Reflections from Homebase

Our team of 12 made it back in Huntington at about 5 PM last evening, Sunday, August 21st. Over the next several days, or weeks I am looking forward to sharing reflections from different perspectives.

Garland Bowen and Sandy Carroll

Ps 100  A psalm. For giving thanks.


Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving


Jan Boyd and Mary Jane Amos

and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
NIV 1984.

"GRATEFUL " is the best description of our spirits throughout the week of being at Into Abba's Arms, (IAA). The reality of God's goodness was demonstrated by His many provisions. Our  basic needs were generously met:

1. Each day our team members individually met with the Lord before VBS activites began to crank up. The Lord strengthened us for the tasks ahead spiritually as well emotionally. Each team member was given a devotional to use, Walk as He Walked, by Howard and Bonnie Lisech, (2007 Deeper Roots Publications.), which provided direction needed for those serving overseas. Of course folks enjoyed other portions of Scripture and times of personal prayer. He filled us up so we could minister throughout the day in His strength, wisdom, and love.

Kevin Hamilton on his way to VBS.Notice
the lush gardens behind him.

2. The staff of IAA was very kind to fix us fabulous meals. They worked hard to create meals that would please western palates. We expected to eat what the children were eating. Food is very important to me as one who tends towards hypoglycemia and it was very plentiful. The Lord has blessed the gardens of IAA. What we thought was Swiss Chard was their spinach leaves. They were big and beautiful.

3. The provision of decent living quarters was wonderful. Yes, the water and electricity were intermittant, but at least we knew the pump would complete its task in a few hours, and the diesel generator would immediately restore electricity. I love using inside toilets that flush and even if the water was out in one part of the dorm, somehow there was always one toilet that was functioning.
 Satan would attempt to mess up the morning's VBS by knocking out the electricity just before we were to start VBS. But the generator was used by the Lord to supply what we needed for the lights and projector in the chapel.

4. Commradery was experienced especially as we worked together to perform tasks such as washing dishes; providing VBS; leading small group discussions; or planning. Each evening we met as a team to review our thoughts about the day; discuss the specifics of VBS for the next morning; and prayer. these were rich times of experiencing what it means to be in Christian community.

Salome and Beth going over lessons for her translation

Jean Howison and Brenda McGahan