joy

"those the Lord rescued will return... Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 51:11

Rescue is perhaps too strong a word, but indeed we have been able to bring some kids out of the dump for the weekend. Rescue is too strong, because eventually they will go back... But these 35 have the ability to choose freedom, if they want it... They as connected to a local church, receive an education at a Christian school in the dump, and can learn a trade through other ministries. But for this weekend, they need not worry about their life... They can be children... And learn me tell you - they are doing that well.

When they arrived at the camp yesterday, we allowed the to unleash some energy at the pool - many of them had never seen a pool - it was the most chaotic thing I've ever witnessed! But it was beautiful to watch them laugh and play.

We also set up some stations where that included a drama, a craft and a bble study on identity. As Daniel led the study, he realized they have no word for identity - and indeed this is what they struggle with - they literally believe they are worthless trash because that is what their life experience has taught them. Our team is working to support Dan's constant insistence that they are valued and loved as sons and daughters of God. They must eventually choose which voice they will listen to...

This morning, their joy and gladness was evident, as the sun can up at 5:15 and they all popped up like toast, and made their way to the football field (that's soccer :-)... They have so much joy at being here... And I think a fair amount from whisperin about the gringos and laughing at us... Yesterday I laughed pretty hard and they all made fun of my laugh- some things never change across cultures!

This is actually our last full day of ministry, as we take them back home tomorrow, have our 24 hour debrief in country, and head home ourselves. Please pray for strength for our team! All are tired, especially after the early wakeup - and it will be a long day of games, dramas, crafts, and even some more testimonies (see Rachel's picture below)... Today, Jordyn, Alex and perhaps another will share their stories and the Gospel through them.

So, please continue to pray today, even for continued health... And hopefully you are praying as well for the situation in Iran, as a peopl try to free themselves from an oppressive regime... being in a country that still lives under revolution, we can see the dramatic effects that it takes in the future of it's people - generational darkness, inequality, hopelessness and oppression.

Yet, even in the midst of such darkness, Christ's light shines to set his people free!

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