Sowing Seeds Into the Lives of Children

This past Saturday, we had our first (the Lord willing of many) Kid's Day.  As you all know, this year mission2guatemala was able to provide school supplies for over 80 children thanks to the generous donations made by idividuals and churches in North America!  As we gave out the supplies we always told the kids that it was the Lord who had provided for their needs and then we'd pray with them.  In our hearts, although, we wanted to do more.  We wanted to have an opportunity to share more personally with them that the Lord loves them and has a plan and purpose for their lives! 

So, we invited our first group of 17 kids to the mission site for a day filled with activities.  Rocky and Manny took the bus into Chisec and picked the kids up at 9am.  When they arrived, we spent a little time getting to know one another, because they came from 5 different schools.  We introduced ourselves, played an icebreaker game and sang some songs to get warmed up!  Cindy and I then shared the story of Joseph and how, although he experienced some really difficult things, God had a plan for his life - a good plan.  We then learned Jeremiah 29:11, "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 a hope and a future." 

Rocky and Manny took them all down onto the big soccer field and played games to work up an appetite.  After, we shared a "healthy" lunch of hotdogs, chips, cookies, and melon, and laughed and enjoyed each other's company.  It was so neat to watch them make new friends and enjoy one another. 

After lunch, Cindy spent some time teaching on oral hygiene.  Each child received a toothbrush and tooth paste and Cindy taught them, by example, how to properly brush their teeth!  

Then we did crafts and each child received a present.  We closed the day by repeating the verse from Jeremiah and talking about how God's Word is a source of comfort and strength in our lives and when we memorize it, we have it with us always! 

As we watched the kids drive away, smiling and waving out the windows of the bus, we were so blessed!  Getting them into school and providing them with supplies, shoes, uniforms, was just a part of what we wanted to share with them.  Saturday, we got to share some more!  We were able to show them how special they are to us and to the Lord; how much we love them and He loves them, too!  And to begin the process of planting a seed, because, God has plans for these kids, "plans to give them a hope and a future!"