Day Five: Smokey Sunday

7 am wakeup call, we were all eager to begin the day. Our first destination was Victory Church at Robinson’s mall. Church was a great start to the day as the praise and worship and the inspirational message replenished our souls. In what was a God moment for the returning students and teachers the closing song was last year’s team song ‘Beauty for Ashes’. Following the many pit stops that we had to encounter (thanks Jack & Wayne), we finally made our way to the train taking us from Santolan and ending in Recto. We then rode in Jeepneys (old military trucks from WWII) as we headed towards the second church of the day (Christ Power and Grace Church).

 At the church the year 11 and year 12’s split, year 11’s stayed in the church helping with local feeding, presenting a bible story and making balloon animals. Our bible story narrator Keziah recounted it as “… fun, yet hectic”. The year 12’s travelled to “Happy Land” which was evidently an ironic name, as the smiles of the people were infectious despite their extreme living conditions. At Happy Land the year 12’s walked through alleyways filled with trash and excess water from previous flooding’s. Amidst the poverty a small room, approximately 3mx3m, was used as a children’s ministry centre where the feeding took place. Mitchell lead a bible story of David and Goliath which was further dramatized by Genesis (the Pastor’s son of Christ Power and Grace Church).

After the year 12’s arrived at the church, the whole team was able to unite and fellowship through the awesome praise and worship. Nelson and Cameron testified about their experiences which they had encountered on the day and Genesis ended with his powerful testimony which immensely encouraged the team: “Don’t waste your first minute of being a Christian on a cigarette”. Cameron Strickling recounts, “Um… wait what am I saying? Oh yeah, it was such a great experience to see the amount of love the community has for us and for those around them. It was a blessing to praise with them and be a part of their day.”  

The team then grabbed all the hampers previously prepared on day 3 and carried them up towards Smokey mountain. Along the way many of the team members were approached by interested and playful children. “They were so happy to see you, and so enthusiastic about grabbing our hands. I don’t know if that makes sense?” – Eryn

Now Smokey mountain. Readers, it is extremely hard to explain how overwhelming the experience was, but here is just a glimpse;  

“It was so shocking to find the children so dirty and in tattered clothes yet so joyful at the same time.” – Rachael

“This year was more intense than last year.” – Gwyneth

Although we were exposed to this new challenge, we were encouraged and strengthened by one another. Many relationships were formed with the children and families on the mountain allowing hearts to be transformed. Jon was able to pray for a young lady of 17 years, who gave birth to a baby who is now one month old. He says, “I will never forget that.” This kind of experience proves how God can move inside of our hearts and allows us to recognise how different the living conditions are of those in the first world and those living in poverty.

Teams were split, some prayed house to house for families while leaving hampers, while others washed hands of the children, performed first aid and lead the feedings. While going around to the homes, Matvey had the opportunity to pray over two pregnant women, and as God took control of his words, he was given an overwhelming sense of confidence that He was also completely in control of the health and safety of these babies. Many tackled the whole experience putting on a brave face and others broke down in tears, but all left the mountain feeling extremely blessed to have been able to show God’s love.

After Smokey mountain, the team travelled back on the Jeepneys and train finally returning to the ministry centre after the exhausting day. We thank you all for your continual prayers and support for us.

Here are some shout outs:

Josh: Can’t wait to tell you of all the things that I have got up to. Happy Birthday Luke.

Shona: Hi Luna J <3 !!!?? 1234.

Nelson: Hey y’all, love you all and missing you too. I hope Lewis and Mum are having a great time in Alice. Give my love to the Sweeneys <3

Keziah: Hi, love you all.

Rachael: Today we went to Smokey mountain, definitely an eye-opening experience. Thanks mum I think I inherited your emotional genes. Other than that, I am doing well and enjoying myself. Lots of Love, Rachael.

Gloria: Hi my loving family and friends who may or may not miss me. Just wanna let you know that God is so good and that I miss you all and lol be ready for many brunch dates with endless stories of this trip!!!! LOOOOVEE YAAAAAAA ALLLLLLL <3 ps. Di niyeh blog nga yideh.

Richmond: Sup Mum, I’m starting to miss your cooking ;) Love y’all so much, seeya soon, Richo

Matvey: Privet, vso horosho, zdoroviy i tseliy. Spasibo Nadya shto chetayete, tseluyte Vanushku, Leru i Christinu. Skuchayu po ruskoy rechi, a tak vso okay. Lyublyu i tseluyu – Matvey.