Last Ministry Day With The Kids

Well, today (Thursday) was a bitter sweet day. It was the last day with the children but it was also the day we focused on the Gospel!

The class activity for the day was a fun Gospel themed scavenger hunt. We had a series of 5 challenges that our classes had to complete that reviewed the lessons the children learned throughout the week finishing with the Gospel story. These clue were little objects like a rock that symbolized the stone that was rolled away from the tomb. In the morning we were able to take the younger kids on the scavenger hunt outside which was similar to attempting to herd cats. This was a little chaotic because we were outside and running around and it was exciting and they seemed to just lose their minds, haha! But, then they surprise you by remembering the things you talked about in those crazy moments or even from the times you thought I’m just not effective. It reminds you that it’s not your message you’re sharing it’s God’s and He uses you regardless of your qualifications or in spite of your perceived lack of abilities! The little ones loved the scavenger hunt and everyone received a salvation beads bracelet when they were able to answer questions about the Gospel story.

It started to rain during lunch and into the afternoon so the older kids did an adapted scavenger hunt in their rooms. Many of the older kids knew the Gospel story and were able to quickly answer the questions and complete the challenges, which allowed us to explain a little further about the different clues and the parts of the story they referred to. It’s my hope and prayer that these kids move from knowing about Jesus and what He did for us to actually knowing Him on a personal level. They’re almost there and perhaps for some of them they truly do. But, real change in Belize will happen when these kids become the spiritual leaders in their communities and country.

It has been a long week that has flown by! We have all made connections with the children in our classes and we were dreading the moment we inevitably had to say “goodbye” but as the Kids Konnect leaders taught us, we don’t say “goodbye” we say “until next time” whether it be in this life or the next. For me, it was hardest leaving the little ones. I was paired with Karen, Rachel, Michael, and Kamran in the Infant II class who were from 6-8 years old. They were adorable and loved to give hugs. And every one of them seemed to have an endless supply of joy.

We often forgot that it was thanksgiving but we were reminded of what we should be truly thankful for, God’s grace. We did get some turkey for dinner! Chef Rob made us some turkey toastadas with a cream sauce on a bed of cilantro and lime rice with a side of bread with garlic hummus. An interesting combination that totally worked! It was delicious! If it weren’t for my Aggies losing the football game, it would have been a perfect Thanksgiving ;)

Tomorrow (Friday), we’re ready for our day of reflection where we can take some time to process what God has shown us this week!

Tyler