Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Today when we were getting ready to present the gospel bead presentation, we had two students who said they could give the meaning of the bracelets. One of the boys, Kirill, said he had heard the story of God’s love and wanted to share the story with his classmates. We asked where he had learned of the bracelets, and he said he was from the social shelter that had been visited before by Americans. While I was giving a testimony demonstrating God’s love and mercy, Kirill explained the meaning of each colored bead as it was represented in the story. It was powerful and the room was spirit-filled. All of the students and teachers listened intently to the message.

When we were finished I asked if anyone had any questions about what it meant to be a Christian or about God’s love. We had several great questions, but again the one that stood out the most was from Kirill who asked "If a man committed murder and was in prison for the rest of his life, will God still forgive him?" We were able to explain God’s grace, mercy and love but also that being a Christian, God doesn’t promise that sorrows and trouble will never come but that his love will see us though all and He will be the only one not to leave or forsake you. I then asked the class if they told a lie, did they think God would forgive them; and they said yes. Next I asked if they stole something, did they think God would forgive them; and half said yes and half said no. Lastly I asked if they committed murder, would God forgive them; and they all said no. I had the chance to explain that there was nothing too big or too bad that God would not forgive; and that even if still punished by humans, that in God’s eyes they would be clean. I exampled the man who was in prison for committing murder but was saved while in prison; and that he would still live the rest of his life in prison, but in giving his life completely to God, he is spending that time ministering to the other inmates. Thanks to our coming kids have a deep understanding of God’s love and forgiveness. Praise God! Amy N. and Natasha K.

We visited a children’s shelter facility this morning. Our group had the pleasure to meet with a group of children around 6 years old. We played games with them: for example, relay races. The children had quite a lot of fun and laughter. We also presented them with the gospel bead bracelet; and we explained to them about God’s love for them. One girl was able to share about her understanding of Jesus and His death on the cross. Afterwards we gave out shoeboxes to every child. A certain girl was so happy that she wanted to have her picture taken. All of the boys and girls there have so little; we were able to make their day a happy and blessed one. Terry S.

This afternoon our team met with a kindergarten group of boys and girls. Their ages ranged from 3 to 6 years old. They had prepared a special program for us: songs, dances and costumes from the local culture. The children were beautiful and precious. We presented them with the gospel (age appropriate) and the gospel bead bracelet. They were so excited. Then we distributed to each child a shoebox and a CarePack. They were overjoyed. We also gave each child and adult teacher a copy of the More Than a Carpenter book. Afterwards the Director came and spoke to us privately. Her words were heartfelt. She said that we are the first Americans to ever have visited them. And the genuine love and care we showed them was something that she and her teaching staff have never seen before. And the gifts for the boys and girls were so special; these gifts will be treasures that will be dear to them for a long time. She thanked us with such tenderness and sincerity that I am sure our expressions of God’s love touched her too. Terry S.