Jesus Loves Children Ministry Crusade

I am amazed at how the Lord puts different passions in the hearts of His people. I am proud of Jerad for his faithfulness and initiative to put on crusades. But not just any crusade, a crusade led by children. With the intent to teach and allow children to serve God at an early age, these Children's Crusades are an amazing opportunity to see how the Lord can use anyone, of any age, to bring glory to His name.

Many of the children from Lulwanda participated with other Sunday school children in preaching, leading worship, giving testimonies, being the MC, and translating during the 3 day crusade.

Sweet little ones learning about the love of Jesus.

During the week, JLCM and the children from LCH had met many new friends, but there was a special connection with the children who came to the crusade everyday from a nearby children's home. The day of departure, these new friends invited us to come visit their Home.

It was a blessing to be a able to see where they live and share a last moment of fellowship together.

Please pray for this ministry. The vision is big. The need is great. And the little harvesters are willing. May God's will be done.

To learn more about Jesus Loves Children Ministry, visit www.jesusloveschildrenministry.blogspot.com

My 31st Birthday

So, in honor of being 31 for a month now, here are some fun photos of the day. I was blessed to get to spend it in the tropical sun, relaxing at the pool, enjoying the company of my little friends.

Enjoying "rolex" (like a breakfast taco) and soda for lunch.

Faces...

HOW CAN YOU NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM?!

Don't Waste Fun

So today I walked out of the Main Hall and saw this...

Thanks to my time at TbarM Camp, all that went through my head 

when seeing this fountain of water pouring over the fence was: 

DON'T WASTE FUN. DON'T WASTE FUN. DON'T WASTE FUN. 

So we didn't. :)

We played.

 We captured our friends to force them in the water.

We sang and danced.

 We sloshed in the mud.

And sopping wet, in my work clothes, I was so thankful that this is my job.

What a great time we had. 

Thank you Lord for unexpected fun and the freedom to make the most of it. 

(Don't worry, the plumber came and fixed it)

Tis' the Season

It has been a wonderful December with the children home from school for holidays. In the spirit of Christmas, we have done many fun activities. It has been great!

Everything is new to the kids, so I can bring even the most basic ideas and they love it.  

We have:

made an advent calendar on the notes board

read Advent readings from the Jesus Storybook Bible

made trees out of construction paper and glitter

made over 200 dough ornaments

painted said ornaments

made 160 sugar cookies for the Lulwanda Christmas party

iced said cookies

 And we just celebrated our Lulwanda Family Christmas Party, 

complete with a tree decorating competition…

… and even Father Christmas came to join the fun.

And of course, in Africa, no party is really a party unless there is some dancing :)

But as I have reminded the children each day, we don't celebrate Christmas because of the things we get to do, the new clothes we receive, or the special food we eat, but rather we celebrate the gift God gave us of a Savior.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

So, with great joy in our hearts, 

we wish you a Merry Christmas!