October 2011
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
~I John 4:16
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you for the prayers and support in the last couple of months. Summer ended with a race to the finish as we hosted two different day camps for kids we know from the school with which we work. The younger kids enjoyed afternoons filled with games, bible stories, singing, art, reading, and their own talent show. It was exhausting but absolutely amazing. The older kids (grades 7-9) spent a few days with us the following week, and we ended the week with a great and chaotic bowling event.
Since then the children have started school. Every school year begins with a special ceremony for the kids and teachers outside the school building. My heart ached and my throat tightened as I stood with them. Anticipation, excitement, apathy, and some fear of the unknown shadowed their faces. I found myself overwhelmed at their need for hope and courage.
Yet, there is evidence of this hope and courage. As you read this letter, we are continuing the after school activities for the kids. We have about 30 kids who come to our program regularly, and we are desiring to continue to reach out to those outside the program. We are continuing the activites involving art, music, nature discovery, and bible study this fall. We are also continuing to tutor some of the kids in the evenings. We are even going to be doing some remedial work with a few 3rd grades students during the school day. However, the activites we do are not the evidence of this hope and courage. These are evidence of God’s grace providing the place and time and relationships within which we are able to serve and work among our kids.
I think hope and courage depends on what is written above from I John. We rely on this love, knowing that when we are at our wit’s end with some kids and overwhelmed with their emotional, spiritual, physical, and psychological needs, God is love. He sees them and longs to gather them to himself. He wants to provide comfort and understanding and love. I am learning again that without this love from God, I am nothing. (I Corinthians 13)
Please continue to pray with our community as we seek direction for this year. There are so many opportunities and so many needs that we want to address, but need wisdom in know which way to go. Also, thank God for our newest servant team member! Kyle arrived the middle of September and has been a great help to our team.
Much love,
Annie