Seeing God Work

This morning we had VBS at New Life Church. We divided up the children into 5 groups instead of 6, since Archie, Teresa and Alicia were meeting with her landlord. Praise GOD that all the details were worked out today and everything is set for Alicia to stay at this apartment in Munkacs.

I helped in the craft station helping the children make butterflies. They really seemed to like them a lot. After VBS we had several hours of downtime. I took a nap since I wasn’t feeling very well. It was very hot today and I think that the heat was really getting to me.  We learned after lunch that a small gypsy girl was hit by a car this morning as she was cross the street to come to VBS. We were told that she wasn’t hurt (no broken bones) but also that the hospital refused to treat her since she was a gypsy. Talk about heartbreaking!! I did get to meet this little girl when her grandmother brought her to the church. I sat outside with her and helped her make the butterfly craft. She had a big smile on her face when we were done.

Alicia and her parents, along with Pastor Jonas meet this afternoon with the mayor of Munkacs to talk about the kindergarten. The report that we got back from them was that it was a good meeting. They are trying to work out the details of registering the kindergarten. Our entire team met outside and surprised the Mayor and sang him Happy Birthday in English. Ana, one of our translators said that he was very surprised and loved it.

Our plan for this afternoon was to walk thru the local Gypsy camp, where the children live who have been coming to the church for VBS.  We instead drove thru on our way to Porchahaza. The team last year did not visit this camp. I am really glad that we didn’t walk thru the camp. It was very hard to see the conditions that they live in. There is lots of trash just everywhere. I remember seeing it last year when we visited different camps.  The sad thing is that these people don’t know any different lifestyle. Seeing the conditions they live in and then thinking about how we as Americans live is sickening. We have SO much stuff t hat we just take for granted. Having food, clean water, clothes that fit. We worry about missing our favorite TV show or not having the newest electronic device. This is nonsense in comparison to how these people are living.

Our time this evening at Porchahaza was great. There was a smaller group of children, only about 70. They did great listening to the bible story and making their tambourine bracelets. We then took the children outside to a field beside the church to play games. Lindsey and I jumped rope with some of the boys. I also helped the girl’s team when it was time to play tug of war. The girl’s team won a few times and they were very very excited!!! Before we left we sat the children down and gave them each an apple to eat. Afterwards we came back to the church to eat dinner. Stuffed cabbage and fried chicken meatballs. Very Yummy!!

It is amazing to see God work among these people. They are eager to hear the word. Our team shared that 4 youth were saved today! Praise GOD!!!