like a fire

Yesterday was our first camp. It was really great to see our team go to work. We had some great moments that you’ll hear more about when we get back. We started the camp with about 50 mostly inner city kids ages 7-14. Probably less than 1% were from London and probably over 60% were either Siek, Hindu or Muslim (BTW, I know how to spell Siek, but have reasons for spelling it the way I do). There are many East Europeans as well as those of South Asia.

All of our teams are doing well. There are several kids that really stick out and just need someone to love them. Danielle is one we picked up who just never leaves unless she has to. She stays as long as we are there and even helps with our work.

After camp yesterday, we went to a mosque and talked with an Imam (leader). He explained the basics of their beliefs and we were able to ask questions afterward. One of the team here is a converted Muslim and he led us through and explained more to us also. It is a very sad thing looking at the two beliefs - one based entirely on works and judgment and the other on faith and grace.

Later last night we went to Picadilly Square. For me, this is much more like the London I was thinking of visiting. We saw many of the sights and got to see some local color as well. One of the most interesting things is how the team is bonding. This is the first trip I have worked with that there hasn’t been some major falling out or drama. This team is really tight and they like to be around each other. It is really a blessing to be working with them.

Day 4 was very similar in the camp. We are building some relationships. Kara and Laura are especially blessing two girls who lost their mother last week. They keep saying that they aren’t coming back the next day, but they keep at it. Allison and I are on a team together and have been able to play good cop bad cop (I’ll let the readers decide who is who).

After we did camp we had a time of reflection and were presented with some of the opportunities of World Harvest. Amber and Marcus, two of their apprentices shared their stories and we were able to ask questions about serving in London with WH.

After that, we had a work day cleaning the church that WH rents. It is in pretty bad shape, as the congregation is mostly elderly and there are few young people to work on it. It was great to really see everyone step up and clean for God’s house. It isn’t really apparent that it makes that much of a difference until you see all the temple and mosques and how they are maintained and then see a church that just looks like no one cares. What a poor reflection on the people of God.

After working, we came back and showered and went to High Street for a meal; and as I write this now, I am in a very crowded internet cafe (where is Panera when you need it?). I can’t post pictures yet, but I will have plenty when we get back. Please pray for these kids who are coming to the camp. They are some of the most needy I have met. All need God’s love and most need a lot of nutrition and supervision that they aren’t getting.