"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