We opened with a devotional from Ellen Doyle. Matthew 16:26 and 1 Tim 1:15 was used with a strong message about focusing on each other rather than ourselves during this mission and always. We were given notes on Why we serve? We are to serve others who offer nothing in return without expectation and benefit. We fail to do this when we get entangled with the cares of the world polluted by self-centered or self-serving concerns. James 1:27 We are to defend the fatherless just as our Father/God defends us and them. Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 68:5, Proverbs 23:10-11. We are to comfort them with the same compassion that God our Father has comforted us 2 Cor. 1:3-4. We are to encourage them in the Lord Jesus Christ, through the Word of God and minister to their emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs. Psalm 10:17 and 18. We have been given much from the work of our hands and the blessing God has bestowed upon us in order that we may care for others and in this case orphans. Deut10:18 , Deut 14:28-29, Deut 24:19. It is the revealed will of God in the Holy Scriptures that He commands His people to have a heart like His toward the orphan. So we pray according to His will that His promises on behalf of the orphans come to pass, through the body of Christ, for His glory and praise.
After reviewing the flight itinerary, passport/visa information, and immunization recommendations. Gary Schneider told us a heart wrenching story of Ophrey, a young orphan boy who was 16 but looked about 10. He had come to him in June of 2008. Ophrey was ill with HIV having lost both parents to HIV and was taken by an alcoholic care giver. He had heard about Camp Hope and so badly wanted to attend our camp but had become too ill. The June team prayed continuously that he could be well enough to join their camp for a week. Miraculously the Lord provided him enough strength at the appropriate time to attend the camp and everyone was blessed by his presence. Ophrey wanted to know his Big Daddy in heaven and he received Christ as his personal saviour at that camp that week. He later passed away but they all knew that he was with Jesus without any pain or suffering. Gary shared that story so that we could begin to understand how much these children want to learn about Jesus and that miracles have been happening at these camps yearly.
After hearing about Ophrey, we were reminded that God’s plan is perfect. In developing a missionary mindset, no matter what the circumstances may be, we are to remember this statement and to help us remember it, we were given these letters: F. R. O. G. - Fully Rely On God. We are to give up trying to fix things and make God my security. Isaiah 38:14
We are to look to God daily - Job 24:23 We are to rest in the Lord - Acts 17:26 and 27.
In preparation for the mission trip and during the trip, Cheryl recommended Journaling.
Psalm 139:5, Luke 12: 1-34. Norbett Platt wrote information on journaling saying it helps us pause for thought, to think deeper, and to regain our equilibrium.
After reviewing the flight itinerary, passport/visa information, and immunization recommendations. Gary Schneider told us a heart wrenching story of Ophrey, a young orphan boy who was 16 but looked about 10. He had come to him in June of 2008. Ophrey was ill with HIV having lost both parents to HIV and was taken by an alcoholic care giver. He had heard about Camp Hope and so badly wanted to attend our camp but had become too ill. The June team prayed continuously that he could be well enough to join their camp for a week. Miraculously the Lord provided him enough strength at the appropriate time to attend the camp and everyone was blessed by his presence. Ophrey wanted to know his Big Daddy in heaven and he received Christ as his personal saviour at that camp that week. He later passed away but they all knew that he was with Jesus without any pain or suffering. Gary shared that story so that we could begin to understand how much these children want to learn about Jesus and that miracles have been happening at these camps yearly.
After hearing about Ophrey, we were reminded that God’s plan is perfect. In developing a missionary mindset, no matter what the circumstances may be, we are to remember this statement and to help us remember it, we were given these letters: F. R. O. G. - Fully Rely On God. We are to give up trying to fix things and make God my security. Isaiah 38:14
We are to look to God daily - Job 24:23 We are to rest in the Lord - Acts 17:26 and 27.
In preparation for the mission trip and during the trip, Cheryl recommended Journaling.
Psalm 139:5, Luke 12: 1-34. Norbett Platt wrote information on journaling saying it helps us pause for thought, to think deeper, and to regain our equilibrium.
