Chester 10

Day 1 - Saturday, July 16, 2011

Bible Camp flyers have been passed out to the neighborhood surrounding Chester's Refuge in Christ Church.  Please be praying that parents would allow their children to come on Monday morning and join us for the week.  It was exciting to have some of the kids join us as we went door to door and help pass out the flyers.  They are excited!! Looking forward to joining the congregation in worship tomorrow morning!  Check back tomorrow for updates from the team members.

Day 2 - Sunday, July 17, 2011

Lauren
The church service was a lot of fun. Shopping for the VBS was a lot of fun too. Steve's sewing and vacuuming was the best. Too bad Austin couldn't find the big bag of buttons. Crafts group is the best, and don't forget it.

Jenna
Fun Day! Started out with service...REALLY different. A lot of moving around and worshipping. It was pretty cool to see how other people praise the Lord. Came back to church to prep for VBS. Drama/Bible/worship tomorrow is gonna be awesome! Can't wait!

Katie M.
Went to the church service. Thought it was very different. Groton (my dog) will find it really different.

Austin
Today my group (the craft group) went shopping for VBS supplies like buttons, felt, etc. I also went to a Baptist church for the first time and it was AWESOME!

Kate E.
Heyyy! On Sunday, we went to a church service in Chester. It was very different from COS. They worshipped a lot and it was a very fun experience to be a part of. People in Chester are VERY friendly. Tata for now!

Evan
The first day was good because we handed out flyers to advertise the VBS. Pray that positive relationships happen with the kids in Chester.

Sarah
Chester was definitely different than where we live, but nothing I didn't expect. I though the church service was cool at Chester's Refuge in Christ Church. It was fun to see how they worship! The people there are VERY friendly. Today we went to four stores in search for supplies for crafts (big bags of buttons)! Excited to see how the VBS is tomorrow!

Dan
Today, we joined their service in Chester's Refuge in Christ Church. The music was very different. Last night it was difficult to sleep for everyone so most of us are lacking energy. I'm looking forward to working with the kids tomorrow.

Lydia
Today we went to the church service in Chester. I'd say the best part was getting up there and leading the motions, and I got pulled into the aisle to dance. Then we came home and went to Walmart and Costco for VBS supplies!

Julia K.
Today we went to church in Chester. The church was a cool experience, and the worship was definitely different. We went craft shopping in search of big bags of buttons and a ton of felt! Can't wait for crafts at VBS.

Lindsay
Today we went to a church service in Chester's Refuge in Christ church. It was really interesting, because they had rap beats to Christian songs I knew, and kept saying Amen and Hallelujah to every point they made. Then we came home, and set up lots of things for the VBS we're doing tomorrow.

Grant
When I came to Chester we had an awesome church service. There were probably 200 amens, 50 Hallelujahs and 25 Father God's, but we had a good time

Patrick
Today we went to Chester's service. It was different. People there were unexpectantly friendly. Having fun. Bye.

Gabi
Hello from Chester/Wayne! The service at CRCC was a lot of fun. As for preparation...well, we have work to do! It's a whole different experience from last year. Love you all! Love and Sweat, Gabi

Day 3 - Monday, July 18, 2011

Today can be described as LONG...HOT...and VERY BUSY!!  But spirits are high amongst the team members.  Our first day of VBS went well.  We had about 30 kids come to participate in Bible, music, crafts, games, cooking, and the beloved water balloon fight.  We were able to work out the kinks and look forward to the 2nd day tomorrow.  We also spent the afternoon helping clean and do yard work at a local pregnancy center.  Please continue to pray that God would send more kids to be a part of the VBS, and that our students would be able to build on relationships with those kids that began today.  Looking forward to tomorrow!! 

Day 4 - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Lydia
Today, of course, we had VBS again, and it was so much better than yesterday! The kids listened and were involved. I got soaked in the water balloon fight. Then we went to Frederick Douglas School. I had already been there with DCCS, and I saw the little girl that I'd been matched up with from before. Then I was sweeping stairs. When we got back I power-napped with Gabi and then we had TACOS for dinner! P.s. Mom, please give Happy a hug for me :)

Gabi
What an interesting week! Found a snake at the Pregnancy Center yesterday. The VBS was a lot better, and they loved our skit! Had a lot of laughs today, and took a "power nap" with Lydia! Pray we have a good week!
P.S. I topped my shower record. 3 minutes. What.

Lindsay
VBS on Monday wasn't very productive because the older kids were a little bit distracting to everyone, but today it was much better with the older kids gone. I felt like bonding with the kids was easier, and we all got the hang of our jobs.

Grant
Today we improved our VBS very much. Instead of having the mindset of Chester being a vacation we thought of it as a mission field.

Evan
Yesterday, I was reading my testimony and a kid named Jayon said he had questions about Jesus. Jimi Sovocool and I took him to the side and talked about Jesus. After we talked to him he wanted to become a Christian, so we prayed to ask Jesus into his heart.
Later on in the day, I was running with my friend and he fell. I dove over him to keep from falling on him and I landed on my arm and I dislocated my shoulder, so please pray for me. I may have to get surgery. I have been learning that maybe Jesus has other things in store for me. But still come on July 28th for the Chester celebration.

Katie M.
Went to VBS, had fun, got wet, did service project. Then Sunday after I blogged I got to hold Adelyn then last night me and Lydia played with her.

Austin
Today we did VBS again and it went a lot smoother without the big kids there. I was unable to participate in the service project because of a health-related problem.

Kate
Heyyy!! The first day of VBS was hard. The kids weren't paying attention or anything on Monday. It got a lot better today. Our relationships with the kids grew and working with everyone was easier. Our service projects were hard but very rewarding. Tata for now.

Patrick
Monday was very hectic, but today was a lot better. People in Chester are very friendly. The older kids seem to be less mature than the younger children. It was going against my expectations. It's been lots of fun. Miss you. Bye

Julia
VBS was fun today. Crafts was awesome. Everyone loved the paper plate shakers. Our service project was at Frederick Douglas Christian School. Jenna and I spent 2 hours carpet cleaning. I never used a rug doctor before. Dinner was great. Yum! Yum!

Lauren
The VBS went really well. Window well cleaning was so tiring, but way better than spray painting yesterday. Tacos were good too. I got Brian in the water balloon fight. It was hilarious.

Dan
Today was very tiring and the work was a challenge. We managed to pull through it though. The kids were incredibly cute and fun to work with as usual.

Sarah
Our first day of VBS was pretty good, but today was even better! I think each day we will get better though. The service projects went well too, and it felt good to help out! Can't wait to see how the rest of the week goes!

Jenna
Monday started out great! We went to VBS and we performed our skit. Lindsay and I taught the lesson too. After that we went to the Pregnancy Center and cleaned. Today we went back to the VBS and performed our skit. I also presented my Testimony. After that we went to Frederick Douglas Christian School and I shampooed rugs. Then we came back to COS to have Dinner!

Day 5 - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The students were asked to blog about the following prompts:

 

  1. How has (or how have you seen) God working in your life this week?
  2. Describe or share a story about a relationship you are developing with the VBS kids.  Talk about one.

 

Julia

VBS was another fun day. God has taught me a lot about helping throughout the week. I've become close to 2 girls at VBS. Kate and I painted soooo much!
Love to all, Julia

Jenna
God has been working in my life this week by teaching me more about him and by having me teach them more about Him.
A relationship I'm developing is with Miracle. We have been spending a lot of time together!

Kate
This week God has been working in my life by teaching me a lot of things. They have taught me to be more patient. I have to remember that the kids have been raised differently and know different things. I have also been taught to love everyone because some might be annoying, but I should love them anyway.
One of the kids, Kaniece was very afraid to leave her mom and cousins on Monday. So I sat with her and made her more comfortable. Today she and I were playing with each other, smiling, and giving high fives. During the water balloon fight, I gave her a piggy-back ride and we were throwing water balloons at each other :)

Austin
Today was day 3 of VBS and I really have been connecting with kids. One kid named Jehovah was really enjoyed my company. He is 8 years old, troublesome, but a good kid.
God has really been working in my life through teaching the kids. It's been soooooooooooooooo sooooooooooo cool teaching them and showing them who Jesus is.

Gabi
We had some trouble with theolder kids, so we had to talk to them. They were pretty remorseful. Now they're being great role models to the younger kids.
A little boy, Jiyon, who I knew last year, was giving us a hard time at the beginning of the week. A lot of us made really good connections with him, and he's really enjoying the VBS!

Lydia
I've felt myself grow closer to God by showing more compassion. I can relate to my teammates as well as the kids I work with and it's really cool to watch God work through me.
On the first day I met a little girl named Teayana. She and I have hung out a lot during the week and it's really cool to see her little face smiling at me as she runs up to give me a big hug. I'm so glad I get to teach her about Christ.


Lindsay
This week I've seen God working in my life by strengthening my faith and helping me to love the kids in a way I didn't think possible. I started sharing the gospel with kids whenever I could and going out of my way to say hi to kids who looked sad or lonely. By today, I could see changes in the kids' attitudes, which directly reflected God.
Yesterday, a little girl named Jamara sat next to me and asked me how I got my hair to look the way it did. From then on, she followed me around a little bit, and we've developed a really good relationship. Another kid had been rude to her, so she was mad and saying things to me about how nobody liked him at school. So I stepped in and told her that she should love others, even if they're mean to us. She was surprised, but listened to me, and stopped talking about him. After that, she always said hi to me and sat next to me.

Sarah
I have seen God working in my life this week by seeing how excited the kids are to be at VBS. God is teaching me that some simple things, like a water balloon fight can make a kid so happy. I love talking with the kids and seeing them smile!
There is a little boy named Jiyon that seemed to be very excited to be at VBS with all of us. He was a little misbehaved in the beginning, but he is better now and even asked for a Bible. He likes to follow me around and I always help him with his crafts. I hope he stays behaved for the rest of the week!

Grant
God has been working in my life by me meeting kids that I can bless and love through God. They really are desperate for people to love them.
Jaleel and I are becoming very good friends. He has really opened up to me and told me he is a Christian.

Lauren
God has been showing me how I can become more like Christ. He has also been showing me what unconditional love is and how to love others even if I don't really know them.
At the VBS I met one girl named Teayanna. We talk during the water balloon fight and I give her piggyback rides. She says hi to me and waves whenever I see her.

Dan
I know God has been working on me this week but I'm not quite sure exactly how though.
I really enjoy working with the kids. I've developed a special relationship with Clifton. I sat with him during singing time. I hope to make more connections this week.

Evan
God has taught me to lead people to Christ this week. When speaking with kids, the Holy Spirit talks through me, even when I don't know what to say..
There was a girl at VBS and she was crying because her mom fixed her hair in a certain way. And I said to her that "You have beautiful hair as it is, and you should be thankful!"

Katie
I have seen God working in my life by helping me build relationships with the kids and the people in my group.
I don't have a specific relationship with one child, but I get along with all the kids and they are really nice. They listen when you ask them questions and ask them when to stop.

Day 6 - Thursday, July 21, 2011

The students were asked to blog about a high and low from the week, and to share about their experience during the service projects.

Patrick
My high of this week was during Family Time yesterday. I loved how all the guys were united and sincerely praising God in their best way, shape, or form. My low was my failed kickball slide to the fake base. During service projects I learned I enjoy serving the Lord in hard manual labor.

Sarah
I feel like I have grown closer to God this week, and that I have learned a lot. There are hot days and waking up early, but I think it is worth it. I love seeing how happy the kids are to be at VBS. I also like the service projects because no matter how hard or easy they are, I know I am making a difference.

Kate
Heyyyy!!
High- having VBS and building relationships with all the kids and learning love and patience.
Low - Heat, but it made the water balloon fights better...haha
Community Service Project - I believe I have become a harder worker and really started to do stuff for God's glory.

Jenna
High-me and Jayon have been interacting a lot more frequently. He will always sit next to me. He is very caring and loving and a great kid.
Low-Yelling when the kids are being disrespectful
Service Project: They have been a great way to realize that there's never time to quit or stop going because God is always here.

Austin
A high this week was seeing Tamara smile when she splashed me with a water balloon.
A low was teaching VBS to kids older than me.
During the service project, I have become more diligent at working and not complaining about the heat or the hard work.

Gabi
My high: Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday had a great VBS, a great service project, and a great night to open up and cry with the girls. Thursday gave us a chance to give God the glory. This team is a true family. We are one.
Service Projects: All I have to say is I love how much we can see how these projects help. It's actually nice to know that they don't owe us. Love you all, see you soon. Stay strong, Pops.

Grant
High - Meeting and ministering to my friend at camp (Jahleel).
Low - It's too hot!!
Service Projects - I feel good helping other people and cleaning up their stuff. I don't get the chance to really spray paint a cabinet or use a saw very much. I enjoy the trust that the leaders give us. Thank you.

Katie
High-I have been having fun with my friends and the kids at VBS.
Low - I was sad last night. Some of the vbs kids don't like me as much as other vbs kids do.
Service Projects - went to the pregnancy center and cleaned a basement and the yard. Went to Frederick Douglas School. Helped sweep stairs and did yard work. Went to the Community Center and did power washing. Had fun overall.

Julia
So far I have really liked getting to know the people in the craft group better. My low was with the huge heat wave. It was so hot! Service projects have been good. I got to learn how to use a hedge trimmer, clean carpets with Jenna, paint with Kate, and organize books at a library.

Lauren
One high this week was spending time with God during family time.
One low this week was having to deal with disrespectful kids. And all the hot weather.
The service projects are opening my eyes to how fulfilling serving others is.

Dan
A high this week was definitely working with the kids. I made some special connections with the kids. I also enjoyed spending some quiet time with God. A low this week is the lack of sleep and energy I had towards the beginning of the week. I enjoyed the service projects because it's a challenge.

Lydia
A high for me this week was Thursday night (tonight) sitting in the meditation garden. I was reminded of God's faithfulness. He will never let me go. A low was probably trying to calmly deal with misbehaving kids at VBS.
While sweeping the steps by myself at Frederick Douglas Christian School, I was struck by how blessed I am to be able to serve and live my life for Christ. In Him, I lack nothing.

Evan
My high was spending more time with God, because I usually don't spend as much time with God as I should be, and sometimes I feel like the Lord doesn't hear me when I pray to Him. But after spending solo time with Him, I know that He is there and that He answers the questions I ask Him.
A low for me was when a kid was mean to me and said, "Shut up." It made me feel sad. But I pulled him aside with Julia and told him that he hurt me and how he needs to respect me. He apologized in the end and I felt better.

Lindsay
My high this week was having family time with just the girls last night. We all opened up to each other, and feeling so close to everybody on the team was amazing. I feel like that experience brought me so much closer to God and my other team members.
My low this week was trying to teach to the really old kids on Monday. They were loud and disruptive, and were slightly frightening, considering it was my first time teaching. Otherwise the week was pretty good though :)

Day 7 - Friday, July 22, 2011

VBS has come to an end.  The students did a great job getting out of their comfort zone to minister to the kids in Chester.  It was hard at times - and ALWAYS hot - but God used each student for His glory this week!!  More to come tomorrow!

Day 8 - Saturday, July 23, 2011

Students blogged about how they've been changed during this past week at Chester.

Pat
I have grown in social and spiritual aspects through the experience of Chester. I have been able to adjust better to different cultures. I know this because I can stay with the kids and not be offended by their culture. I have been able to understand Bible verses. I know this because I can now put myself into the verse and get the metaphors within them. I have been better at speaking up to get things done. I know this because I have been able to control the kids.

Lindsay
This week I've been changed a bunch by God. I felt him working through me in ways I'd never felt before and built a new level of confidence through that. My faith was restored during the trip and I felt His hand in my life more than ever before.

Lauren
I learned how blessed I am. I also learned that by loving others we are serving God and making Him happy. From the service projects I learned how fun serving others can be. I also learned to NEVER spray paint inside and that bees are evil!!

Evan
I am better at telling people about Jesus. I can now tell if kids have questions about the Lord by the ways they react to teaching at Bible camp. I have learned to work with one hand, because I dislocated my shoulder. It has made me feel weak, because I can't do as much. I think God is trying to teach me patience through this.

Katie
I was changed by learning that you need to talk to God and I saw how when you talk to the kids they are interested in what you have to say even if they don't want to learn. I was also changed when I went down to Chester and saw that they did things different in the way they praise God and how they tell the kids about God.

Grant
This week I have learned to minister to many kids and step out of my comfort zone. I have made friends with Jahleel and I feel like I have brought him closer to God. I have also made friends with people that I didn't even know before. This experience has been very helpful to me.

Kate
Heyyy!! It's the full final day and I've changed a lot over the week. I have gotten a better idea of how to love everyone! Even if the kids are easily distracted or were annoying, I would try to work them through it. And because of that, I‘ve become more patient.
Tata for now.

Jenna
I learned a lot during this week. I've learned about being more of a leader and putting others first before myself. Also, to love everybody no matter what.

Julia
This week has been great. I find that I have become more helpful than I was before this trip. The food here has been great. I had such a great experience.

Gabi
This week has really changed me. God put each of us on this team for the week. We may get on each other's nerves but we're a true family. We saw our love reflected in the kids, and that's a huge reward. Remind me to stay in touch with these guys! It's been a long, tedious week, but I'm so upset it's almost over! See everyone tomorrow!

Austin
God has changed me quite a bit during this time. I have grown a lot deeper in the Lord, realizing how big and powerful He is. Also, I have gotten to know the group better by hanging out with them.

Lydia
Today is our last full day at Chester! I'm not going to lie, I'm sad it's almost over. This week has been awesome! I've definitely been changed this week. I've actually come to appreciate being able to serve even if I still complain about it sometimes. I also realized how blessed I am. Honestly, God's given me so much, and I need to use what he's given me to glorify Him in everything I do. He gave me everything I need as well as a great team this week.

Sarah
We did many things this week and I think God has changed me in a lot of ways. I have realized how lucky I am. The kids at VBS were so happy to be there and have something fun to do. I need to be more thankful for what I have. I also am a lot closer to everyone on the team. I had so much fun on this trip and am glad I came!!!!

Dan
This week I've established a stronger relationship with my friends. Also, I hope I've planted a seed in the children through our skits and lessons. Finally, I've grown in my faith through this eye-opening experience.

Updated July 23, 2011