Mission Topeka 2011

24 team members got off at 7:55 AM with Randy Kirkley and Phil driving.  It didn't take long before things began to go south as the bus battery died and needed a jump start.  After making it to Little Rock, it became obvious that the rear AC had broken as well.  They finally arrived in Topeka at 7:30 PM and checked into the Holiday Inn Express on the west side of downtown.  When they came back to the bus after supper, a fan belt had broken, and the bus wouldn't do a thing.  It stayed over night in the mall parking lot while we figured out what to do.

 

My family and I left Camden after lunch.  We stopped for supper in Bella Vista and made it to Topeka about 10:30 PM.  The girls and Justin did great in the car with only two pit stops.  We all slept soundly but not enough for the first night.

 

The morning began with Randy and I eating breakfast and trying to get the bus fixed.  It had to be towed from the mall parking lot to a local Quick Lane to be repaired.  In the mean time, we conducted VBS from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Hispanic Church we are serving for about 10 children.  After pizza at the church for lunch, we came back to our hotel to swim and nap.  The mechanic called about 5 PM to let us know the bus was drivable, but still no AC in the back.  That repair would have to wait until Camden. 

 

Our soccer camp this evening drew about 15.  If you know anything about Hispanics, they can play soccer at an early age.  All things went well, and we ended the evening with supper at Red Robin.

 

Phil is doing a great job with the organization of the trip.  All of the adults and students have been very flexiable so far.  Continue to pray for good attitudes and receptive hearts to the gospel message.  Hispanics are often slower to respond because of their Catholic backgrounds.  We are trusting the Lord for His timing.  Thanks for being a praying, giving, and going church!

 

The mornings started later with the evenings running later as well.  After breakfast, we headed to the church at 10 AM.  Day 2 of VBS welcomed about three times as many children as the word had spread about what was happening.  I think our second day total was about 30 children from 4 year olds to fifth grade.  It was great to also see some Anglo's among the children after being exclusively Hispanic on day one. 

 

The local church members fed us a wonderful mexican lunch that we enjoyed there at the church.  Right after lunch, our team was divided into half as one group went out in the surrounding neighborhood to pass out back to school bags, and the other group went prayer walking on near-by streets.  The two teams will switch on Thursday as we pass out New Testaments donated by Mark and Kim Crump and prayer walk.

 

The Piles' family spent their afternoon getting haircuts at a local Supercuts.  It was $10 Tuesday so we got off fairly cheap as we got four haircuts for $44.

 

The evening soccer camp also saw an increase in attendance with about 25 attending.  As I mentioned previously, hispanic children love to play soccer, and they are good at it.  The soccer camp is using Mega Sports Camp curriculm that we have used the past two summers at our VBS.  Our second evening finished with supper at Steak and Shake and then back to our hotel. 

 

Please pray for Pastor Jess and his wife Darlene.  Darlene had to be taken to the hospital on Monday evening, and Pastor Jess was with her on Tuesday.  I am not sure of her condition, but I do know they are running tests.  We are praying for the Lord's hand of healing to be felt on her body. 

 

Day 3 didn't bring any surprises or anything out of the ordinary.  We had a good morning with VBS and a good evening with Mega Sports Camp.  Phil continues to do a great job of coordinating the details and logistics of the trip!

 

This team of teenages is a remarkable group.  It is fairly even in guys and girls.  I would also say that half attend Camden-Fairview and half attend Harmony Grove.  It is also a good mix of older and younger.  There are 5 seniors to be and at least one that just turned 13.  There are not any cliques, and they all get along well with one another.  They have taken leadership of the trip by leading in prayer and Bible study and singing and crafts and recreation, and they have done everything without complaining.  I have been so proud of their harmony and their efforts.  They are honoring the Lord in every way.

 

Pastor Jess and Darlene returned to us on Wednesday.  Darlene seemed fine, but doctors will still be running more tests in the days to come.

 

The Piles family ended our Wednesday with a meal with some friends from seminary.  David Johnson is the pastor of Southwest Topeka Bible Church (www.swtbc.org).  He and his wife, Elizabeth, have four boys.  They have had a hard road in some respects by getting fired from a previous church just because of laymen not wanting to follow his lead.  It was very tragic and left a bad taste in his mouth for vocational ministry.  I am glad the Lord has blessed him now with a better church and another opportunity to minister.

 

Thank you for praying.  Thursday will be our last day in Topeka.  All of our children will be hearing the ABC's of the gospel today and have an oppotunity to respond.  Please pray for soft and receptive hearts.  God bless you all, and thank you for your prayers and support.

 

VBS and soccer camp came to an end today.  After four days of much effort and ministry, I think Phil reported tonight that two children had prayed to receive Christ!  That is why we came!!!  I can't say enough about this team of teenagers.  They have been a joy to watch and to be their pastor!

 

I also want to report on these awesome adults.  The Kirkley's have worked tirelessly with crafts and driving the bus.  Claire has been wonderful teaching God's Word to the older children.  Josh McClelland has been an exemplary role model for the young men and did a tremendous job coordinating the recreation.  Finally, our church would be very proud of Phil.  He has been on top of every aspect of this trip.  The hotel arrangements were very nice.  The meals have been great.  We have stayed on schedule and accomplished our goal.  The teams knew their assignments and got 'er done!

 

Tomorrow we check out and head to Kansas City for a day of fun at Great Wolf Lodge.  It should be exciting.  Then we will all head home on Saturday.  Please pray for safe travel and cooler temperatures as the bus doesn't have any AC.  Thanks again for praying and supporting missions and our teenagers.