It's our last day of camp and even more kids showed up. We were blessed to see 77 kids today.
Today when David spoke he told the story of the prodigal son. How even when we sin, the Father is there waiting to forgive us when we turn back to him. After discussion time, we spilt the groups up so that at any one time half would be in crafts and half in games.
For games Jon and Maher (I will tell you some more about him in a minute) showed the kids a version of American football.
It seemed to be a hit. Once the game was done we let the kids have some free play before switching with the craft group.
In crafts, Joe and Brenda worked to use a small coin and making it something the kids could wear or take with them. The idea behind this was to show/remind them that they are of value. When crafts and games were over, we handed out lunch and some gift bags for the kids. Then it was time to go.
When the last kid was onboard the bus I turned to Yousef (I will also say more about him in a minute) and asked "How do I say 'I will miss you'?" He told me. So I quickly jumped on the bus, got the children's attention and repeated the phrase two or three times to make sure they heard me. I then turned to Yousef to make sure I said it correctly. He says I did.
Throughout our day I heard kids telling me and some of the other workers "I love you". It was so nice to hear that because we sure love them. These are good kids. Sweet kids. And, they are facing a hardship I would wager none of us will ever face.
So the camp ended. We cleaned and packed our stuff, and then the team headed west to Beirut. My prayer, my hope is that maybe some seeds have been planted. And, maybe (just maybe) some of those seeds were watered as well, and I pray one day a beautiful harvest will come.
A camp like this does not get done by a short term team from thousands of miles away. We are only here to help the team that is already in place...to assist in the great work, in any small way we can. Gladys has done so much to organize this camp and others like it, to keep the information flowing between those wishing to help and others who need it. Poise and grace abound in this woman. Her husband Dani has a great musical gift for all who have a change to hear. (I have a short video of the worship time, but the program has been having trouble loading it.) These two have been the greatest of hosts for our team. I know we must have asked thousands upon thousands of questions, but they always listened and answered with a smile. I have only mentioned some of the workers who are here on the ground reaching out to those in need, but to name them all and tell their stories would take more than a week long blog to do. I do wish to tell you of two that mean a great deal to me and to the rest of the team.
Maher
Maher (Ma-hair), is a young man who's heart beats for the kids victimized by this war. He is a youth pastor, with a commanding presence as he informs the kids of what they need to do next. But you also see the compassion within him when one of the children is hurt or you speak to him about the situation. When I see Maher standing in the crowd of children I am reminded of the strong sheep dog guarding those under his care. He is stern, but it is because he cares so greatly for the childern's well being.
Yousef
Yousef is a young man who has been here working with some of the families in need. Everyday (and I mean everyday) he walks (and I mean literally walks) from camp to camp checking in on people and finding out how they are doing and what needs they may have. He has been doing this for almost two years now. I got to know Yousef as he was one of our interpreters. He helped with the camp, and later was our guide as we met the people in their homes. The humility of this man surprised me. Just after the first day I noticed how he is received by these families. By just being there, he seems to brighten the day of these people who are in such dark times. The moment he arrives smiles are seen on every face. I offered this encouragement to him, but he was so humble. He looked has though he had never noticed...but I did.
These men and women are so outnumbered. There work is long and demanding, and there is no apparent end in sight. I recall how emotionally drained I felt after just two days of seeing this suffering, but those here have been at it for years. They need resources in both materials, personnel, and rest.
Please join with me in this prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Please be with these families...these children who are lost and need Your protection. Draw them into Your loving arms. Just as You have done throughout history, Lord, do a great work where only You can. Use this evil time for some good in their lives...their eternal lives.
Father, I lift these workers up to you. I have seen thier fatigue at the end of the day. They are tired in both mind and body, but they press on with great spirit for the work you have called them to do. I pray for them that you would strengthen their bodies, renew their spirit, and send others to help carry this heavy load. Lord, please help us to find those ways we can help. To seek out and actively persue how we can join with them in Your service.
Thank You Lord for giving me and this team the opportunity to meet these wonderful people. I am blessed to say "I know them".
In Jesus holy name, Amen
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