BIble Clubs!

On Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday afternoons I taught several bible clubs in different neighbhorods around Portoviejo. The bible clubs are hosted by families at the church, but most of the kids who attend are unchurched. Most of the kids come from incredibly impovershed homes and many do not have parents.  

 My mom and I taught 7 bible clubs (3 on Saturday, 2 on Monday, and 2 on Tuesday) in 7 very different homes.  It was very interesting to walk up to these homes and have no idea what to expect.  We brought all of our own supplies and had different activities planned for the different clubs.  The kids were so sweet and always so excited to participate in whatever we had planned

 I brought pictures of New York City to show the kids where I was from.  

 These sweet ladies were so excited to make puppets with the kids

 Between the generous ladies at my parents church who donated lots of supplies, my sister, and the support that I raised, we were able to bring 2 large suitcases of bibles, craft supplies, and games.  It was great to be able to use everything while we were there, but I was also excited to leave a lot of supplies for the church to continue to use when they teach these clubs.  

 Talking to the kids about prayer

 Helping the kids tie their gospel bracelets

 My mom and I with our translater, Andrea and the Children's Director, Damaris

 The Kids LOVED stickers

 I think my favorite thing about doing these bible clubs was that I was able to share the Gospel with all these kids (we had about 400 children between everything we did) I used the Crucifxion story in the Jesus Storybook Bible, which is my favorite. I don't know how much these kids understood, but prayerfully the Holy Spirit spoke through me.  

 Space was always interesting at each of the clubs so we learned quickly to be flexible and just be creative with how the kids did their crafts.  

 I don't know how but this little boy showed up wherever I was.  I really think he might have been at almost every bible club.  

 With all the kids at one of the bible clubs. 

 I didn't get a picture of the host at this bible club but the lady who lived at this house, was the sweetest elderly lady.  She lives in a thatch hut house.  She seemed to have a lot of physical problems, but she radiated Jesus!  I love that she opens up her home every week to invite the neighborhood children to come learn about Jesus.  

Although it was a lot of work teaching so many children and clubs without a team, my mom and I loved sharing the Gospel with these children.  It was a blessing to meet so many children and their joyful hearts. I know many of them have very hard lives, but they came to the club with a smile on their face ready to learn about Jesus.  

Some knew alot of about Jesus and some knew very little (or nothing at all)

I am thankful for the opportunity to go and be a part of this ministry for a few days!  

And it was fun to be able to do something like this with my mom.  We've nvery done anything like this before together, so it was a neat experience to share!  

And the thing I love is that I know the bible clubs are still going on weekly without me.  

I was able to be an ambassador for a week, but God is using other ambassadors as well to teach these children the good news of Jesus.