Hello all, it sure feels good to get a break from the heat outside. It's getting quite warm as always, and quite humid, especially from that bit of rain we received earlier.

Yesterday afternoon since my last update, the guys finished up unloading the truck. I'm not sure if I mentioned it last time or not, but some of you who have seen the thrift store unloading area before--you would be shocked to see it now. Where things used to be piled up and daunting to organize, everything is clean, neat, and organized. Ever since they set up the new person in charge of it last year it seems things are getting along alot better.

All the work crews came back to the dorms, tired and worn from a long hot day, especially all those who were at the house painting. We relaxed, cleaned up, and had some supper. It was a good night overall getting a few things more ready for VBS and then having a movie night. We watched "The Nativity Story" in honor of our VBS week. It was a very good movie, though some of us being so tired fell asleep during it.

This morning, VBS was both a blessing and a challenge. We doubled our size in children who came, some of us quadrupled our classes... such as myself. More and more kids are getting the word about VBS out there and more are coming by the day. I say both a blessing and a challenge for it is exciting that there are more kids we can teach about Jesus and the salvation he has in store for them.

However it is also a challenge to keep every one in line. With so many kids, the front is full, the whole church is full, and it is hard to manage so many with so few of us as teachers. Pastor sparks and a few others were even pulled from the worksite a half a block away to come and help keep things in line.

I ask for your prayers through the rest of this week that we as teachers will know how to handle all of them, and know how to teach them well so that they can soak in the faith we wish to teach them. Personally as well, I wish for your prayers since my class is very difficult. Many of the highschoolers that are now here are a little harder to handle. Pray that God gives me the strength and wisdom to know what to do in this difficult situation.

We ended VBS mentally tired from the challenge of so many kids, but got all prepped up for the coming work afternoon. Harold Van Hulzen went with Phil F. and Trevor DH to work more on a house in Meyersville where there was some plumbing, some drywall, and some suspended ceiling to put in. Most of the rest of the kids are at the house painting again. Cals running around making sure all is going well, working on a few small projects himself. Eric, Todd, Spencer and myself are working on building some more picnic benches that the center sells and makes quite a good profit on. I had to pull away for a bit but the others are working on the putting the pieces I cut together. Mrs. Van Hulzen is again working some area girls and teaching them life skills in cooking and social skills with kindness. And then Tessa and Jacy are working on some paper work things in the center here as well.

Overall, we are keeping busy... and warm. Otherwise all is going well and we are meeting each challenge with a smile and going onward. Share times at night are always interesting as new conversations come up when comparing church here to church at home. Other conversations about faith and God spring up from time to time as well. Overall, its a good spiritual refresher from a busy summer as well working for the Lord down here.

Again, keep us in your prayers, especially VBS as we strain with the numbers. Make sure to check out the pictures, I'll be posting them soon here.

Until later,

Merrick