May-June 2010
One of my favoritest (I know not really a word) Bible stories ever is that of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. When trying to decide on the next series to teach the children of Bible Club, Elijah was it hands down. I couldn’t wait to get to that story. While that may have been my favorite for all it’s excitement, it turns out the kids’ favorite story was the story of Elijah being taken away in a chariot of fire. Another story they enjoyed was Naboth’s Vineyard.
Bible Club has been consistent in its growth and excitement each week because of the kids. In a culture where the concept of time tends to be “fluid” and punctuality is optional the kids show up 20-30 minutes EARLY. We put out a couple of games and puzzles for them to play with until time to start. It has given us an opportunity to catch up with them about school and home and also settle them down for club. The games are simple games, like the Cracker Barrel triangle with golf tees in it or one called Rush Hour that requires moving plastic cars around a grid to get the key car out of the grid. While the games and puzzles seemed inconsequential, in fact it proved to be key to getting kids to club on time and settled down...who knew!?!
I posted on Facebook sometime ago that we had seen 5 children saved, I know we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens but we still are in awe each time...it NEVER gets old. Three girls (ages 9-10) came just as we were sitting down for dinner on a Sunday afternoon and told us they wanted to know how they could come to Christ, they were dealt with and each of the three made a profession for Christ as their Savior that day. Two days later one of the girls brought two of her cousins she had witnessed to, who now wanted to be saved as well.
For some time we had wanted to do a discipleship class but hadn’t yet. With 5 new converts plus the few others that had been saved previously we decided the time was right. I taught the class during SS and wow it was so cool. The course is 4 weeks but very comprehensive. We learned terms that are commonly used; that we take for granted children know and understand; like ordinance , perish, and testimony. We discussed security of salvation, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, how to share your testimony, with whom and even places that it can be shared. We also learned what makes up a church. When the course was done each child shared their testimony with the congregation. There were tears from children and adults alike. It truly was a precious time.
In between Bible Club, Discipleship on Sunday mornings and our Ladies’ Bible study I took on a teacher training opportunity. Ruth Hornbrook, one of my fellow missionaries asked if I could give a basic course. Ruth and her husband have a church here that is young and growing. She was doing most if not all the teaching of the children but was expecting their 5th child and really needed to get someone trained to be able to be in place before she gave birth.
We opened the teacher training up to the other missionaries as well and ended up with 8 teachers from 3 churches. We met every other Saturday for 3 weeks and crammed in a whole lot of learning. Most of the ladies that came had little or no experience in teaching so they were a little scared. They soon were excited about getting started in the children’s ministry. Ruth now has her teacher in place who is so excited by all that she is discovering as she teaches.
The gospel is getting into the hearts of children because of the sacrifices you make, thank you for all that you do to see these precious ones hear His Word.
Cynthia Castillo
