Monday, June 2

We began the day traveling to the town of Skelton speaking to Year 6 students at Skelton Primary School. British schools differ from American schools in that Years 1-6 are considered Primary. Years 7-11 are listed as Secondary schools. Years 12 and 13 are called College, and after that University. Year 1 is the same as our Kindergarten, so we were talking to the equivalent of our 5th grade students.

Our team performed a skit based on the Parable of the House Built Upon the Sand/Rock. Then we split into two groups and had discussion with each section of the class. Half of the team led discussion on American culture while the other half led talks on the parable. I participated in the Bible discussion with Nate Gentry, Amy and Kade, while Nate R., Sarah P, Shelby, Will and Cody wowed them with American pop culture.

As had been the case in the past, very few kids knew anything about the Bible. I was encouraged by the second group we were involved in. There were four kids that knew something about Jesus, and could tell you why we celebrate Christmas and Easter, but the rest were clueless. All of the kids were attentive, and we led them through not only the meaning of the skit parable, but talked about the Gospel as well.

During their lunch period we hung out with them on the playground. As usual, they love to be around our youth, and everyone had five or six British kids surrounding them asking all kinds of questions.

We served the afternoon back in Guisborough at Westgate Park with the football (soccer) cage and Spikeball being the two main attractions. During this time kids walk through the park after school, and stop by for a quick two on two game and to hang out with our youth. It’s a great way to connect with them on a personal level.

The day ended with our Getwell guys and several local guys congregating at one of the host homes and playing the game of Risk. Sarah P, Amy and I participated in a house group which was studying Acts 2. We had a fantastic time of discussion and prayer in which we were reminded of Christ great love and sacrifice for us.

And as I reflect on the day, I see so many of the kids faces we came in contact with. They are so amazing, with so many gifts and talents. But 99% of them have no clue as to our human condition. They understand right and wrong, but haven’t grasped the concept of our sinful state. And since they don’t understand sin, they don’t even begin to understand the need for a savior. That’s why we are here. I pray that through us they begin to come to that understanding. I pray for them, and I ask you to do the same.

Peace