Day 2 Campfire

Last night students enjoyed a powerful time at the campfire. Our focus was on worship. We worshipped through songs, but also through the students' testimonies of how God is working in their lives. So many students shared that I can't recount all the stories, but here are a few:

Courtney M. shared that she learned a lesson about stubbornness from a resident at the All Saints. That we spend so much time focused on ourselves that we don't often let God work in our lives.

Luke M. shared that after breaking his arm a few days before the trip he was upset that he wouldn't be finishing the basketball season or be able to play lacrosse. Yesterday, he was nervous about meeting the  Bahamian school children because he might not know what to say to them. But once the kids came, they all were curious about his arm. His broken arm allowed him an opportunity to connect with and minister to the kids.

Mr. Gushue spoke at campfire about how he had seen students moving from fear to faith. He mentioned watching Katie L. being nervous as children had grabbed her hair, wanting to play with it. He saw her moments later, allowing kids to braid her hair, talking to and laughing with them.

Sean Dougherty's and Dennis John's groups

Entertaining children

Campfire

Group 1 Video Recap

Short video recap of Group One by David Mellinger

Ministry Day 2

Students are enjoying some free time before dinner. Both groups had a FULL day. I'll let the students tell you how the day went:

"My group and I took a visit to the ALC today. It was awesome to see the Bahamian kids and play with them. We also went to a school of 900 kids! Thank God I made this trip!" -Chase E.

"Today we had the amazing opportunity to share the Gospel at a public school with 900 kids. I was amazed at how happy the kids were to see us. They were overjoyed with the simplest things. It was a blessing to love on the kids." -Natalie R.

Mary P. says that at first she was nervous to meet and talk to so many children, but once they arrived at the school, she felt comfortable and had a great time playing with the kids.

Many students shared the Gospel and prayed with Bahamian children. Patrick S. was talking to some students, sharing the Gospel when one little boy began crying. The boy had just lost his father. Patrick prayed with the boy and shared the love of Christ. The little boy accepted Jesus as his Savior.

"What mostly impacted me today was the All Saints Camp. There were about 20 people there who had either some source of disease or needed physical help. The one person that impacted me the most was a man named James. He was an amazing person, and not just because he had the same name as me. What fascinated me most was the fact that he was always happy and joyful with a great attitude, always talking to us and being very friendly to us all. I was very surprised at how him and another man, Arthur, would always sing to us very loudly and worship with us! He was very thankful at us all being there, and we were all happy to be there." -James H.

Hope A. adds that what made a huge impact on her today was being challenged by a leader to feed one of the residents. She was nervous about having to literally feed this woman who is crippled by disease, but Hope overcame her fears.

Marcos L. says, "I met a man at the All Saints Camp today. This was extremely significant to me because I got to see complete joy and contentment in a man that had almost nothing. He was overjoyed in just knowing our names and singing hymns with us."

Mr. Fanning's and Sean Fryer's group visiting a school

Face painting at the ALC

Balloon fun

Preparing for ministry at the ALC

With Bahamian students at the ALC

The kids LOVED balloons!

ALC

Enjoying time with a resident 

Photo bomb

All Saints

Singing with James

Free time at camp

Ministry Day

"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.'

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-12

Today will be a full day of ministry for all students. We began with a challenge in morning devotions to listen for God's still, small voice that often speaks to us in the middle of challenges. Mr. Fanning's and Sean Fryer's groups will be participating in a fun day with local Bahamian students at the Adventure Learning Centre. Dennis John's and Pastor Sean's groups will be traveling to the All Saints' Camp for ministry and a work project. 

Morning quiet time.

Personal devotion time.

Knowing God

Dennis John's small group sharing

Dennis John's small group time

Pastor Sean's small group time

Beach Fun and Work Project

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

With our first day in the Bahamas nearing an end, I think we are all looking forward to campfire and then bed. Students have been busy today. We had a lunch time devotion with Sean Dougherty and then spent some personal quiet time before heading out to a nearby beach for some team building activities. But it wasn't all fun as the students also completed some painting projects at the Adventure Learning Center. Actually, they had some fun while working. After cleaning themselves up, they returned to the ALC for a planetarium visit and an authentic Bahamian Feast. Plans for tomorrow include visiting schools and the All Saints Camp. 

MFI flights heading home

Group 1 is heading home. They will arrive at CCA at 3pm via charter bus. Those on Commercial flights should be picked up at the Jet Blue Terminal.

Team Two's Bahamas Arrival!

Flight 2 preparing to board

Flight 1 boarding

Team 2 made it! The flights were smooth, and we had a beautiful landing in the Bahamas. The MFI flights arrived at the Adventure Learning Camp just after 10:30 this morning and were greeted by the rest of the students and leaders.  Students have received their cabin assignments and are having camp orientation. After lunch we will be having some team building activities before dinner and campfire. Students and leaders are all excited to begin the work that God has called us to.

Team 2 receiving cabin assignments.