Covenent Christian School - Day 4 +
Day 4 – Sunday July 6th
By Browny
Today was our last day of KidGames and also our longest day in Yarrabah. We woke a little later – breakfast was served at 7.30am woo hoo - and then we organized our gear for the move to Cairns Villa. A number of the boys jumped in the buses for the move with most of us staying behind at Tropicana.
While the rest of us were waiting, we had the most amazing pray time, all standing around in a circle thanking God for what he had done through us already that week, praying that he would strengthen us on our final KidsGames day and basically just thanking and praising Him for who He is and what He has done – it was a great time.
After Mr Monin returned (apparently he didn’t get lost) a good 30mins after the other bus, we headed for Yarrabah with a quick stop at Maccas on the way for lunch (super healthy).
Upon arriving in Yarrabah, we jumped straight into KidsGames – it was another amazing day. Today in small groups we had the joy of handing out wristbands with fish symbols on it and explaining that to the kids and also of being able to put copies of God’s Word into kids hands through some Top 10 stories (see the pix). The kids’ response to both of these was fantastic.
We then had that fun, blessed time of writing on shirts that seems to happen every year regardless of where we are on mission. Kids writing messages of what they have learned, giving us their phone numbers, drawing pictures for us – asking us to write messages in their new books – it really was a special time.
We all then jumped in for a big team photo (see pix – give you an idea of how big everything had become)
After KidsGames finished most of the team ducked off to see the local footy game between the Yarrabah Sea Hawks and the Mossman Sharks – unfortunately the Sharks won but it was a great time (from what I heard).
A couple of us leaders hung around to help start the BBQ for dinner and had the chance to go fire wood hunting and hang out with some of the locals of the church. What a joy and privilege that was. We experienced the heart of Aboriginal Christian community as we sat looking at the wonderful view over the water a guy pulled up in his boat, wandered up the boat ramp with a massive fish in hand, David (one of the church leaders) told the guy who we were, and he walked over to me and handed me the fish – it was a fish worth at least $50 and he just handed it to us…. His way of welcoming us to the community – that kind of thing just doesn’t happen in Sydney. In addition to this we also had another fish and some pippies cooked for us that night…
After dinner we had fellowship – a chance to sing dance and share about what God has done in all our lives & play with the kids at the same time. This was a deeply moving experience as a number of the team stood up in front of the crowd and opened their lives, told stories of what God had done in them and through them, how knowing Jesus had changed and transformed them – it was a real privilege to share that moment as a leader and to see the team grow in their faith and in relationship with each other.
Around 9pm – we said our goodbyes and headed for the buses (took us about 20minutes to walk about 200m) and back to Cairns.
A life changing day for us as a team and for many of the kids in Yarrabah – God is good.
Day 5 – Monday 7th July
By Browny
Today was our free day in Yarrabah – a chance for David and Roberta (two of the church leaders) to show us around their “country” – and what a beautiful place it truly is – unfortunately the weather wasn’t real good (but then again we had sunshine and blue skies for the entire time we were running KidsGames – so one can’t complain and the bad weather meant we had a good excuse to not swim at the beach near the stream were the local crocodiles hang out).
We drove out to back beach, walked through a little stream near some mangroves (a little scary considering that is just the kind of place crocs like to hide) but all was fine, we then headed back to Yarrabah museum to read and learn a little of the history of the Yarrabah Mission. A couple of the students (and I know the first time I was there) walked away a little disturbed by what they read – wondering how they could make a difference, wondering what they could do to repair the damage of what had happened at Yarrabah all those years ago… some real hard questions were asked (and hopefully answered).
After the museum some of the local kids treated us to some traditional dancing and showed us some traditional spears – all whilst we ate lunch.
From there we headed back to the church for one last goodbye to the kids we had spent the week with – one last chance to say goodbye, to give them some small gifts (kindly donated by the NRL) – and really just to connect one last time. It was sad/happy time. As we drove away with kids following us out - the extent of the impact that God had made through us was plain to see.
God can and does use the simple things, playing games, making balloon swords, dancing, singing, hanging out as ways to develop relationships and through that by members of the team being willing to step out in faith a little, to trust God and take the risk to talk about Jesus – he can and does change and transform lives (both of the team and of the kids and adults in Yarrabah).
Can’t wait to bring another Covie team back next year…
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 |
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Covenant Christian School Day 2 +
Day 2 4th July
Elisa Dykman and Grace Fitz-Gerald.
Today was a really special day. It is not often that you get a real look into an aboriginal community like this. We were really able to get a better look into their culture and church. We started the day with a devotion by Mrs. Bootes about keeping God as our holdfast and trusting Him to be our rock and solid foundation which is really important in a world where we are persuaded to construct ourselves on false images and ideas.
The day was based on the theme importance. We expressed to the kids how they were very important in Gods eyes. In Small Groups we had an “Importance Meter” where the kids rated how important they were, by placing a card with their name on in onto the meter. In the end we finished by explaining that God thinks were all equally important, which means we’re all VIP’s to him.
The best part of the day, beside sharing our sandwich dinner and poppers with the kids all sitting around us as we stared into a sinking sun behind a sunken ship wreck was the dancing the that the kids had prepared for us. It was really special that the kids had taken a few weeks of their time too make up a dance to show us. We also joined in with their fellowships which made our churches look really boring, as we danced around the church, played guitars, shared testimonies and stories, and sung the night away – all to our loving creator.
Some of us were really affected by this experience. It was so amazing to see how humble these people were. It was incredible to see them giving God their all when they have so little. It affected a group of us greatly how these people could worship barring all circumstances. It was so encouraging because our worship is often so conditional and these people were willing to let go of everything to worship the Lord.
The day finished with the kids chasing the vans out of the village. We had a small debrief at the end, but we were a little (a lot) tired because it was a pretty full on day! We went to bed exhausted and yet excited for the next day.
Amen
Day 3 5th July
Elisa Dykman and Grace Fitz-Gerald.
What a sleep in we had today! An extra 10 minutes really goes a long way when you have kids dangling off all your limbs for four hours! Today was really amazing because it was the day we really got into Gods word with the kids, it was so encouraging having one on one time and sharing the ‘Two ways to live, ‘Who will be your king’” booklet with them.
Today was especially exciting, as we really started reaching out to the teenagers. As we played with the kids, blowing balloons and bubbles, and testing our skills on the plate spinning activity we always drew a crowd of teens in the background who were curious to see what we were doing. Ben and Holly did a great job of talking to them and encouraging them to come closer and at one point we even had a dance-off happening, and everyone got involved. Ben Tucker showed off his shuffling skills which really impressed the other teenagers. We were able to develop respect and at one stage enticed them to watch the drama. God was really encouraging us to witness to them today! This morning we had a little devotion from Mr. Hill about how Nothing is impossible with God, and we were encouraged to go out to Yarrabah and take some risks with our conversations, telling and questioning the kids about Jesus and asking them why they thought we were here which helped us to be able to link the gospel and Gods salvation and grace to the conversation. It was a great day and it took about half an hour to finish saying goodbye to all the kids!
When we got back, a few of us finished the day by jumping into the FREEZING pool! The face paint the kids had released on us came dripping off! Luckily its warm in Cairns!
Today was really a blessing, it required a lot of preparation and prayer. It is incredible how God works when you don’t even realize it. It wasn’t until I got back to the hotel that I realized how many conversations God had opened up, revealing a hope and a future to the kids that they would never have otherwise dreamed of in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace out.
Sunday, July 06, 2008 |
Comments (3) |
Awesome you guys!!!! Keep going strong, we're praying for you!
Love Belrose Uniting
Posted: 06-Jul-2008 01:50 PM | Zoe C |
It sounds like you are having an amazing time and doing a great job. It is really interesting to hear all you are doing. Go all you David's! I know you'll be great with all those little kids cause you are always so great with Katie! She still can't work out how Bek isn't here but is managing to fit inside the phone! We prayed for you all at church today and look forward to reading more! love Robyn Osborne
Posted: 06-Jul-2008 03:06 PM | Robyn Osborne |
awesome guys, keep up the great work. its really encouraging to hear how God is using you all. keep trusting in HIm. "I can do everything through He who gives me strength" Phil 4:13
Posted: 08-Jul-2008 09:02 PM | Donna Kane |
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Covenant Christian School - Day 1
What an adventure today was! The alarms went off and out of bed arose the 2008 covenant Christian school Mission trippers. 7.00am and God’s blessings had already begun , Bacon and eggs for breakfast. After breakfast a devotion was given by Mr Monin about relying on God, and not being fearful, knowing that we can trust him in all we do. Next up was an insightful and useful visit from the Wontulp-Bi-Buya bible college principle, Father Victor. Victor spoke to us about the college and the work they are doing within the Queensland communities. Then Final preparations for the day ahead in Yarrabah kicked off. Pre games, small groups, experiential games and the drama groups practiced their program for the day. At last, following a small snack, we were on the busses, and on our way to the community of Yarrabah. The scene of sugar canes struck exciting for most of us, until 30 minutes later when the view hadn’t changed. However as we started to descend down the mountain range of eastern Cairns, the view of beautiful transparent green water was upon us.
The moment we had all been eagerly waiting for was finally here. The day at Yarrabah was amazing. The indigenous people were so friendly, it was hard to find even one person without a smile on their face. Touch football is defiantly a crowd pleaser within the community. This along with balloon animals and face paintings brought a crowd of around 60 kids. The program centered around trusting in Jesus which was conveyed through songs, memory verses, games and plays such as David and goliath. The day was a certainly a massive success, and it would be great if people back home would pray for a successful week.
David Bickell and Holly Crawford
Friday, July 04, 2008 |
Comments (4) |
hope you guys are having an amazing time, miss you all heaps. and have you in my prayers. please say hi to vivian for me if you see him. God Bless.
Brittany
Posted: 06-Jul-2008 11:39 AM | Brit A |
what an amazing and blessed experience for all of you!!! may your faith grow in heaps and bounds from now till forever! we love you all! you are in our prayers!carolize and megan
Posted: 06-Jul-2008 07:10 PM | carolize meyer |
It was fantastic to spend time with you last week. I look forward to hearning about what God is doing through and in you when you get back to Covie.
Posted: 07-Jul-2008 11:57 AM | Bill Rusin |
Hi team, great to hear from you. Just wanted to share Joshua 1:6,7-be strong, courageous & obedient + soaked in His Word & He will give you success wherever you are. God can you use you in the same way when you return to change people's hearts toward JESUS. Look forward to hearing all about Mission. Love Mrs H
Posted: 08-Jul-2008 10:56 AM | Sharyn Holmes |
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