Finally!
We are glad to finally be sharing with you about last month's VBS! This blog has been almost more than 2 weeks in the making. Our Internet has been atrocious the last few weeks. Technicians have come out to the house several times, each time with a different reason as to why it's not working. I was on the phone with them recently letting them know the Internet was down again, he asked for my phone number, and told me, "Oh, there's a loose connection here." So he plugged it back in. Whatever wires he connected allowed the Internet to start working. I sat down, began some work and it was off again 5 minutes later. One day last week, phone and Internet services were down for everyone in all of Chinhoyi and Harare for the entire day! Needless to say, we wish we could change companies. However, this is the only phone and Internet provider and you can guess who runs it. We have been desperately trying to get this update to you - thanks for bearing with us.
We are glad to finally be sharing with you about last month's VBS! This blog has been almost more than 2 weeks in the making. Our Internet has been atrocious the last few weeks. Technicians have come out to the house several times, each time with a different reason as to why it's not working. I was on the phone with them recently letting them know the Internet was down again, he asked for my phone number, and told me, "Oh, there's a loose connection here." So he plugged it back in. Whatever wires he connected allowed the Internet to start working. I sat down, began some work and it was off again 5 minutes later. One day last week, phone and Internet services were down for everyone in all of Chinhoyi and Harare for the entire day! Needless to say, we wish we could change companies. However, this is the only phone and Internet provider and you can guess who runs it. We have been desperately trying to get this update to you - thanks for bearing with us.
The Daily Schedule
Now on to VBS! We averaged about 85 kids each day. Since it was school vacation, we were able to rent a school bus that would pick them up each day in a central location in the high density area (near where they live) and drive them across town to the church where VBS was held. The schedule for the day began with all the kids lined up outside in their age specific groups. Each kid got a name tag (new this year), and each age group would use the restroom, since some kids would be waiting for quite a while at the pickup point before the bus arrived (we found this out the hard way on day one, after a few accidents). Then finally everyone would file into the main sanctuary, singing praise and worship songs (English and Shona). This was followed by a children's cartoon video showing what would be covered in the Bible lesson (the last week of Christ). After this, children would be sent outside to play on the jungle gym or play with the soccer balls and get rid of some of their energy. This allowed enough time for all the ladies who volunteered to cook for us to finish up lunch for the 100+ people. Although we had a schedule, we also knew we were still in Africa which means that when lunch isn't quite ready, we improvise, maybe we start our first lesson or we extend the outdoor time, other times lunch is ready early (this only happened once) and so we eat first and then have outside time - flexibility is key and having the day run like a well-oiled machine looks a little different.
Needless to say, we were so incredibly grateful to the ladies who volunteered their days to cook over an open fire, that we certainly were not going to complain. Lunch, each day, consisted of a nutritious and balanced meal and a cup of juice; anything from sadza (the staple here - cornmeal base), stew and greens, to the very special rice and chicken stew on the last day (this is often considered the Christmas meal and we wanted the last day - celebrating Jesus' resurrection and ascension - to be special). After lunch, we broke up into age groups for a back-to-back Bible lesson/Activity/Craft and then snack time.
During the Bible lesson the kids would recite their memory verse and learn the new one for that day - they would hear the Bible story, do puzzles, word searches, color in pages and any other fun activities their teachers had in mind. This year, kids also got a sticker if they were able to recite their memory verse correctly. Every kid ended up with multiple stickers on their name tag by the end of the week and they were so incredibly proud to show them off.
During the craft time, the kids made something tangible to take home that related to the story of that day. The first day, one of the 6 year olds whispered in the teacher's ear and asked if she could take her donkey home (the craft for the Triumphant Entry) to show her family. She promised to bring it back. We laughed and explained to all the kids that their crafts were THEIRS and they got to keep them and take them home and show them off to whoever they want. The excitement and squeals of that first day and realization was so wonderful to see. Of course every adult they showed their craft to would ooh and aah over their works of art and the kid would beam and smile from ear to ear with pride.
Activity times were always lots of fun, with organized games - everything from pin the tail on the donkey to typical African games (similar to duck, duck, goose) and water balloon fun to finish it all off. Even simple games that are often played at birthday parties in the States were a huge success with the kids, musical chairs being one of their favorites.
Snack time always meant a drink of some kind, milk, juice, or water and cookies or fruit.
After snack time, was the final rotation of the activities and crafts. Then parents letters were handed out and all the children's paper items and crafts. Name tags would be returned and everyone would line up to get on the bus where they would sing worship songs all the way to the drop off point.
Now on to VBS! We averaged about 85 kids each day. Since it was school vacation, we were able to rent a school bus that would pick them up each day in a central location in the high density area (near where they live) and drive them across town to the church where VBS was held. The schedule for the day began with all the kids lined up outside in their age specific groups. Each kid got a name tag (new this year), and each age group would use the restroom, since some kids would be waiting for quite a while at the pickup point before the bus arrived (we found this out the hard way on day one, after a few accidents). Then finally everyone would file into the main sanctuary, singing praise and worship songs (English and Shona). This was followed by a children's cartoon video showing what would be covered in the Bible lesson (the last week of Christ). After this, children would be sent outside to play on the jungle gym or play with the soccer balls and get rid of some of their energy. This allowed enough time for all the ladies who volunteered to cook for us to finish up lunch for the 100+ people. Although we had a schedule, we also knew we were still in Africa which means that when lunch isn't quite ready, we improvise, maybe we start our first lesson or we extend the outdoor time, other times lunch is ready early (this only happened once) and so we eat first and then have outside time - flexibility is key and having the day run like a well-oiled machine looks a little different.
Needless to say, we were so incredibly grateful to the ladies who volunteered their days to cook over an open fire, that we certainly were not going to complain. Lunch, each day, consisted of a nutritious and balanced meal and a cup of juice; anything from sadza (the staple here - cornmeal base), stew and greens, to the very special rice and chicken stew on the last day (this is often considered the Christmas meal and we wanted the last day - celebrating Jesus' resurrection and ascension - to be special). After lunch, we broke up into age groups for a back-to-back Bible lesson/Activity/Craft and then snack time.
During the Bible lesson the kids would recite their memory verse and learn the new one for that day - they would hear the Bible story, do puzzles, word searches, color in pages and any other fun activities their teachers had in mind. This year, kids also got a sticker if they were able to recite their memory verse correctly. Every kid ended up with multiple stickers on their name tag by the end of the week and they were so incredibly proud to show them off.
During the craft time, the kids made something tangible to take home that related to the story of that day. The first day, one of the 6 year olds whispered in the teacher's ear and asked if she could take her donkey home (the craft for the Triumphant Entry) to show her family. She promised to bring it back. We laughed and explained to all the kids that their crafts were THEIRS and they got to keep them and take them home and show them off to whoever they want. The excitement and squeals of that first day and realization was so wonderful to see. Of course every adult they showed their craft to would ooh and aah over their works of art and the kid would beam and smile from ear to ear with pride.
Activity times were always lots of fun, with organized games - everything from pin the tail on the donkey to typical African games (similar to duck, duck, goose) and water balloon fun to finish it all off. Even simple games that are often played at birthday parties in the States were a huge success with the kids, musical chairs being one of their favorites.
Snack time always meant a drink of some kind, milk, juice, or water and cookies or fruit.
After snack time, was the final rotation of the activities and crafts. Then parents letters were handed out and all the children's paper items and crafts. Name tags would be returned and everyone would line up to get on the bus where they would sing worship songs all the way to the drop off point.
 Notice the girl is curtsying while shaking hands | Ceremony The last day was a little different. We shortened each rotation and cut out outside time (not activities) and made our worship a rehearsal. We still had a Bible lesson and all the other rotation options, after all, this was the day we celebrated the Resurrection. We invited parents, guardians and extended family members to join us. We also provided transportation as we did for the kids during the week. We had a good attendance of adults. Each child received a certificate with their name, etc, as well as a fun gift, such as fun sunglasses with candy, a candy bracelet, a bubble gum sucker and of course a toothbrush to help with all the candy we were giving them. We tried to have all the teacher volunteers up front to help hand items out and shake hands. In the video below, you will see an example of the excitement from family members as their child's name was called out, lots of utilating, clapping, dancing and pictures. This took place for each and every child. |
The parents got to enjoy some drinks and cookies at the end and lots of photos were taken with volunteers, etc. The bus took all the children and adults back to their location, but not before most people asked when the next HBF will be held.
In the weeks since HBF, we've had mothers send messages of thanks and praise for the great week. We've had pastors send messages, thanking us for the emphasis on Jesus (one church had all their kids recite their memory verse in front of the whole congregation and other churches had kids perform a play of all they learned of the week). We've also seen several children who attended and they keep asking what the dates are for the next one.
In the weeks since HBF, we've had mothers send messages of thanks and praise for the great week. We've had pastors send messages, thanking us for the emphasis on Jesus (one church had all their kids recite their memory verse in front of the whole congregation and other churches had kids perform a play of all they learned of the week). We've also seen several children who attended and they keep asking what the dates are for the next one.
 Takudzwa (age 8) |  Rugare and David |
The children dressed each day in their "Sunday best" - which meant the best clothes they owned. One little girl wore the exact same dress every single day, because it was her only church dress. One of the little boys (seen above) wore a little suit. We had to be sure to tell parents not to send kids in their "Sunday best" when we planned to have water balloons be a part of the activity time.
Rugare and David (seen above) showed up unannounced at the church on the first day - word must have spread and they decided they wanted to attend. Rugare was technically too old, but since we figured he would barely keep up with the 12-13 year age group, we allowed him to stay. We hadn't invited them originally, since we knew their English skills were lacking and the week would be hosted in English. Nonetheless, there were several non-English speaking children, and we buddied them up during lesson times and they followed along the rest of the day. Rugare and David wore either the sneakers we bought them from SA each day or their new school shoes we recently purchased them. They also wore a button-up shirt and slacks - the nicest clothes they owned. They generally showed up late, after we started the first rotation each day, because they had to finish up necessary chores first, then walk the 1.5 hours to the church. They always showed up drenched in sweat and exhausted, most probably running to get there as soon as possible. We had them clean up and dry off in the restrooms and drink a cup of water before having them join their age groups.
Rugare and David (seen above) showed up unannounced at the church on the first day - word must have spread and they decided they wanted to attend. Rugare was technically too old, but since we figured he would barely keep up with the 12-13 year age group, we allowed him to stay. We hadn't invited them originally, since we knew their English skills were lacking and the week would be hosted in English. Nonetheless, there were several non-English speaking children, and we buddied them up during lesson times and they followed along the rest of the day. Rugare and David wore either the sneakers we bought them from SA each day or their new school shoes we recently purchased them. They also wore a button-up shirt and slacks - the nicest clothes they owned. They generally showed up late, after we started the first rotation each day, because they had to finish up necessary chores first, then walk the 1.5 hours to the church. They always showed up drenched in sweat and exhausted, most probably running to get there as soon as possible. We had them clean up and dry off in the restrooms and drink a cup of water before having them join their age groups.
 Jesus on earth |  Jesus ascending into the clouds |
The last 2 pictures are of the craft on the last day, which was a great success with the youngest age group - Jesus ascending into heaven. Take note of the "best" clothes for the ceremony day. If kids had even something nicer than "Sunday best," this was the day they wore it, knowing full well they would receive a certificate.
Volunteers
We never could have accomplished the week without the amazing volunteers. Of course we had the team from the US, BUT also all the ladies who helped from the Tuesday and Wednesday groups, who selflessly gave of themselves to serve these children each and every day. Considering how difficult it was hosting VBS/HBF the first time around, we were pleasantly surprised by the willingness of the many people who offered their services this time. None were asked personally, but rather a plea was put out to the 2 groups and one-by-one they individually volunteered to help. Each and every volunteer tirelessly helped to teach, cook, clean, fold, cut, prep, set-up, lead, interact and serve the children over a 5-day period and for that we are so incredibly grateful!
It goes without saying that the mission team was a phenomenal help and support both before and during the week. Their willingness to serve wherever was needed was clearly evident and their love for the children were without question. There was no job too small, too menial, too dirty or too insignificant that they weren't willing to do. They led by example as other volunteers watched on. Their own selflessness was a beautiful example to the many ladies who will continue to serve in HBF for hopefully years to come. The children absolutely loved each member of the team and giggles, laughter and good times were often heard outside as they mingled with the kids and were swarmed with questions, hugs and even mini dance-offs.
At the end of the ceremony, we were sure to highlight our volunteers and give them each a card of thanks and a little gift of our appreciation.
We never could have accomplished the week without the amazing volunteers. Of course we had the team from the US, BUT also all the ladies who helped from the Tuesday and Wednesday groups, who selflessly gave of themselves to serve these children each and every day. Considering how difficult it was hosting VBS/HBF the first time around, we were pleasantly surprised by the willingness of the many people who offered their services this time. None were asked personally, but rather a plea was put out to the 2 groups and one-by-one they individually volunteered to help. Each and every volunteer tirelessly helped to teach, cook, clean, fold, cut, prep, set-up, lead, interact and serve the children over a 5-day period and for that we are so incredibly grateful!
It goes without saying that the mission team was a phenomenal help and support both before and during the week. Their willingness to serve wherever was needed was clearly evident and their love for the children were without question. There was no job too small, too menial, too dirty or too insignificant that they weren't willing to do. They led by example as other volunteers watched on. Their own selflessness was a beautiful example to the many ladies who will continue to serve in HBF for hopefully years to come. The children absolutely loved each member of the team and giggles, laughter and good times were often heard outside as they mingled with the kids and were swarmed with questions, hugs and even mini dance-offs.
At the end of the ceremony, we were sure to highlight our volunteers and give them each a card of thanks and a little gift of our appreciation.
 Serving drinks |  Folding newsletters |
 Cooking sadza  Shelly loving on these guys |  Nan receiving a proper Zim hairstyle  Kids gravitating to Jase |
Making a Difference, one child at a time
There are soooo many stories we could share of individual children and how this week impacted them, but space and time do not allow for that. We would, however, like to share just a few.
After the ceremony, we heard various stories from parents and guardians about what their children were telling them. One parent told us how excited their child was each day and that after the second day, gave the parent a huge hug and told them how much they loved their new school. The parent, being confused, asked what they were talking about and the child was quick to say, this HBF school was the best school they had ever attended. They also said if this were school they would never need a holiday (vacation) because it was that great. The parent quickly had to explain that, unfortunately, HBF was not their new school but that they would get many more chances to attend HBF during the year.
There are soooo many stories we could share of individual children and how this week impacted them, but space and time do not allow for that. We would, however, like to share just a few.
After the ceremony, we heard various stories from parents and guardians about what their children were telling them. One parent told us how excited their child was each day and that after the second day, gave the parent a huge hug and told them how much they loved their new school. The parent, being confused, asked what they were talking about and the child was quick to say, this HBF school was the best school they had ever attended. They also said if this were school they would never need a holiday (vacation) because it was that great. The parent quickly had to explain that, unfortunately, HBF was not their new school but that they would get many more chances to attend HBF during the year.
An object lesson with the 5-6 year olds
I, (Yolanda) did a few object lessons during the week. Object lessons are great for kids to understand and visualize a complicated concept, such as atonement. One of the object lessons addressed each child's self-worth. We expressed how God created each person perfectly and with infinite value and because of this value, God sent His only Son to die on a cross due to the price of our sin. We discussed how God speaks to our hearts and whispers, "You are important and you are valuable and I love you." During the object lessons, the younger children often oohed and aahed over the tangible experiment they saw before them.
On the last day, after the ceremony, a gentlemen came up to thank us for the week. He was on the board of the orphanage (where 20 of the kids live) and wanted to express his gratitude for HBF. He explained how he had assumed it would just be something for the kids to do or somewhere for them to go, during the school holidays. He confessed how he never had high expectations for the event, but was pleasantly surprised to learn how much the kids were in fact learning each day and how excited they were to share about their memory verses, Bible lessons and fun activities throughout the day. He also explained what difficult situations many of these kids came from. He spoke about abuse, trauma, hunger and many other things that no child should have to experience and go through. He said that some of the younger children have been trying to break through for over a year, but have received little response and yet after just a few days at HBF these same kids have seemed to blossom. He relayed a particular story of one of the little girls who came up to him during the week and said to him, "Do you know that I am important?" He said yes, and she continued, "Do you know that I am valuable?" He nodded once again, "But do you know that God loves me soooo much?" she says with arms stretched wide open, and again he said yes. She continued, "God says I am perfect and He loves me very, very much and that's why He sent His Son Jesus to the cross." And at that, she jumped off his lap and went to play. He told us how he just stared in amazement, shocked by all this little girl had said, shocked to hear that she finally got it, and that she had said all that she said with such assurance, such faith and such undeniable belief in who she was and whose she was.... maybe for the first time ever. He briefly hinted at the trauma this child had already faced in her short 6 years, but that she beamed when telling him all of this, a look he had never seen on her face before. As he told us this story, tears pricked our eyes and right there was all the information we needed to be reminded that all the hard work, all the late nights, all the money spent, all the stress of getting the week sorted.... it was ALL worth it, if only for this one little girl.
On the last day, after the ceremony, a gentlemen came up to thank us for the week. He was on the board of the orphanage (where 20 of the kids live) and wanted to express his gratitude for HBF. He explained how he had assumed it would just be something for the kids to do or somewhere for them to go, during the school holidays. He confessed how he never had high expectations for the event, but was pleasantly surprised to learn how much the kids were in fact learning each day and how excited they were to share about their memory verses, Bible lessons and fun activities throughout the day. He also explained what difficult situations many of these kids came from. He spoke about abuse, trauma, hunger and many other things that no child should have to experience and go through. He said that some of the younger children have been trying to break through for over a year, but have received little response and yet after just a few days at HBF these same kids have seemed to blossom. He relayed a particular story of one of the little girls who came up to him during the week and said to him, "Do you know that I am important?" He said yes, and she continued, "Do you know that I am valuable?" He nodded once again, "But do you know that God loves me soooo much?" she says with arms stretched wide open, and again he said yes. She continued, "God says I am perfect and He loves me very, very much and that's why He sent His Son Jesus to the cross." And at that, she jumped off his lap and went to play. He told us how he just stared in amazement, shocked by all this little girl had said, shocked to hear that she finally got it, and that she had said all that she said with such assurance, such faith and such undeniable belief in who she was and whose she was.... maybe for the first time ever. He briefly hinted at the trauma this child had already faced in her short 6 years, but that she beamed when telling him all of this, a look he had never seen on her face before. As he told us this story, tears pricked our eyes and right there was all the information we needed to be reminded that all the hard work, all the late nights, all the money spent, all the stress of getting the week sorted.... it was ALL worth it, if only for this one little girl.
One of the ladies from the US team told us about a little boy who sobbed during the video cartoon on the fourth day, when Jesus hung on the cross. We intentionally wanted one day where Jesus died and the next day where Jesus resurrected. The little boy cried huge tears, as he engrossed himself in the story, the story he had closely followed all week long and now, this Jesus, He was dead. The volunteer went to him to give him a hug and assured him that tomorrow was coming, and the story was not yet done... he soon would smile and the celebration of the next day would be worth those little tears, as the full knowledge of the resurrection would be known and understood. I am reminded of such child-like faith, of the purity of such intense tears and pain of knowing your Lord is being crucified and then of such pure joy in the knowledge of His resurrection and ascension. It is just another reminder of seeing Easter through fresh eyes... a child's eyes.
My Right-Hand Guy
In the last blog I discussed the many things that the mission team was doing, as well as my (Yolanda) own role. I did not mention what Andrew had been doing. Rarely is my husband an on stage kind-of guy, although, he was up front during HBF, leading worship along with Jase and me.
Andrew is the one who keeps the wheels rolling. He made countless trips from our home/ministry base to the church where we held VBS/HBF, as well as to town and back, and to the high density and back. He was constantly running off print copies, picking up something that was forgotten, making a run for fresh produce for lunch that day and picking up all the volunteers in the morning before the bus would arrive with all the kids.
Not to mention he stayed up with me until very late each evening as we finished prepping last minute items. He also got up before me each morning and started packing the car with all the supplies needed for that day.
Andrew had a designated role in activities and games and prepped accordingly for them, as he and Jase led that part of the rotation each day.
He was the one who made sure we had firewood for cooking for the week and morning tea and snacks for the volunteers before kids arrived. Needless to say, Andrew was and continues to be my right-hand-guy. Without him, I have no doubt VBS/HBF would never have been as much of a success as it was.
Once HBF/VBS finished up, his work began with gathering receipts, categorizing all the expenses, taking note of costs and supplies and of course assists me in putting away the countless number of boxes that seemed to be strewn all over our home once the mission team had left.
My husband being the one constant, allows me to fulfill my role that is often relational and up front. Although, Andrew HATES to be the center of attention, nor does he like any public appreciation, it's important for me to note his role that is vital and essential in making JM2Z be a success in the many areas in which we serve.
In the last blog I discussed the many things that the mission team was doing, as well as my (Yolanda) own role. I did not mention what Andrew had been doing. Rarely is my husband an on stage kind-of guy, although, he was up front during HBF, leading worship along with Jase and me.
Andrew is the one who keeps the wheels rolling. He made countless trips from our home/ministry base to the church where we held VBS/HBF, as well as to town and back, and to the high density and back. He was constantly running off print copies, picking up something that was forgotten, making a run for fresh produce for lunch that day and picking up all the volunteers in the morning before the bus would arrive with all the kids.
Not to mention he stayed up with me until very late each evening as we finished prepping last minute items. He also got up before me each morning and started packing the car with all the supplies needed for that day.
Andrew had a designated role in activities and games and prepped accordingly for them, as he and Jase led that part of the rotation each day.
He was the one who made sure we had firewood for cooking for the week and morning tea and snacks for the volunteers before kids arrived. Needless to say, Andrew was and continues to be my right-hand-guy. Without him, I have no doubt VBS/HBF would never have been as much of a success as it was.
Once HBF/VBS finished up, his work began with gathering receipts, categorizing all the expenses, taking note of costs and supplies and of course assists me in putting away the countless number of boxes that seemed to be strewn all over our home once the mission team had left.
My husband being the one constant, allows me to fulfill my role that is often relational and up front. Although, Andrew HATES to be the center of attention, nor does he like any public appreciation, it's important for me to note his role that is vital and essential in making JM2Z be a success in the many areas in which we serve.
Thanks
We also wanted to mention two of our churches and share our gratitude. We shared in previous blogs about the generosity of Santa Clara Church, but we would also like to thank Westview Christian Church in Louisiana, for donations they also sent along with the mission team. Thank you so very much for the little boys' shorts and other items. It's also important to mention that Barrington Community Church in New York, generously gave funds last year for this VBS. Their funds went toward some much needed supplies. It goes without saying that we could never accomplish what we do here on the ground, without the phenomenal support of churches and individuals. Thank you for your continued generosity!
We also wanted to mention two of our churches and share our gratitude. We shared in previous blogs about the generosity of Santa Clara Church, but we would also like to thank Westview Christian Church in Louisiana, for donations they also sent along with the mission team. Thank you so very much for the little boys' shorts and other items. It's also important to mention that Barrington Community Church in New York, generously gave funds last year for this VBS. Their funds went toward some much needed supplies. It goes without saying that we could never accomplish what we do here on the ground, without the phenomenal support of churches and individuals. Thank you for your continued generosity!
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We will post a video next week with many more pictures of the children and events from during the week. It is uploading now, but has already taken hours, so it will have to wait a few more days to post :-)
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