Final Days at the ALC

Today was a change of pace for us. We had a great day of shopping and fellowship as a group. The Market was fun. Students enjoyed learning how to negotiate a good deal. The beach was cold, but that didn't stop the students from enjoying the waves and playing football on the beach.





When we returned to camp, our students ate pizza and brownies before going to the campfire one last time. Pastor Topher and I presented a challenge to the students about living out their father and read from James 2:18 and Hebrews 12. After this we turned it over to the students to pray and encourage one another and it is still going on right now. God is doing wonderful things in the hearts of your students. It is amazing to listen to what has happened to them through their own words.





Tomorrow, we clean up camp and then head of to All Saints AIDS camp on last time before we go to the airport. Speaking of the airport, please be sure to meet us at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport at 7:25 PM. See you tomorrow night.



I would also like to thank everyone who has partnered with us in this missions adventure. Your prayers and support have been used of God. Also, Moms and Dads, thanks for allowing your students to go on this trip. I pray that your homes will be blessed as a result of your faith.



Serving Him together,

Michael

He Who Began a Good Work

What God began to do last week has continued through the lives of our 8th grade missionaries this week. Today, our students were welcomed to Adelaide Primary School with open arms. This school is well off the beaten path on the island, so few come by to minister there. The CCA student found out today why this place is always one of my favorite stops in the Bahamas. The Principal, Mr. Dean, always greets us with a smile and thanks us for remembering his school. We were equally blessed by his staff and students as they allowed our students to spend time with them.

From Adelaide, we went to two different children's homes to do work projects and to love on children that do not always receive the love they need. Our students painted, pulled carpet up, and cut grass. When it was time to leave, our students did not want to go. They were also willing give up their time at the beach to come back tomorrow. These precious children had great impact on our students.

Tonight was feast of nations, which is an illustration of how most of the world lives and eats each day. Our time ended as we gathered around the campfire to discuss how God may be calling us to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of the world. After our time was over, several students lingered around the fire praying and weeping before the Lord. As we waited there, more and more students returned to the fire to pray and have student led worship. The Lord touched many hearts tonight and I am certain he is not done yet.

Tomorrow is a morning at Straw Market and an afternoon at the beach for a well deserved rest. Please pray as we have our last time around the fire tomorrow night.

Serving Him together,

Michael

More Pictures

Choosing Today

Last night was a blessed time of worship and challenge as we took a brief look at Job 42:5-6. Job said he had heard of God with his ears, but now he had seen Him with his eyes. The studetnts we challenged to take their relationship with Christ beyond what they know and to make choices today, based on their faith in Him, that will impact their lives as they get older.

Students went to All Saints today to work and minister to those that live their. Students hung new signs at the camp today (Thanks Mr. Merrill and his art class.) Some students were overwhelmed with emotion as they encountered the conditions in which the people of All Saints live.

It is a fine balance of emotions the students face each day. At one moment, they are face to face with poverty like they have never seen and the next moment, they are eating a great Bahamian feast. Pray for them as they listen for the voice of God to speak to them through these moments and through His word.

Tomorrow, we are off to one of my favorite places, Adelaide Primary School. We will present the Gospel through drama, small groups, ballooning, and simply playing with the children. We will have a very special meal/ illustration tomorrow night called feast of nations. I am challenged each time we do it.

Thanks to all who have commented on previous posts. I am reading them to the students at breakfast and lunch. The scriptures and devotional excepts have been timely. Enjoy the photos. More tomorrow.

Serving Him together,

Michael

Pictures!

Looking For Great Things

6 AM could not come soon enough for our next group of student missionaries. (Especially for student leader Chris Bellaflores who arrived at the Church at 5 AM!) The students wasted no time at the airport bonding with one another by playing spades and spoons as we waited to load our plane. We made it safe and sound on Bahamas soil right on time and with a little cheer as we landed.

After a quick lunch at the camp, we went to work at the ALC. We even had a little time to go to the petting zoo. The students also had the opportunity to play some ball and make some dinner. After dinner the group went over to the ALC for the planetarium presentation and back to the camp for a brief time of worship and a challenge from me. Tomorrow the student will be hanging the new signs that bear the names of the residence of All Saints. We will also spend some time of ministry with them as well. Please continue to pray for us as God does his work in us.

Take a look at the second blog for more photos.

Serving Him together,

Michael

On our way home

We are wrapping up our final full day in the Bahamas. We spent our day on Bay Street at the Market and on Cabbage Beach. Each student shopped till they dropped until lunch and played at the beach as hard as they worked all week.

Once again, our night concluded with time around the campfire with worship and reflection on what God had done in us and through us this week. You will have to talk with the students about tonight. I do not think I could do it justice on the blog.

Our students are sad to leave but excited to be home with the people they love. Remember to meet them at the airport tomorrow at 4:40.

Serving Him together,
Michael

How Great Thou Art

It was another beautiful day in the Bahamas. The warm sun was tempered with cool breezes from the sea. Our students set out today to minister to the residents of All Saints by spending time with them, praying with them and singing to them. A group of students asked Arther if they could play the guitar and sing worship songs to him. He said he would like that, he wanted to sing to them first. He then pulled out and old hymn book and began to sing "How Great Thou Art" as he sat in his wheel chair. Students were amazed that a man that is unable to walk could sing praises to God with such conviction. Student went from house to house with smiles on their faces, the love of Jesus on their lips, and cookies in their hands.

After lunch, our team was divided into two groups to go to Binley Lane Children's Home and Elizabeth Estates Children's Home to do service projects and to love on the kids. This 8th grade class continues to surprise me each day with their selfless service and compassion for the broken hearted. Although they were tired, the students worked and played for more than three hours with a group of children with endless energy. We discussed our day around the campfire before turning in for the night. Pastor Topher Harrison shared the word and gave some stirring challenges. God has done some great things in the lives of your students. You will be blessed by their stories.

Tomorrow the we get to tourist for a while, as we go to the Straw Market. It's hard to believe that week one of this missions trip will be over in less than two days. Continue to pray as we desire to have an impact for Christ in the time we have left.

Serving Him together,

Michael

Photos!

Taking a well deserved rest.

Put our backs into it.

Ryan did a great job breaking up the big rocks.

Everyone pulled their own weight.

Day Two: The Life Within

Day 2 in the Bahamas has been full of ministry at the ALC and at All Saints AIDS Camp. The ALC ministers to hundreds of Bahamian children each, sharing the Gospel through Creation Science. Our students aided in this ministry by digging the footers for a Moroccan castle that will be located at the center. The students also stepped it up at All Saints by clearing a previously demoed building and clearing weeds, doing all they could to improve the living conditions the residents face each day. One student explained how blessed she was to witness the beauty of the life of Christ within the residents even though they live in extremely difficult conditions.

We are looking forward to enjoying a traditional Bahamian dinner tonight made by "Miss Linda." The dinner menu includes curry chicken, pigeon peas and rice, baked macaroni and cheese, and fresh conch fritters! The students will truly be rewarded for all their hard work.

Tonight's campfire devotion will introduce "Five Chairs" that represent the people students must consider when forming relationships in their lives. We hope you enjoy the pictures of our day today!

Serving Him Together,

Michael

DAY ONE: WE MADE IT!!

After a long morning of travel, we arrived safely in Nassau, Bahamas at 12:20pm! We had a quick lunch, then went right to work. The students were divided into groups and completed various projects at the Adventure Learning Center and the Camp, including digging trenches in the goat pen and white-washing tables at the camp. Others unloaded supplies and prepared the kitchen for a week of incredible meals!

After a delicious dinner of pasta and meatballs, salad, and cheesy garlic bread, we walked from the camp to the ALC for an evening presentation at the planetarium. The students are currently enjoying a fascinating, educational experience! We will conclude our evening with worship and a devotion around the campfire and head off to bed in preparation for a full day of ministry tomorrow!

Each of you would be proud of your children as they are rising to the challenge of being student missionaries! Please continue to pray for a tremendous day of ministry at the All Saints Aids Camp tomorrow. (I will try to post some photos tomorrow evening of our ministry so far!)

Serving Him Together,
Michael