Thank you for all of your faithful prayers! They have been answered! The VBS supplies arrived hours before we started our first session. Last night, a portion of our team went to the airport for the third night in a row in the hopes of picking up the missing luggage. Gideon, one of Lois’ sons, has graciously driven every night, and has lost a great deal of sleep because of it. Our team was weary and disheartened, as this has been quite a journey. Thankfully, after some tactful negotiations and God’s moving, we’ve recovered our missing luggage. All 17 bags are now with us at Lois’, and we are overwhelmed with relief. 

After sorting our VBS materials this morning, we made our way to the Bible College for day 1 of VBS. We had hopeful hearts for what could happen, and how the Lord might use us. We ended up with approximately 115 children, praise the Lord! At 10 a.m., they gathered for the start of the day with a lesson and story time from Janet. She taught the children the story of Noah and the flood that wiped out our Earth, and the plan that God had through doing this. Then, we separated them into four groups, and they made their way around our stations for the remainder of the day.

Dave, Steven, and Kyle played multiple games of soccer with the kids in the field. Olivia led memory verses, and the kids learned John 1:19 by heart today. Alyssa led the crafts, along with Betty’s help, helping them construct their own paper ark with Noah and the animals inside. Charlotte rotated from station to station, helping out with anything that was needed. We’re all reflecting on what an impact these children have had on us already. We are so humbled to serve them, and to teach them of the unconditional love of our Father. Pastor Chris spent this time  continuing his seminar with the board on biblical principles of leadership in pastoral ministry.

Today stretched us and gave us  encouragement for the upcoming days of VBS. We learned a lot in  this first day that will hopefully help the rest of the week to run smoother. In the afternoon, we made our way into Tala the visit the market. Lois helped us exchange our American dollars for Kenya shillings. Fitz and Shad drove us into Tala, and we experienced many streetside shops and vendors and a traditional Kenya supermarket! Tonight, we had the pleasure of celebrating two birthdays at Lois’ home: Bondo, the cook at Lois’ house for almost 20 years, and his lovely 10 year old daughter Winnie. Bondo’s wife, Patricia, his children, and a few others came along. The evening was filled with joy and fellowship. 

Please continue to pray for the following:

• Praise the Lord that our luggage has been found, and is now with us! We cannot express how grateful we are for your prayers on our behalf. Thank you for being a key part of our VBS   supplies arriving just in time.
• For the remaining days of VBS, and next week’s VBS session, that the Lord would guide our steps giving us increasing wisdom so each day will run smoother than the last. 
• For the hearts of the children who will attend each  VBS session. Tomorrow’s theme is the parable of the wise man building his house on the rock. We hope the children will grasp the message that the Holy Spirit will apply it to there hearts and they will enjoy a lifelong walk with the Lord. 
• Continued prayer for Pastor Chris, as he continues to hone and sharpen the materials for his sessions with the board so the time they spend together will be a blessing to each one. , 
• For the upcoming 30th anniversary celebration of Lois’ ministry here in Kenya, that the many preparations  will go smoothly and we would be a help to the team here.
• For our mental and physical wellbeing - specifically, rest, as many of our team members are not sleeping well. 

Tonight, we’re thankful for laughter, for new experiences, for fellowship, and for growth. Thank you for praying for us and being a key part of this journey. Onto day 2 of VBS!