Today was a day filled with worship at the center. The morning started out with Sunday school, followed by church, a baptism and finally tonight, devotions. That is one of the neatest things about the Raining Season. The children and staff are constantly worshiping throughout the day. They are connected and Jesus is real to them. He brings healing and hope.
Sunday school was the first hour of the morning. One of the older girls led the class I joined. They went over a little bible lesson and memorized a verse. I was sitting in the doorway and Trent was actually inside the room, just out of my sight. I got a kick out of this because he was sitting in a toddler sized chair participating in the lesson like he was one of the kids. It reminded me of the movie Elf when Buddy is at school with the other elves. All I could hear from where I was sitting was Trent’s deep voice booming over the kids as he recited the verse with an African accent and all.
After Sunday school was church. There was lots of singing, dancing and a sermon by Pastor Daniel as we all worshiped Jesus together.
Trent and James at church…
The girls…some of us in our African skirts we had made.
When church was over we went with Pastor Daniel and a few of the kids from the center for a baptism in the ocean. We walked about a mile and a half downhill to Lumley Beach in Freetown. Then Pastor Daniel baptized two people he had been working with over the past year. After the baptism we walked a mile and a half up hill to get back to the center…holy hot! Today was the hottest it’s been all week and were were all completely drenched after our long walk.
This afternoon we also had a USA vs. Sierra Leone basketball game. Basketball is not a very popular sport here, but hoops were installed at the center about a year ago. Quami (part of the management team) actually played basketball for the national team in Sierra Leone. The staff challenged the USA to a game earlier in the week. The kids were all so excited. They were chanting USA! USA! and Go Big Red! Some even made signs. It was a fun game, no major injuries and the USA won 60-34 (Sierra Leone’s biggest loss to an American team).
Pre game prayer…
Team USA and Sierra Leone after the game…
We had our final team devotion tonight. One of the caregivers, Uncle Joseph, shared his story with our team. His main message was about not worrying, but praying constantly. The caregivers here are not only helping to raise 100+ children, but they are also helping them to see the power and blessings in believing and praying.
Tomorrow will end this part of an incredible journey. It is amazing to see the transformations in this city and at this orphanage since our visit last year. God has a plan for every single one of these children. We love being here, but he is working even when we are not here.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
{The Launes}
That comment about Trent being like Buddy cracks me up!
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