had some long verses!

Day 4 was on Worship: using our voices, lives and our talents to glorify God.  We gave them opportunities to express their God-given creativity and even held a talent show as an avenue to express those gifts.

Worship was a highlight.  A chorus of children's voices praising the Lord is a beautiful sound.

Harvest Romania '17

How was Romania?

The much anticipated, yet somewhat dreaded question.

Typically I like to have a 30 second "elevator speech" ready when I return from overseas.  The bit that explains the basic questions, a highlight and something little I remember.  I did think about what I wanted to say, but it's so hard for me!

So many memories, little life lessons, smiles, jokes, beautiful scenery, the love of Jesus showcased through His people.

The kids... expressing themselves in broken English, smiling from ear-to-ear, intent faces as they quoted their memory verses, simple child-like prayers that conveyed more meaning than an entire sermon.

The difficult times... utter chaos of kids who can't understand the instructions you're trying to so patiently give, the groans when they see another long memory verse, the hot hot sun, the language barrier.

And then I remember that love doesn't need words, it has a language all its own.  And it's a universal language that everyone can hear and understand.

It's when you smile and remain calm when you feel like shouting, it's giving another hug, watching a soccer game and yelling Bravo! a million times, cheering for another trampoline trick, making yet another sticky s'more (and seeing the delight as they sink thier teeth into thier very first gooey campfire delicacy.

Snippet from one of the young boys on my team.
"Anna, do you know why I love Americans so much?"
"No, why?"
"Because you like to give hugs.  And people here don't do that very much."

Here are some pictures.  I hope to post stories and specific memories soon.

I'm convinced that ice cream/gelato brings people together!

Quick bite to eat on the bus as we head to the camp!

Craft time!

My fabulous team: Aquamazing

We divided the 41 kids up into 6 teams for small groups throughout the week.

Each team had a bandana that represented their team color.

Smiles all around!

The camp theme was all about drawing closer to God.  We talked about God Himself, the Word of God, Prayer, Worship, Fruit of the Spirit, and being doers of the Word.

Yes, I think I can pronounce all of those words

Group selfie, with a selfie stick of course.