Samoan Weekend

(Click the photos to enlarge)
Wow! where to start? First of all, thank you for being patient with us, as the computer place was closed for the weekend. I appreciate the replies and I will do the best I can to let the group know of your prayers and encouragement.

So I will attempt to give you the highlights of the lastly 3 days but I must admit, its hard to reduce the work of God to a few words. Before I get started I want to let you know that everyone on the team is safe and healthy (just a few bumps and bruises but nothing major), but we have found out who are the "sweetest" members of the team as Drew Molly and Julia count their mosquito bites every day---as of today Julia is in the lead with 43, Drew a close second with 41 and Molly 39.

So, when I last talked to you it was Friday lunch time. That afternoon we started day 2 of our camp. The kids camp was great, we taught the story of Daniel, and the kids were really receptive and energetic. Tony, like always, was the star of the show. Everyone loves him, he has such a unique way of relating to these kids. I am so proud of him, as I am with all of the leaders of the whole camp--I can't get over how great this group is! We were a bit worried at the beginning of the day because we thought it might rain. However, the weather was beautiful and the camp went just as planned...Thank you Lord! The sports camp also went very smoothly as we spent the entire time playing volleyball, and then Greg shared with the teenagers his story.

On Saturday we had a day of pure fun, they took our team to a beach where many of us were able to snorkel and see lots of wonderful sea life. It was strange for many of us to swim 300 yards and to still have water only to our waists. Others read, slept and conversed with some of the Samoans. It was just a great day of being in God's creation and enjoying this beautiful Island. Later we went to a rock cave located at a local Methodist College called "Piula"--I would have to say that this was a highlight for many. We were able to swim in a fresh water pool right by the ocean which opened up to a cave that you could swim into. You will hear about this place in greater detail when we get back, let's just say that what went on in this cave took a lot of courage and stretched some of our faith. Basically, you would dive under the water, go through an under water hole that was 8 feet long and pop out the other side to a different cave. Unfortunately I made it only 2/3 of the way thinking I was out and hit my head which is still throbbing today... Fortunately I made it to the light. You will hear many stories and see photos about this. Some also enjoyed jumping off the rocks and into the pool. Saturday night we met with the youth group and lead a two-hour meeting. Katie, Greg, Bethany, Tony, Tiffany, Julia and Drew were all in charge of the program for this night, it was awesome! Especially when we went back and forth with them in songs. In other words, we would sing one and then they would sing one, it was so much fun! The evening was closed by eating some great New Zealand ice cream which we have all learned to love.

Then we were given the great opportunity to lead the Sunday morning worship service which was a great honor. Molly, Josh Borkin, Josh Phillips, Chelsea, Ginny, Jason and myself planned the service, the theme was "How Big is Your God?" Each person on the team was assigned a role and I was so proud of every one of them. The service was received well by the people and according to many it was the talk around many tables at lunch and into the night. Following the service we had a huge lunch with the fourth-year students which included two pigs that we all watched being gutted, and who Chelsea and Bethany helped shave. Many of us had some great conversations that I believe may have eternal implications. After that lunch we had a 5-hour rest which for some of us was a challenge. Then at night we went to their evening service. This service was beautiful, very traditional...but beautiful. Before I sign off I want to share with you the highlights of each of the girls on the team (boys tomorrow)

• Chelsea: Along with doing a great job with arts and crafts at the kids camp, she also sang in the Sunday morning service as a special musical guest and was amazing.
• Katie: She has done an excellent job in connecting with the teenage girls and leading the youth group in a "crowd breaker"
• Molly: She did a wonderful job as the lead in the "Everything" skit presented in the Sunday morning service, acting and dancing.
• Bethany: Has done a great job coordinating and making everything run smoothly.
• Tiffany: Who gives 100% at the sports camp playing volleyball and soccer with the teenagers.
• Julia: Leading worship for our devotions every morning, youth group and playing two songs in the morning service.

Keep praying for us to finish strong as we have two busy days ahead of us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, we couldn't do without them.

Rob Denton
Pastor.