Journal Entry 9/21

Tuesday Sept 21, 2010

This was our first morning at our new camp. The morning began with Dorothy having a tick on her - EW! That is my one paranoia - getting sick from ticks or mosquitos.

After breakfast, we walked over to the school. The plan was to divide into teams and go out hut to hut inviting people to the Jesus film and sharing the Gospel.

Tab and I were paired with 3 guys and 1 girl from the churches in the area. I can't pronounce much less spell 3 of their names but our main translator was George. We had to walk quite a ways before reaching the first hut that had people. The whole formality of visiting people is very different than in the states. First, you call out a greeting at the gate to the yard, once invited in you then shake hands and greet everyone. Following that, the family will find chairs for the men and if there are extras they will then offer the women chairs but most times the women will just sit on a scarf or blanket on the ground.

At the first hut, we decided I would share the Gospel first. I was nervous at first but eventually I got so excited about it! After using the evanga-scarf to share, I asked them if they wanted to ask Jesus into their hearts. As it turned out, they were believers so we prayed with them and encouraged them in their walk.

At the second hut, we were excited and surprised to find that the Dad spoke English. Again, I was asked to share. However this experience was different because he knew about Jesus but he didn't know for sure what he believed. I spent some time explaining to him that we only ask Jesus into our hearts once and he is there forever. At this time, the man didn't make a decision but said he would bring his family tonight.

The next hut, Tab shared. It was an amazing experience! She shared the Gospel and the whole family became believers. They are so open and so receptive. Unlike in America - their yes is yes! When they say it, they mean it! What a blessing.

At the final hut for the morning I shared again. This was another amazing experience. I am not sure I can put it into words but I will try. This family was made up of a man with a couple wives and some teens as well as a toddler. After the formal introductions, I asked if they knew about Jesus. I was expecting that they would say they had heard of him like the other families had. However this family was different - they had not heard of Jesus. I can't explain my excitement but it was incredible! I have led many to the Lord but I have NEVER shared with someone who hadn't at least heard of Jesus. I was thrilled to start with creation, set the stage for the need for a Savior and then talk of Jesus! This family decided to ask Jesus in as well! Words can't describe this experience as I process it more, I will write more.

After this, it was time to come back for lunch. Although I wanted to share more it was REALLY hot and physically I was drained. On the way back to camp, we ran into Dorothy and Dave's group. They had an amazing morning as well. One lady they met was deaf and they told her I could sign tonight for her - YIKES!

However, as I sit here writing during our down time - I am getting very excited! I have a heart for those hard of hearing because I can relate to them! So, I am praying for guidance. I don't know formal sign language but I can make things up enough to communicate!

Well tonight was incredible! The deaf lady either didn't come or they didn't let us know but either way I didn't sign to her. Perhaps she will come tomorrow night.

The thing that absolutely made my night was Elliot came! Elliot was the man from the second hut we visited that had not made a decision. Immediately he came up to me and told me he had things right. After we had left his hut, he went and found a friend who was a deputy marshall and also a Christian. The friend told him more about Jesus and Elliot decided to lead his family in following Jesus. As I looked into his face I KNEW that his familywould forever be changed! After the movie, Tim gave an incredible message of the Gospel. Elliott was the first to stand and proclaim he had asked Jesus into his heart!

There were approximately 350 at the Jesus film tonight. I have no idea how many made professions but it was A LOT! The cool thing is, these people will be the first members of a brand new church here this coming Sunday - what an amazing thing!

When we returned to camp, I could not wind down! I was just so incredibly excited about all that Jesus had done today! Holy Cow - what an experience. In America, we have a hard time driving to church and yet these people WALK miles to hear the Word of God - oh where are OUR priorities?