This morning we returned to the Zion church to run a Bible school session for the children.
Allen with the children at the Zion church
The team has come to love all of the children, and they are all so affectionate and ambitious. Our special friend Lamar has been so kind to everybody and another boy named Chuckie has also been very involved. We kicked things off with a couple of fantastic Bible stories which grabbed the attention of the many children present.
Campbell, Anne, Sophia, Julie and Eric at the Bible school session with Bill on guitar
Pastor Ed played the part of David and Will played Goliath. The performance of this duo was hilarious to children and adults alike. Following the story and devotional time, the children colored and spent quality time with the team.
Melanie and friend
After completing our Bible school session at Zion, the team had lunch on the bus and got ready for the upcoming experience that awaited them at the West Haven Children’s Center. This is a school/orphanage for the physically and mentally impaired. Many of these children are brought by their parents and are visited by them from time to time. Others are dropped off at the school or left on the streets to be found by complete strangers, who then bring them to the West Haven school. At first, the depraved mental and physical state of the children took us by surprise, but we were greeted so warmly and these special children are so loving, that we soon found ourselves mingling and enjoying intimate connections with them.
At West Haven Children’s Center
Sophia and friend
Jenn, Julie and Will (top of the photo), Sophia (bottom left of photo) with the children and Bill on guitar
Pastor Ed, “This is my special girl, Shantel Williams. It was such a special time reuniting with her today.”
These kids have the love of God with them, and they know it. Jesus is the one who is their help, and Provider, and all they desired was attention and compassion. The time with the West Haven Children will remain with all of the team and it truly left a sense of how blessed so many people are. We saw how impared individuals are often among the strongest and most blessed of God’s children.
JMT 2011 – (Back Left to Right) Sophia, Jess, Melanie, Will, Anne, Bill, Allen, Campbell, Julie, and Eric (In Front) Pastor Ed and Jenn
Awesome stuff. Going to miss you guys at service this morning but I am sure the spirit will move wherever you guys are worshiping. I hope that Ed and Will are practicing their David and Goliath performance so they can entertain EFC with it on JMT Sunday.
By: Mark Carpender on February 20, 2011
at 9:38 pm
Hi JMT! We are really loving the blog posts . . . thank you! We are in 1st service now — praying for you. Our thoughts and hearts and with you.
One in the Spirit, Hope
By: Hope on February 20, 2011
at 10:00 pm
Wonderful. Thank you for the updates. Been praying for you all!
By: Barbara Ripa on February 21, 2011
at 5:07 am
I feel like I am reliving the trip to Jamaica LAST year with your experiences and pictures!! Keep up the good work ALL…God’s work! Snow forecasted here for tomorrow…is anyone jealous??? NOT! How is “E.F. C.hucky holding up?? GOD BLESS, Bonnie (Billington)
By: Bonnie Billington on February 21, 2011
at 1:20 pm