Day 7

Faithful Prayer Partners

Thank you for your prayer support. It was so obvious throughout the week that you were lifting us up. You were a critical part of our team and we are grateful.

After several delays, we arrived home in KC last night about 9:30PM. Amazingly, it appears all our bags made it home as well!

The picture here is from our last day of VBS with the kids from the poorest parts of Trinidad. This occurred on Friday, but due to our lack of Internet connection that day, the entry came on Saturday and we didn't have time to download a pic (takes a LONG time with a slow Internet connection!) We wanted you to see the group that we were able to minister to.

On Saturday, we visited the capital city of Port of Spain for some souvenir shopping. It was a national holiday, Emancipation Day, so most places were closed. But we were able to see a parade of Trinidadians of African decent celebrating. En route to Port of Spain, we drove right past the village of Betham, where many of our VBS kids live. The site of shacks and metal roofs reminded us of where those kids were returning and how difficult life is for them. Continue to pray for them; that God will one day harvest seeds that were planted in their hearts. As we got out of the bus in Port of Spain, two of our VBS kids were standing there! They had walked to see the parade and we got to say goodbye one more time.

After shopping, we took a drive over the hills to Maracas Beach. After a bake-n-shark (shark sandwich), we spent the afternoon at the beach. The waves were BIG and lots of fun. It was a relaxing way to conclude the trip.

We returned to the compound for dinner, packing and one last meeting. We shared the Lord's Supper together and many people shared what God had taught them during the week. It was encouraging to hear all that the Lord had done. Just like previous trips, we go with the intention of blessing the people in Trinidad. We return having been blessed by them beyond what they received.

It was a privilege to lead this team. God used every member and the trip would not have been the same had even one of them not been on the team. It is hard for me to believe that it is my job to do this - I feel like the most blessed person in the world.

Thanks again.

Blessings

Scott

for Team Trinidad 2009

Day 6

Due to lack of internet connection, Friday's blog entry is being sent Saturday.

It was the last day of VBS today and the team’s energy was still going strong. Welcoming the kiddo’s with smiles and chants one last time. It was difficult to leave the friendships which grew in just a week’s times. A moment that seems to keep playing in my head is waving goodbye to the children as the bus slowly leaves. A girl in my group became a believer this week, as she kissed my cheek goodbye she reminded me that she would see me again someday soon. And I know that place will be heaven with Our Father. I still can’t get over how in control the Lord is. Each seed that was thrown out this week, He has a purpose and a plan. I love knowing that He is in charge.

Shortly after, the team was off to the 2nd VBS of the day at Jacob’s Hill. The weather was beautiful and the wind was able to cool us all off. The joy of the Lord was radiant, even after singing the same songs and jumping up and down over and over again, I was still excited and not forgetting that this would be the last time for us to truly influence these kids. Today we were able to give each child their own bible and again share the gospel with them. We would also like to share another praise with you. A boy named Jeremiah accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He had been giving us trouble all week and he hadn’t focused during the teaching times. Today he seemed very somber and was much more focused on what was being shared. When Jim pulled him aside he was very receptive to the gospel message. Jim shared scripture with him prayed with him to accept Christ. The team was encouraged by Jeremiah and the way God softened his heart to the gospel message.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we have been ministering to the lost in Trinidad. Tonight we attended a youth service here at the compound and Ashoke’s son Javed preached. We sang some high energy worship songs Trini-Style and had a lot of fun. Jim shared a song during the worship service and so did Siby, the intern from New Jersey who is working at TTUM for the summer. We are all a little tired but we are excited to have some fun tomorrow. We will be going to Port of Spain and the Marracas Bay beach to swim and eat some shark sandwiches. This week has been delightful and I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for the last day.

Thanks again,

Katelyn Hansen & Jim Darter