Hello Fellow Missionaries,
Christmas break is upon us. Before you know it, we will be setting off on our adventure together to the Bahamas. Just want to encourage you to be praying for the people of All Saints AIDS camp. Pray that we will be able to accomplish all that God has prepared for us to to while we are there. Also be praying for your classmates. For many, support is coming in. For some, this trip will be a big stretch financially for them and their family. Pray that every ones funds will come in soon. Finally, be praying that you will be open to receive from God as you are reading his word and applying it to your life.
Let me know if you have read this post by telling me the next time you see me in the hallway.
Serving Him together,
Mr. Ellis
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Pictures!!
Here are just a few pictures from our amazing week so far!
Kylie after painting at one of schools we visited.
Megan getting her hair braided by one of the orphans.
Michelle and Angelica, a second grader at Adelaide.
Dancing for the Adelaide students.
Megan getting her hair braided by one of the orphans.
Michelle and Angelica, a second grader at Adelaide.
Dancing for the Adelaide students.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Souls for the Kingdom
Another amazing day of ministry in the Bahamas! Our team spent their morning at Adelaide Primary. As we pulled into the village, our students took the opportunity to pray and absorb their surroundings. The mood on the bus changed from somber to energetic as we entered the gate to the school. Looking out the windows, our students could see the children of the school sitting in their chairs in a semi-circle waiting for us. Our student missionaries quickly sat among the children, greeting them as they would a long lost friend.
The school allowed our worship team to lead some worship songs. The children loved singing and doing the motions to "Every Move I Make" and "There is No one Like You". Several of the s performed a dance they had prepared to an arrangement of "Amazing Grace". It was beautiful, graceful and it blessed everyone there.
After the assembly, we were asked to get into smaller groups with the children and share what Christ has done in our lives. One teacher was so blessed by the students in her room that she made the comment that it is a joy to see the example our CCA students were setting. She said her students could see that you can be cool and still follow Christ.
One student found herself alone in a classroom full of fourth grade students. Unsure of what she should do, she drew a heart on the blackboard and then wrote the name of Jesus inside of it. She asked, "Who has Jesus in their heart?" and all of the students raised their hand. All but one little . Our CCA student asked her again if she had Jesus and she said she did not know. Then one by on, the entire class said they were not sure either. Our student took a deep breath and then lead them all in the sinners prayer!
We serve an amazing God. This truth is revealed to me in a new way, everyday I spend with these students. You all should be proud and thankful.
The school allowed our worship team to lead some worship songs. The children loved singing and doing the motions to "Every Move I Make" and "There is No one Like You". Several of the s performed a dance they had prepared to an arrangement of "Amazing Grace". It was beautiful, graceful and it blessed everyone there.
After the assembly, we were asked to get into smaller groups with the children and share what Christ has done in our lives. One teacher was so blessed by the students in her room that she made the comment that it is a joy to see the example our CCA students were setting. She said her students could see that you can be cool and still follow Christ.
One student found herself alone in a classroom full of fourth grade students. Unsure of what she should do, she drew a heart on the blackboard and then wrote the name of Jesus inside of it. She asked, "Who has Jesus in their heart?" and all of the students raised their hand. All but one little . Our CCA student asked her again if she had Jesus and she said she did not know. Then one by on, the entire class said they were not sure either. Our student took a deep breath and then lead them all in the sinners prayer!
We serve an amazing God. This truth is revealed to me in a new way, everyday I spend with these students. You all should be proud and thankful.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Hit The Ground Running
We arrived in the Bahamas on time and ready to serve (with all of our bags for a second consecutive week which is unheard of). After a quick orientation at the ALC, we loaded the team for ministry at Ranferly Home for Children. This orphanage houses approximately 30 children. We shared pizza, painted faces, made balloon animals, and most importantly, shared the loved of Christ. Our students interacted with the residence of this home like they had known each other all their lives. Some played catch with a football, while others played basketball or had their hair braided. It was difficult saying goodbye to our new friends when it was time to load the bus, especially when the children asked when we were coming back. One young lady asked me what we were doing each day, just to see if we could squeeze one more quick visit before we have to head back home.
As soon as I sign off here, we will gather around the camp fire to debrief, or process our experience today. I look forward to hearing what this day looked like thought the eyes of an eighth grade student. We will also pray about that one thing that they may be personally dealing with and how they can give it to the Lord this week.
Tomorrow we will go to Adelaide Primary School. This school is located in one of the oldest villages on the island. It is always a blessing for us to go to this school. We will do some singing, dance, and fellowship. We will also have the opportunity to serve the village by cleaning up their beach.
Please continue to pray as our students pour themselves out for the children of the Bahamas, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"I have never been so blessed or impressed by a group of students."
Flight information listed at the end of this blog.
Mr. Cramer was blown away by the compassion of our student missionaries as they ministered to the residents of All Saints AIDS camp. They cleaned and painted the kitchen and camp office while at the camp, which was a great blessing to the staff. After the work was done our attention was turned to the people of All Saints. Going from cabin to cabin, our students projected the love of Christ with their smiles and words of encouragement. They did not delay in reaching out to to love on those that so often feel unloved. Mom, Dad, you have much to be proud of.
The second half of our day consisted of work projects at the ALC. Tom Shaffer, facilities manager, stated, "I have never seen a group of kids work so hard. They worked so diligently that I ran out of things for them to do." Our students washed 3 buses, organized work materials, and cleaned out storage units. Tom said he could have never completed these tasks on his own. He will now be able to focus on actual work projects instead of organizing materials, then do the work. The only time our students lost focus was during a water fight. But they were able to get back to work once we took the hose away from Mr. Fanning.
It has been an honor and pleasure to serve alongside your students this week. I look forward to the fruit we will see in their lives from the seeds that were planted on this missions experience.
Serving Him together,
Michael Ellis
Flight Information:
Bahamas Air, flight 201
Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale Airport at 7:55 PM
See you at the airport!
Mr. Cramer was blown away by the compassion of our student missionaries as they ministered to the residents of All Saints AIDS camp. They cleaned and painted the kitchen and camp office while at the camp, which was a great blessing to the staff. After the work was done our attention was turned to the people of All Saints. Going from cabin to cabin, our students projected the love of Christ with their smiles and words of encouragement. They did not delay in reaching out to to love on those that so often feel unloved. Mom, Dad, you have much to be proud of.
The second half of our day consisted of work projects at the ALC. Tom Shaffer, facilities manager, stated, "I have never seen a group of kids work so hard. They worked so diligently that I ran out of things for them to do." Our students washed 3 buses, organized work materials, and cleaned out storage units. Tom said he could have never completed these tasks on his own. He will now be able to focus on actual work projects instead of organizing materials, then do the work. The only time our students lost focus was during a water fight. But they were able to get back to work once we took the hose away from Mr. Fanning.
It has been an honor and pleasure to serve alongside your students this week. I look forward to the fruit we will see in their lives from the seeds that were planted on this missions experience.
Serving Him together,
Michael Ellis
Flight Information:
Bahamas Air, flight 201
Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale Airport at 7:55 PM
See you at the airport!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
"For us, this is just one meal, but for them, it is their life."
The title of this entry is a quote from Cameron Kostoff and was echoed by is classmates, as we took time to discuss our Feast of Nations experience. Our day started at Gambeir Primary School, where our 8th grade missionaries spent the day ministering to the children and teachers through singing, dance, face painting and ballooning. I was impressed with the way our students embraced the children and played with them as they expressed the love of Christ. When it was time to get on the bus to leave, it was difficult to say goodbye to our new friends. However, it was not difficult to find students on the bus taking a quick nap as we made our way back to camp.
When we arrived back at camp, each student was ready for a quick shower and a well deserved hot meal to fill their bellies. What the received was the opportunity to wash their hands and then sit on the floor of the dining hall. As they entered, each student received a card. After everyone had entered the room and received their card, Pastor Brody explained that they were about to take part in the Feast of Nations. This feast does not consist food from around the world, but how peolpe around the world eat each day. Most of our students received a red card, which gave them one bowl of rice. This how more than 60% of the world eats, once a day. A smaller number received a black card, which allowed them to have one bowl of rice with black beans. This is how just more than 30% of the world eats each day. And only four students received a King card. These fortunate students were given a steak dinner with all of the trimmings, cold soda, and ice cream. All of which was eaten in the presence of the other students.
The lessons learned from this experience were greater than I had imagined. One such lesson was how much food we waste as Americans each day. I saw how this lesson was learned the next day at breakfast. Several students came to me to say they could not eat all of their food but did not want to throw it away. They were torn knowing that their were children on our island that may be going with out. God truly touched many hearts through this event. Now I know I have some moms asking out loud right now, "Did my son or daughter have to go to be hungry?" Don't worry, everyone was given the opportunity to eat more after our discussion was over and I served my signature pancakes for breakfast the next day.
Today our students will have a brief opportunity to be tourist today was we go to the straw market for a few hours. Then we will be of to a local Christian School to do some painting and cleaning. Tonight, our students will have the blessing of going to the science presentation at the planetarium.
God's name is being glorified every each moment our students are here. Continue to pray as we serve and minister at All Saints AIDS Camp tomorrow.
More Tomorrow,
Michael Ellis
When we arrived back at camp, each student was ready for a quick shower and a well deserved hot meal to fill their bellies. What the received was the opportunity to wash their hands and then sit on the floor of the dining hall. As they entered, each student received a card. After everyone had entered the room and received their card, Pastor Brody explained that they were about to take part in the Feast of Nations. This feast does not consist food from around the world, but how peolpe around the world eat each day. Most of our students received a red card, which gave them one bowl of rice. This how more than 60% of the world eats, once a day. A smaller number received a black card, which allowed them to have one bowl of rice with black beans. This is how just more than 30% of the world eats each day. And only four students received a King card. These fortunate students were given a steak dinner with all of the trimmings, cold soda, and ice cream. All of which was eaten in the presence of the other students.
The lessons learned from this experience were greater than I had imagined. One such lesson was how much food we waste as Americans each day. I saw how this lesson was learned the next day at breakfast. Several students came to me to say they could not eat all of their food but did not want to throw it away. They were torn knowing that their were children on our island that may be going with out. God truly touched many hearts through this event. Now I know I have some moms asking out loud right now, "Did my son or daughter have to go to be hungry?" Don't worry, everyone was given the opportunity to eat more after our discussion was over and I served my signature pancakes for breakfast the next day.
Today our students will have a brief opportunity to be tourist today was we go to the straw market for a few hours. Then we will be of to a local Christian School to do some painting and cleaning. Tonight, our students will have the blessing of going to the science presentation at the planetarium.
God's name is being glorified every each moment our students are here. Continue to pray as we serve and minister at All Saints AIDS Camp tomorrow.
More Tomorrow,
Michael Ellis
Monday, February 18, 2008
We Made It!!!
It was a long morning of travel, but Team Gambier (Named for the village school we will visit tomorrow) made it to the Adventure Learning Center by lunch. After getting their room assignments and having a brief orientation, our students were challenged by the Patmos Staff with some team building games. Our students were then given the opportunity to get cooled off at the canal.
With our bellies full of spaghetti, we are about to wrap our night up around the camp fire. We will be setting the tone for the week as we take a look at what God wants to accomplish in each of our lives as he uses us to share His love.
Please be praying for us as we minister to the children of Gambier Village during the day and experience the Feast of Nations in the evening.
Serving Him together,
Michael Ellis
With our bellies full of spaghetti, we are about to wrap our night up around the camp fire. We will be setting the tone for the week as we take a look at what God wants to accomplish in each of our lives as he uses us to share His love.
Please be praying for us as we minister to the children of Gambier Village during the day and experience the Feast of Nations in the evening.
Serving Him together,
Michael Ellis
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