Urban Outreach Camp

Wow! I don't even know where to start! Following a very long day of going on a field trip to talk with strangers, and then taking a test to complete module 2, I was wiped out. I was ready for at least a weekend break to recuperate and collect myself, and that surprisingly came in the form of an Urban outreach camp (aka jr. high retreat). I know, I know, for any parent or person who has ever had (the opportunity) to chaperon a jr. high retreat the words break, retreat, or recuperate do not register. It was an absolute blast though and it didn't include crowed streets, air pollution, or homework. For me this was perfect! Here's what happened...

With the combined forces of CWEFT, Concordia Lutheran Church-Phongphet, and LCMS-WM, we helped run a weekend camp entitled "Joy In Christ" for 25-30 children from the Bang Na area of Bangkok. This is considered one of the poorer slum areas of Bangkok. Many of the children are former students of the daycare there which is funded by CWEFT. Many of the daycare workers came also, and took primary responsibility for supervising the kids aged 8-15.

On Friday we several activities ranging from playing icebreaker games, singing songs, rotating through learning stations and listening to devotions. Here is a picture of Pastor Bob teaching the children about trust. This little boy was supposed to fall straight back and trust that Pastor Bob would catch him before he reached the ground. This led into a Bible study discussion about Jesus and Peter walking on the water and teaching the children to know that they can always trust Jesus. Afterwards they tried to act like they were walking on water in the swimming pool, only they were walking on a dividing wall that was submerged underwater and separated the deep end from the shallow end. That evening after supper, the different groups put on performances of different Bible stories. My group was the purple group and we acted out the story of the good samaritan. They really seemed to enjoy that. Saturday, we got up early for devotions with Diana who illustrated how just because we can't see everything, that it doesn't mean it's not there. She used a blank piece of paper and painted over it with water color, but all that showed was a cross. She explained that this is the same with Jesus. He is still with us even when we don't see him. Devotions were followed with yet another interesting breakfast of rice soup. It kind of tasted like chicken and rice, only mine had a little more pepper in it. The morning continued with bible study led by Pastor Taweep, and arts and crafts time where we all painter fans to keep. After lunch the retreat was over. The kids had a good time and even asked if it could go longer the next time we do another one. By 1pm we were headed back to Bangkok, and very excited about all that took place this weekend! For all the pictures from this weekend click here.