To say the kids had a blast at VBS doesn't fully convey what a great experience they had! Every morning, when the bus drove up to the church to drop them off, we could hear little voices singing the worship songs from the week. It was rare when someone was unable to recite their memory verse. They oohed and aahed when they completed each craft, as they have never had the opportunity to display their creativity through arts and crafts, except for at VBS. They loved playing new group games together. They really paid attention and learned a lot during the Bible lessons, which is the most important aspect of VBS.
Other missionaries in town graciously and generously let us use their church building and premises for VBS each time. It is a huge blessing for many reasons. We take over the entire place for the week and of course are sure to have things back in order at the end. It is just a mile up the road from our home and about 2 miles from the pick up point where the school bus we rent for the week meets the kids. We also have been allowed to permanently keep some of our supplies in an entire store room at the church. We have about a dozen water containers (we always cart fresh water from our house, since the water at the church is not drinkable and not always turned on by the city water), big pots and pans, equipment for games and activities, and LOTS of disposable dishes and utensils.
I (Andrew) began each morning by picking up the women who volunteered to cook lunch and took them to the church. They got the fire going and had some tea and bread quickly, before prepping all the ingredients for the day's lunch. Whether it was vegetables, potatoes, rice, mealie meal, chicken, or beef, they got everything cut, chopped, or grated, following each of Yolanda's recipes in order to have the food ready for a 1:00pm lunch. They also prepped and washed the cups for drinks and disposable dishes. After lunch and snack were over, they washed all pots, pans, utensils, and 200 cups. These women were much appreciated since they were at the church the earliest, their job was the most labor intensive and the least "glamorous." Yet, most were there every day and worked tirelessly to feed 125 children and 15 adults.
Other missionaries in town graciously and generously let us use their church building and premises for VBS each time. It is a huge blessing for many reasons. We take over the entire place for the week and of course are sure to have things back in order at the end. It is just a mile up the road from our home and about 2 miles from the pick up point where the school bus we rent for the week meets the kids. We also have been allowed to permanently keep some of our supplies in an entire store room at the church. We have about a dozen water containers (we always cart fresh water from our house, since the water at the church is not drinkable and not always turned on by the city water), big pots and pans, equipment for games and activities, and LOTS of disposable dishes and utensils.
I (Andrew) began each morning by picking up the women who volunteered to cook lunch and took them to the church. They got the fire going and had some tea and bread quickly, before prepping all the ingredients for the day's lunch. Whether it was vegetables, potatoes, rice, mealie meal, chicken, or beef, they got everything cut, chopped, or grated, following each of Yolanda's recipes in order to have the food ready for a 1:00pm lunch. They also prepped and washed the cups for drinks and disposable dishes. After lunch and snack were over, they washed all pots, pans, utensils, and 200 cups. These women were much appreciated since they were at the church the earliest, their job was the most labor intensive and the least "glamorous." Yet, most were there every day and worked tirelessly to feed 125 children and 15 adults.
 Florence, cooking sadza  120 cups, filled with water |  Sissie Winnie and Mai Chiutsi, getting the pasta ready to go  Molleen, cooking on the fire |
Everyone's hands were washed before each meal.
Arrival, Name Tags, and Memory Verses
Each day, one of the volunteers would be at the bus pick up point, where the kids gathered as the bus arrived. We gave her the registration lists of 30 kids for each of the 4 age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13). She was the one who made sure to let only the kids whose names were on the list to get on the bus.
The bus had to make 3 trips each morning to bring them to the church and then 3 again in the afternoon to take them home. When each bus load arrived and the kids got off. They were given their name tags and then recited the memory verse from the previous day. If correct (which was rare for them not to be correct), they got a sticker. You may think that getting a sticker isn't too exciting, but you should have seen the excitement they had when they got a sticker. They may never see stickers like this anywhere else. We have never been able to find anywhere in Zimbabwe to buy stickers, so we always get them from South Africa. There would certainly not be any stickers at school.
The bus had to make 3 trips each morning to bring them to the church and then 3 again in the afternoon to take them home. When each bus load arrived and the kids got off. They were given their name tags and then recited the memory verse from the previous day. If correct (which was rare for them not to be correct), they got a sticker. You may think that getting a sticker isn't too exciting, but you should have seen the excitement they had when they got a sticker. They may never see stickers like this anywhere else. We have never been able to find anywhere in Zimbabwe to buy stickers, so we always get them from South Africa. There would certainly not be any stickers at school.
Everyone lined up in age groups, ready to go inside for the day
Praise and Worship
Once everyone had arrived and they had a drink and trip to the bathroom (they might only be traveling 15 minutes in the bus, but most of them had been waiting at the bus stop for multiple hours in order to be sure to not miss out), we had a praise and worship time. We took a half hour to open in prayer and then sing songs, of course with motions. The songs related to the theme of the week. We would also show a short animated movie clip related to the lesson for the day. Yolanda would go over the previous day's lesson and highlight the Bible story. She would also introduce the present day's lesson. Often she would have some object to make this point i.e. she'd share about how God changed Moses' staff into a snake and back again, then Yolanda would pull out a rubber snake to imitate the miracle. Of course the kids giggled and gasped and reacted accordingly to every tangible story telling.
Singing praise songs
Bible Lessons
We were thankful to have good teachers who could understand the lesson plans and clearly deliver them to the kids. Yolanda went over them step by step (including object lessons for each day) the week before. There were 2 teachers, one for the two younger groups and the other for the two older groups. The two younger lessons were the same, but different from the two older lessons, which were the same.
You may wonder why Yolanda and I weren't the two teachers, but it just doesn't logistically work. Yolanda acts as a floater. There are always 2 lessons, 1 craft, and 1 game/activity happening at the same time. So she monitors each lesson as they're happening and also the craft and cooking. We need to stick to a schedule to keep everything moving smoothly. So she keeps everyone on track (since time management has a different meaning in Zimbabwe). But also makes sure the craft and lessons are going as planned and fills in the gaps to make sure the step by step plans are being followed and nothing is missed.
I run the tech aspects of the praise and worship time and also the games/activities. I have the two younger groups of 30 kids back to back, followed by all 60 older kids at the same time. In the in between times, I do many behind the scenes errands in town, making copies (thousands), getting food for the day (we got about 8-10 cart fulls the previous week, but we need to get the fresh food the day of), and I carted several toddlers of the women to a babysitter so they could focus during the day. There were many quick trips here and there, getting extra firewood or other supplies throughout the time.
The Bible lessons revolved around being able to trust God like Moses did. We went through his whole story and showed how God was leading him along the way. Moses was certainly not a perfect person, in fact he may not have been a perfect person for the job God called him to. However, Moses followed God's calling and God equipped Moses for the job. We can trust the same God today to follow His plan for us!
You may wonder why Yolanda and I weren't the two teachers, but it just doesn't logistically work. Yolanda acts as a floater. There are always 2 lessons, 1 craft, and 1 game/activity happening at the same time. So she monitors each lesson as they're happening and also the craft and cooking. We need to stick to a schedule to keep everything moving smoothly. So she keeps everyone on track (since time management has a different meaning in Zimbabwe). But also makes sure the craft and lessons are going as planned and fills in the gaps to make sure the step by step plans are being followed and nothing is missed.
I run the tech aspects of the praise and worship time and also the games/activities. I have the two younger groups of 30 kids back to back, followed by all 60 older kids at the same time. In the in between times, I do many behind the scenes errands in town, making copies (thousands), getting food for the day (we got about 8-10 cart fulls the previous week, but we need to get the fresh food the day of), and I carted several toddlers of the women to a babysitter so they could focus during the day. There were many quick trips here and there, getting extra firewood or other supplies throughout the time.
The Bible lessons revolved around being able to trust God like Moses did. We went through his whole story and showed how God was leading him along the way. Moses was certainly not a perfect person, in fact he may not have been a perfect person for the job God called him to. However, Moses followed God's calling and God equipped Moses for the job. We can trust the same God today to follow His plan for us!
The Bible lesson for the 6-7 year olds
The Bible lesson for the 10-11 year olds
Crafts
All the crafts done throughout the week had to do with the theme. Since the kids don't get to do arts or crafts anywhere else, we try to expose them to as many skills as possible on different days. We have them do cutting, gluing, stapling, drawing, coloring, folding, threading, painting, etc. These are basic skills that many of them have not experienced before. There are not resources to be able to do these things in schools, so even the simplest crafts, made the kids' eyes light up when they saw what they had created. They loved showing off their creations each day!
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Games and Activities
We did many different games, some they had done before and others that were new. The kids loved being able to use equipment which they rarely have used before, such as pool noodles, frisbees, and hula hoops.
I adapt some common American games to be culturally appropriate for these kids or use Shona words for all the call out phrases common in little kids games. For example, "Doggie, doggie where's your bone?" becomes, "Imbwa, imbwa kupi bonzo?" I have also included some common games that children would play here during break times at school. However, anytime the children have an opportunity to learn a new game or play a game that includes a bunch of equipment, they get really excited.
One of the ladies told us how several of the kids in her area who attended VBS wanted her to play "River, Bank" with them one evening after VBS (kids line up on one side of a line, one side of the line is the bank and the other the river. When you call out 'river' it means there's a crocodile and they need to jump the opposite side. If you call out 'bank' it means there's a hippo and they need to jump back. Whoever, jumps on the wrong side of the line gets eaten by the animal on that side and is out of the game). Other kids in the area who did not attend VBS had to be taught this new game and were so excited to get in on the fun. Soon a large crowd of kids had gathered to play the game. Of course all the kids who weren't attending VBS that week begged to come the next day, but she reminded them that the next VBS will be in August.
Yolanda has already taken note of all kids who attempted to register after the VBS was already full. She will contact those kids (parents) first, in August to ensure they have the opportunity to attend.
I adapt some common American games to be culturally appropriate for these kids or use Shona words for all the call out phrases common in little kids games. For example, "Doggie, doggie where's your bone?" becomes, "Imbwa, imbwa kupi bonzo?" I have also included some common games that children would play here during break times at school. However, anytime the children have an opportunity to learn a new game or play a game that includes a bunch of equipment, they get really excited.
One of the ladies told us how several of the kids in her area who attended VBS wanted her to play "River, Bank" with them one evening after VBS (kids line up on one side of a line, one side of the line is the bank and the other the river. When you call out 'river' it means there's a crocodile and they need to jump the opposite side. If you call out 'bank' it means there's a hippo and they need to jump back. Whoever, jumps on the wrong side of the line gets eaten by the animal on that side and is out of the game). Other kids in the area who did not attend VBS had to be taught this new game and were so excited to get in on the fun. Soon a large crowd of kids had gathered to play the game. Of course all the kids who weren't attending VBS that week begged to come the next day, but she reminded them that the next VBS will be in August.
Yolanda has already taken note of all kids who attempted to register after the VBS was already full. She will contact those kids (parents) first, in August to ensure they have the opportunity to attend.
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Parents' Letter and Send Off
Each day, the kids received parents' letters to give to their parents, grandparents, older siblings, or guardians. They were translated in both Shona and English. The letters told what the kids learned that day, it listed the memory verse for the next day, and any pertinent information they needed to know for the next day.
We had volunteers whose only job was to fold and organize the parents' letters. They needed to be put together with each kid's craft, so that before they got on the bus at the end of the day, the kids could get their handouts, crafts, and letters all together at once.
We had volunteers whose only job was to fold and organize the parents' letters. They needed to be put together with each kid's craft, so that before they got on the bus at the end of the day, the kids could get their handouts, crafts, and letters all together at once.
 Nyasha and Mai Dziwema, organizing the parents' letters and handouts. |  Yolanda, getting everyone in the correct order before they get on the bus to go home. |
Friday Ceremony
On Friday afternoon, the bus made an extra pickup for parents/family members to be able to come to the church for a ceremony. The kids performed two of the songs from the week. They were so excited and belted out the English words with so much fervor and exaggerated every motion with enthusiasm as the visiting guests watched on with pride (unfortunately we did not get a recording of this because Yolanda was directing and I was handling al the tech). Then the older kids did a short play about Moses. After that, each kid received a certificate with their name on it. Ceremonies and certificates are a BIG deal in Zimbabwe. For the kids to receive something with their name printed on it was very special for them. Each one also received a small gift bag with some goodies in it.
Then there were four prizes (one younger boy and girl, and one older boy and girl) for a child who attended every day, knew all of the memory verses, and showed good character and participation throughout the week.
Then there were four prizes (one younger boy and girl, and one older boy and girl) for a child who attended every day, knew all of the memory verses, and showed good character and participation throughout the week.
What a blessing to be able to hold this event for these kids, and the families were really appreciative and thanked us many times. We also received many text messages thanking us profusely for their kid's involvement in the week. This week would not have been possible without you! To those of you who give so generously to JM2Z, we thank you for your part in working in these kids' lives for the Kingdom! Hosting an event like this is not cheap and we offer it completely free to every child. Your continued financial support and generosity is what allows all these many children an opportunity to hear the Gospel, worship God, learn new things and eat a nutritious meal daily. We know from many stories shared by the women that these children's events are so much more far reaching than just the 120 children in attendance. Parents, grandparents, guardians and friends also benefit from hearing the Bible stories, hearing the worship songs and seeing the crafts and handouts.
In fact a young lady came up to Yolanda on Friday after the ceremony and introduced herself. She wanted to thank Yolanda for hosting an event like this and told her what an impact it had on her life. Yolanda asked how it had personally impacted her. She responded by sharing that she had attended one of the very first children's events almost seven years ago and that she now works with the Red Cross. She shared what an impact the event had had on her and what a blessing it was in her life. She also shared how it challenged her to want to help others some day and that is why she chose the job she's presently doing.
Please pray for these young hearts as they continue to digest all that they learned throughout VBS.
In fact a young lady came up to Yolanda on Friday after the ceremony and introduced herself. She wanted to thank Yolanda for hosting an event like this and told her what an impact it had on her life. Yolanda asked how it had personally impacted her. She responded by sharing that she had attended one of the very first children's events almost seven years ago and that she now works with the Red Cross. She shared what an impact the event had had on her and what a blessing it was in her life. She also shared how it challenged her to want to help others some day and that is why she chose the job she's presently doing.
Please pray for these young hearts as they continue to digest all that they learned throughout VBS.
 Tino, with his certificate, goodie bag, and bracelet he made during craft, which says, "Trust God." |  Tatenda, showing off her certificate and goodie bag. |
 Everyone sitting, during the ceremony |  Andrew, with Dillon, who won the older boy prize for attendance, memory verses, and character. His big sunglasses was in his gift bag of prizes. |
Many of the kids wore their best clothes on the final day.
Petros
Petros Although our space is limited, we feel it's important to share one more story from the event. We always invite children from a local orphanage and had 20 children this time. One was a little 7 year old boy named Petros. He always had the biggest smile and the sweetest demeanor. He quickly took a fond liking to both Yolanda and me. He would cling to whichever of us was in closest proximity. He would often ramble off in very fast Shona, which made it hard to understand him all the time, but a smile, a hug, a rub on the back is understood in all cultures.
Petros clearly has a mental disability. He had a very pronounced over-bite and often drooled. His eyes also glistened with intrigue and he fidgeted profusely at all times. Yolanda especially felt protective and maternal over him. As much as he gravitated to her, she reciprocated with lots of love and attention.
We reminded the ladies that he had a mental disability and that they needed to show a greater level of patience and understanding toward him - something we immediately realized was not happening. Petros would often be seen wandering in between classes and an adult would gently direct him back to his correct location.
By the middle of the week we got to hear a brief summary of some of the awful upbringing he had to endure. His father, the only parent in his life, was imprisoned. Petros ended up in prison with him. Oftentimes, the social services department is slow in processing child placement. Therefore, for a period, Petros lived in the prison with his father and other inmates. We believe awful things were done to innocent, little Petros - one can only imagine. Petros' father also took drugs while in prison and would feed these drugs to Petros too, whether to make him obey, numb to the pain, or whatever awful reason. We believe that is also the reason for Petros' present mental state. What level of memory Petros has, we do not know but the little boy we got to briefly know was happy, sweet, oblivious to evil, and all too eager for love.
Yolanda was sure to flourish little Petros with plenty of love and extra attention and you better believe, he absolutely loved it. For these short 5 days, at least, this precious little orphan would know that he was special, loved by Jesus, valuable, and worthy of the goodness that was thrown his way.
Please pray for little Petros and every single child who attended VBS. We do not know every one of their stories. We do not know all they have endured, seen and experienced. We do not know if love is something they are accustomed to, but we know that without a shadow of a doubt that the love of Jesus was liberally bestowed upon each and everyone of them for the week that they were in our care (of course the love of Jesus is always present in their lives, but for that brief time, we they were able to experience it in tangible ways).
Petros clearly has a mental disability. He had a very pronounced over-bite and often drooled. His eyes also glistened with intrigue and he fidgeted profusely at all times. Yolanda especially felt protective and maternal over him. As much as he gravitated to her, she reciprocated with lots of love and attention.
We reminded the ladies that he had a mental disability and that they needed to show a greater level of patience and understanding toward him - something we immediately realized was not happening. Petros would often be seen wandering in between classes and an adult would gently direct him back to his correct location.
By the middle of the week we got to hear a brief summary of some of the awful upbringing he had to endure. His father, the only parent in his life, was imprisoned. Petros ended up in prison with him. Oftentimes, the social services department is slow in processing child placement. Therefore, for a period, Petros lived in the prison with his father and other inmates. We believe awful things were done to innocent, little Petros - one can only imagine. Petros' father also took drugs while in prison and would feed these drugs to Petros too, whether to make him obey, numb to the pain, or whatever awful reason. We believe that is also the reason for Petros' present mental state. What level of memory Petros has, we do not know but the little boy we got to briefly know was happy, sweet, oblivious to evil, and all too eager for love.
Yolanda was sure to flourish little Petros with plenty of love and extra attention and you better believe, he absolutely loved it. For these short 5 days, at least, this precious little orphan would know that he was special, loved by Jesus, valuable, and worthy of the goodness that was thrown his way.
Please pray for little Petros and every single child who attended VBS. We do not know every one of their stories. We do not know all they have endured, seen and experienced. We do not know if love is something they are accustomed to, but we know that without a shadow of a doubt that the love of Jesus was liberally bestowed upon each and everyone of them for the week that they were in our care (of course the love of Jesus is always present in their lives, but for that brief time, we they were able to experience it in tangible ways).
Yolanda, telling Petros about the paint.
Medical Update
We shared some prayer requests, regarding medical issues involving the women or someone in their families several weeks ago. An update on 3 of them are below.
Mai Tamoline's husband who was hit by a car and sustained a serious head injury has recovered for the most part. We attribute this solely to a miracle, because things did not look good in the days and first weeks afterward. He was bleeding from every orifice, couldn't talk, hear, or walk. Now, he is talking, hearing, and walking. His memory took some time to return, but now he recognizes his family and friends and seems to be doing fine physically! He and his whole family attribute it to the power of prayer and God's miraculous intervention on the part of his physical well-being and recovery.
Mai Choto, whose ankle had been giving her problems the last few weeks found out that it is broken. We had asked if she wanted to go to the doctor, but she didn't think it was too bad. However, during the week of VBS, it was very swollen and difficult for her to walk. So we insisted she go to the clinic. We covered for her to go to the doctor and get x-rays. It was in fact broken and needed a cast. She has a half cast now and will be recasted later when the swelling goes down. Mai Choto is a widow who lives alone, so a friend visits daily to assist her. She will also have an extended family member come from the rural area who will stay with her to help in the near future until she recovers fully. We also lent her crutches and she is the third person to use them in the last couple months.
Gladys' husband who has a bulge coming out of his midsection had received test results, which revealed that he has liver cancer. Of course, Gladys is devastated and very emotional. Her husband is in pain and they are trying to do what they can to make him comfortable, but it sounds like the cancer is advanced, so the realization of that is hitting both of them. Yolanda went over his medical records and diagnosis with Gladys today. She did not fully understand the diagnosis, the severity of it, or even what the medication was for. It is common for Shona patients not to ask questions of a doctor, as it's considered rude. This leads to lots of misinformation, lack of understanding, and many unanswered questions.
Please continue to pray for these people.
Mai Tamoline's husband who was hit by a car and sustained a serious head injury has recovered for the most part. We attribute this solely to a miracle, because things did not look good in the days and first weeks afterward. He was bleeding from every orifice, couldn't talk, hear, or walk. Now, he is talking, hearing, and walking. His memory took some time to return, but now he recognizes his family and friends and seems to be doing fine physically! He and his whole family attribute it to the power of prayer and God's miraculous intervention on the part of his physical well-being and recovery.
Mai Choto, whose ankle had been giving her problems the last few weeks found out that it is broken. We had asked if she wanted to go to the doctor, but she didn't think it was too bad. However, during the week of VBS, it was very swollen and difficult for her to walk. So we insisted she go to the clinic. We covered for her to go to the doctor and get x-rays. It was in fact broken and needed a cast. She has a half cast now and will be recasted later when the swelling goes down. Mai Choto is a widow who lives alone, so a friend visits daily to assist her. She will also have an extended family member come from the rural area who will stay with her to help in the near future until she recovers fully. We also lent her crutches and she is the third person to use them in the last couple months.
Gladys' husband who has a bulge coming out of his midsection had received test results, which revealed that he has liver cancer. Of course, Gladys is devastated and very emotional. Her husband is in pain and they are trying to do what they can to make him comfortable, but it sounds like the cancer is advanced, so the realization of that is hitting both of them. Yolanda went over his medical records and diagnosis with Gladys today. She did not fully understand the diagnosis, the severity of it, or even what the medication was for. It is common for Shona patients not to ask questions of a doctor, as it's considered rude. This leads to lots of misinformation, lack of understanding, and many unanswered questions.
Please continue to pray for these people.
South Africa Trip
Yolanda and I are leaving tomorrow for South Africa. We usually visit South Africa twice a year in order to stock up on supplies, both for ministry and personal use. We will be staying with Yolanda's aunt and uncle in a different part of the country than we usually visit. We appreciate your prayers for this trip.
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