This is a quick update from the previous blog as to how our day has gone. FANTASTIC!
The journey accross the city took 50 mins by bus - from one favela to another. The children were really open and about 100 turned up. We had to go through the favela with our faces painted inviting the children before the event began and once it started they all seemed very excited. I think the oldest was 13 and the youngest was about 3.
After a drama, we split into 2 groups, divided by age, and presented the Gospel to the children in a way which they would understand. They knew a lot about drugs (not surprisingly) but were hooked by my (Dave's) story, which I did not expect. The other, younger group, got really excited about the puppets telling the story of creation, and managed to make 'themselves' out of a balloon and some wool. After this we met back together as a large group.
We then presented 2 more dramas and after the final drama, called choice, we presented the kids with the choice of following Jesus and 2/3 of the children wanted to! Some people from the church which we were working with then invited those children to their weekly children's activities which they put on.
One thing we noticed about these kids was their openness. They loved being hugged and swung around, wanted to play with us and readily shared their lives with us. They seemed different from English children in this way. It made me think that the whole 'child protection' thing is not always helpful when it comes to sharing the Gospel with children wholeheartedly, like when they want or need a hug, or want to be 'thrown' around. A friend of ours took a video of the whole day and we should be able to put it on this blog in the next week or so, so you can see us in action.
Josiah helped with the puppets and Gideon wondered around soaking up the atmosphere. Both children seemed to enjoy it. Thankyou for your prayers. Much appreciated....they make a huge difference.