We awoke this morning ready to get back at it. We were excited to be able to be getting our first experiences with the nationals as a whole team today, but some of our plans had to change because of the rain that was off and on all day. Antigua is unique in the sense that the rain quickly can come up all at once. You can be working outside and literally five seconds later be engulfed in a torrential downpour. Our team members showed a wonderful spirit despite the rain.
Unfortunately, due to the storm, the chapel program we were going to be presenting in the public school had to be postponed. Thankfully we were able to talk with the principal to get it rescheduled for early next week. For lunch, we introduce the team members to a local staple down here called "Bun, Butter, and cheese." Essentially this is a deli-type sandwich but is made with a wonderful sweet bread that combines the flavors in a marriage that is certain to keep you wanting more. We will be sure to visit the local vendor again for this special treat.
Tonight, our team traveled to Grace Baptist Church where we hosted a youth rally for five different churches around the island. We had over 60 kids in attendance. The team did a wonderful job with playing human knot (an absolutely awesome game) and entertaining the kids with a hilarious skit. I think our own Kyle Cline may have missed his calling and should have been an actor. Not to be outdone in the skit, Emily Lewandowski may have played the best pregnant woman I have ever seen. She will be giving her Emmy Award speech shortly. The group sang two specials for the teens as well. Our ladies did a wonderful job singing Complete in Thee and our team choir sang Wonderful, Merciful Savior. I had several teens and leaders come up to me afterwards and commend our group on the blessing they were through song. Praise God!
After the specials, we sang some familiar hymns with the nationals. It truly was a wonderful experience for us to sing with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Although we had never met most of these people, the common bond of Jesus Christ gave us an immediate family connection. I think that may have been the best rendition of "Amazing Grace" I have ever been part of. I then preached from Hebrews 11 and challenged the teens to be men and women of faith and to pursue Christ in their everyday walk. After the conclusion of the message, we spent a good amount of time talking with the teens and pastors, playing soccer (or as they demanded it be called football) and having a great time of fellowship with those who were there. It was neat to see our team interact with the locals and to share God's love with them.
After another crazy drive through the streets of Antigua, we finally arrived back at the house for some much-needed rest. We are looking forward to having our first touring day tomorrow and seeing some of God's beautiful creation on this wonderful island. As I type, I hear snoring around me ha ha. Our team has worked so hard on this trip and it is so neat to see God using each of their unique gifts for His glory! Everyday, we see several team members step up and really help carry the load. The team unity has been outstanding!
Continue to pray for us. Our team members are feeling the fatigue after long days of work, but they have truly been a great blessing to those they have ministered to here.
Goodnight from the land of sea and sun,
For God's Glory,
Jonny Gamet
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