I thought the best way to open up this blog was with beautiful photos of Fun Day in Assumane Village on April 24. “You’re buying 50 sacks just for children to jump in them,” a boy from the market exclaimed while giving me a surprised look like I was wasting money and good sacks. But, the kingdom of God is about changing our perspective to delight in the things Jesus enjoys. With the help of other missionaries, we also bought 1200 bolos and bajeia, 600 bags of chips, rope, markers and individuals purchased other things that were used for the “Fun Stations”. During some parts of the day, we must have had over 400 children participating at one time. We had 8 different “Fun Stations” (games and activities spread out in the soccer field) along with some other activities that spontaneously started. These included bozo buckets, finger puppet crafts, limbo and high jump, jump rope and more.
Before I continue, I have to explain that many children in the villages, including Assumane, are not used to the kind of structure and discipline like you many find in many western elementary schools. Forming and keeping lines and rows, waiting your turn, taking turns, and staying seating while being served are just a few of the many challenges we faced. So, when we tried to form lines to do sack races with 50 sacks, it turned into jump wherever you want and grab a sack from another child when you can (even if the other child is still in the sack). It was so fun!
Although handing out over 500 bolos (fried sweetened donut thing), went surprisingly well, handing out 600 bejeia (patties made of bean flour) right after became so wild and out of control that we had to stop handing them out. But, love endures all things. So, later that day, Victor, Carlos and I went throughout the village and handed out hundreds of bajeia to very happy children and some adults.
Debbie who is a Christian and trained ventriloquist is visiting our center along with her husband Dominic. She organized songs, activities with puppets, a magic trick to demonstrate Jesus’ willingness to forgive our sin, and picture cards to share the gospel. Of course, many children and adults enjoyed this, and many received Christ. It was a beautiful and powerful way to end the day.
Thank you for all of your prayers for the first Assumane Fun Day! I don’t know all that Jesus has in store for us in the future, but I’m already dreaming with God about things to do in other villages to help the hearts of Children experience the reality of the love that Christ has for them in fun and activity filled ways. As you pray, join us in having sweet dreams with Jesus and lots of fun!
Love,
Tyren and Tiffany Haynes
(We would have updated you sooner but normal internet connections are not working in northern Mozambique. We are connecting now via a satellite at a hotel in Lichinga. Remember: We'll be in the U.S., June 1 - August 25. See you soon!)
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