Workshops

On Tuesday morning we were disappointed that no children arrived to take part in the workshops. We had been warned that not many would come but we had not expected a zero turnout. The time was used however to walk round the local community and make banners to advertise what was happening at the seminary.
Tuesday afternoon brought some new faces to us. Our theme was animals and the team met the children at the door with their faces painted in various animal guises - pig, cat, donkey, butterfly, monkey and lion. For one of the games we hid in the garden and the children had to try to find us. Again our white skin makes us easy to spot! These exercises were to help their English but also for fun. We did drama and sport with the young people with varying degrees of success. It proved that you can't take for granted that young people have a particular knowledge or skill in certain activities which would be standard back home.

After the workshop some of us stood outside the seminary beside our home made banners to try to encourage more children and young people to come to the workshops the following day. This was a good time as the children who attend afternoon school were on their way home, often accompanied by their mothers.

This could be a daunting situation given our lack of language skills and yet it proves God does indeed work in mysterious ways. Barbara literally took a step of faith and crossed the road to speak to some passing children and their mothers. She was easily able to communicate with them in a way that surprised even her and she was really encouraged by their response.

We reaped the reward of her step of faith this morning (Wednesday) when about 15 children came along, including children with no previous connection to the project, and some who have not been seen for a few months.

Encouraged by the response that face to face contact had, David, Sharon and Karen headed out into the community this morning to talk to local children and their families about what is happening in the seminary and also to advertise a special breakfast taking place this Sunday to celebrate Father's Day.

Again we were rewarded by seeing 30 children attend this afternoon's session, during which they made Father's Day cards which will be given out at the breakfast service on Sunday morning. During the craft sessions the young people have been making banners of peace, love and joy which we hope can be used to decorate the church once we have left.

We have been given the opportunity to take the Bible Study for the young people at the Santa Cruz project on Saturday night. We are excited to see the young people who we met at the teen camp last week but slightly daunted by the communication difficulties. We spent some time tonight discussing and preparing to ensure that we encourage, challenge and teach the young people (you would think being Presbyterian we would be used to planning things by committee, but planning a Bible study that way brings its own challenges).

Most of the young people are mature in their discipleship and this weekly Bible study, normally led by Pastor Marcio, forms a solid foundation for their Christian walk. After prayerful consideration we have chosen to focus on the Lord's Prayer, and we hope to give them the opportunity to respond through a prayer room with different stations.

Points for prayer:

• Give thanks for the children who came to the workshops today that they may be encouraged to return to the seminary, particularly this Sunday for the special Father's Day breakfast. Some have very challenging family relationships.
• As a team we are heading away for a couple of days to Porto de Gallanhas for a break. We are quite tired and are working hard. Please pray that this would be a time for rejuvenation and rest before getting stuck into things again on Saturday night.
• Pray for our preparations for Saturday evening and that the message will be well received.