Friday 30 August 2013

A whole week in and extremely busy!

Thursday morning began with some time together doing devotions and then took an hour or so to rehearse some drama.  We had a quick lunch of delicious homemade Turkey soup and then took off down old Route 66 to the Manuelito Navajo Children's School.  We set up in the gym for an assembly for the whole school.  There are kids ranging in age from about 3 to 18!

Chris and Sue led the session with help from the team who did a drama and singing.  We then split into two groups, a younger and an older one.

We left after a couple of hours.  It was a really positive time and we really feel we have a growing connection with these people.  One of the teachers expressed their thanks for the Notebook computers we were able to give them and explained to me what a massive difference it will make to the older kids.

We then had a brief window of time to explore downtown Gallup and check out the Electric Store and the Route 66 trading posts.  We ran out of time and had to grab a Wendy's burger (some of the team were desperate to have a baconator!) begore our next event.

The boys went off to the town square and set up tea and a chat at the ceremonial dancing whilst the girls led a ladies meeting at the church.  The guys were really blown away by the conversations and opportunities to share Jesus that they had and were able to pray for the folk they met many of whom sadly were drunk.

Afterwards we regrouped and a car load went off for a late night Walmart run for supplies and petrol.

FRIDAY .... We had an early start leaving for the detox centre at 8.00am.  This was the day we were supposed to have gone to prison.  On arriving at the centre I think we were equally, if not more, apprehensive as we would have been on entering the prison.  It was an awesome time.  The men and ladies split up and went into see the respective sections inside.  We were able to chat and pray with them and the girls even sang a couple of songs and we left copies of 'Once an Addict' in several of their hands.  We were also were able to help the centre in a practical way, Alice, Margaret and Julie went off to get shoes and blankets for the girls.

The ladies at the detox remembered us from the flea market.  They told us that everyone was talking about us saying that there was a group of Brits in town!

The visit made an amazing impact on the team.  Unforgettable.

We had lunch, devotions and some planning and then headed off for another night on the town square doing tea and a chat at the ceremonial dancing.  It was quieter tonight but there were still some meaningful talks and we were still able to pray with folk, even meeting some of the people who were in detox earlier in the day.

We then had a late meal together with a church family at the Golden Corral, all you can eat buffet.

Now we are back at church and pretty shattered, another full day ahead tomorrow!

Please continue to pray for stamina - we have more openings than we have time for but we are just amazed how things have really opened up for us!

5 comments:

  1. Once again qw are so pleased to share you news of all the great work you are all doing Please tell Richard too many mega Burgers and he wll be paying excess baggage on the way home!!

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  2. Thank God for these opportunities; may He refresh you all, as you give out for Him....'for those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles....' Isaiah 40:31. Praying for continuing blessing, and access to the prison.

    Look forward to more news; thanks for the pictures - really helpful.

    God bless, Martin & Jan.

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  3. Still continuing to pray. Friday sounds amazing. You clearly had a huge impact there - as well as being impacted yourselves. Clearly God had planned for you to be there instead of the prison. Get some rest if you can. You will need your strength. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

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  4. Hi guys looks like God is really using you. Have been trying all wk to comment but u know me and computers-hope this finds u well and rested
    God bless
    Ian

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  5. I'm pleased to see I'm not the only one who's got problems with their computer as I'm still with you all just like The Lord is who is sincerely challenging and testing us all and its times like this that our faith is able to grow :-)

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