Pastor James had assembled all of the kids in the room I had requested...by the time I arrived (just before 10am) he was teaching from a passage in John...thanks Pastor James!
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| Jessica, a good student, reading the passage |
Then Irene arrived! Actually she had arrived on time (10 minutes early) and I am the one who was late...sorry Irene! She was in the next room waiting for Pastor James to finish (and for me to arrive)
We began with some praise songs led by the kids...
I love hearing their voices raised to the Lord...
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| Jane (in the blue) leading |
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| Then Jessica led a song |
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| Then Cynthia led a song |
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| then Irene led a song! |
Irene was taken off guard by the number of new faces! She quickly adjusted her teaching plan so that even the new kids would benefit...
Each week we pass around an exercise book so that the kids can sign in...to track attendance.
Irene always opens her teaching time with a word of prayer...to soften our hearts to receive His word.
I love to see the kids praying!
First we wanted to find out which kids heard Twyla's teaching on two trees...not very many hands were raised!
Since we are doing follow-up teachings, we needed to see who could help!
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| Faith and Brian |
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| Jessica, Sharon and Irene in front. Jane in the back |
Then a show of hands for which kids have never been to a discipling class with us...
As they shared their names, they each got a piece of candy...
Irene is great with kids...really knows how to encourage them to participate!
Then Irene asked "Where is Twyla?" Jessica answered she is in the US
After asking "what did Twyla teach?" Jane gave a great summary of the Tree of Life.
Irene showed the kids her picture, pointing out the fruit of the Spirit, which is the part Jane had shared.
Then Jessica also shared, taking us from the roots (relationship with God), up the stem (Hope, Faith and Love), to the fruit (Responsibility, Ability to trust, Deep reverence for God)
We spent a lot of time on these points for the benefit of the kids who did not hear the teaching - which was 33 out of 39 in attendance!
Jessica is a bright girl and answered many questions and gave several explanations...
These girls look a bit bored!
One of the new kids, Kennedy I think, reading from Hebrews to help us understand 'deep reverence for God'...
I love to watch the kids pouring over scripture!
The youngest member...she was quite well behaved throughout the whole class time!
Sharon explained to us about the tree of wounding...
...then Irene asked for examples of fruit from the tree of wounding...
Then we read from Gal 5:19-21 to see what scripture had to say about the 'bad' fruit...
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| Cynthia reading from Galatians |
Irene asked Brian to also read the passage, knowing his was a different translation...
We came up with quite a list!
We ended our time together asking the kids by a show of hands - who wants the tree of life?
...and who has been wounded?
...and who has wounded someone else? Even though we WANT the tree of life, because we live in a fallen world, we often bear fruit from the tree of wounding...
We then spent time in prayer...for our wounds, forgiveness for wounding others, help for us to be able to forgive others...
...and help to be able to bear good fruit...
Irene then ended our prayer time...and asked who wanted to pray for Twyla...
Four girls stood...these two...
...then Jessica and Sharon...
The prayers were so heartfelt; for Twyla, her mom, her daughter and safe travels...
Then Irene asked who wanted to pray for St. Catherine's and for Pastor James...
I loved hearing how much their home means to them...one even said if not for St. Catherine's they would be living on the streets...
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| Cynthia |
Prayers for Pastor James helped me see that he truly is a father to them...
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| Jessican, Sharon and Irine |
Jane looked almost angelic as she prayed fervently...
I always leave so encouraged after spending time with these kids...helps me to have hope for the future of this country!
