CYIA--Day 4

The 10 are really applying themselves today. They are beginning to realize just how many Bible Lesson practicums they have to do. So when given the opportunity to study, they jump at the chance.

Besides shepherding the 10, I had two classes today: one on teaching music and one on counseling. Both classes went very well. After the music class, I had the 10 practice what they learned by introducing and leading song in front of all the Summer Missionary Training School before we all went to lunch. I was so proud of them.

Then after lunch, I had the daunting task of teaching then 10 plus all of camp how to counsel children for salvation. Of all the classes taught at CYIA, this is the one that is most important. I've been planning for this class for months. My goal in this class was to do something that has not been done before-- prepare the missionaries to be ready for any reason that the child response to the invitation. In the past, the lesson plan calls for teaching how to counsel if a child says " I want to be God's child." Of course I covered this important topic. However, we also talked about how to respond the rest of the time. This students seemed to do very well.

I am sitting in class now, watching them practice their first Bible lessons out loud. It is a joy to see them finally teaching and loving every minute of it.

All of the 5-Day Club track leaders met together today to plan out the teams for next week's 5-Day Clubs. So we are progressing well. Thanks for praying for us. More tomorrow.

CYIA--Day 3

The "10" are doing well today. Yolanda joined us a day late and has much to get caught up on. She is still learning the Wordless Book in the midst of memory verse and Bible lesson preparation classes. The rest of the "10" are really starting to open up. The each have unique and fun personalities. One of the aspects about this group I appreciate that they all understand why they are here at CYIA and are sure of what God is calling them to do.

Today we started classes on Bible lesson preparation and presentation. It was so awesome to watch them as they were learning. The look on their faces when the finally understood the concept of linking was priceless. (FYI: a link is a short transitional phrase from one concept to another).

The 10 are working on their first Bible lesson: Zaacheaus. For many of them, this is the first time they will be in a primary teaching role. On top of all this, then 1o learned how to teach a memory verse. I had them take turns practicing teaching the memory verse to each other and they did pretty well for the first time through.

I am very pleased with this group and I cannot wait to see what God is going to do through them this summer.

CYIA-- Day 2

Today was our first full day at CYIA. One of the major tasks on our plate today was the Wordless Book Practicums. The 9 first year CYIA students plus the 24 camp staff had the job of sharing the Wordless Book after learning it in just 24 hours. That is no easy task, but they rose to the occasion. We divided the students up into six groups. We had a few students who struggled the first time sharing the Wordless Book. Most of them had time to find success in this presentation.

I want to share with you the names of the 10 first year students: Josh, Tamarah, Holly, Vidi, Haleigh, Gloria, Caroline, Allison, Grace, and Yolanda. Tomorrow they begin learning how to take the truth's of the Wordless Book and inter-great them into Bible Lessons.

Our days are long -- starting at 6:15am and end at 10:00pm. But they are so worth it. The students here are so eager to learn and follow God's direction and path for their lives. Our chapel speaker this year is my good friend Bill Allison. God is using Bill to impact all of us and challenge us in God's Word.

So, we are doing well here today. Pray for the 10 first year students ( I'll call them the 1o from now on.)

I have three classes to teach tomorrow. Thanks for praying and readying . More tomorrow.

CYIA Day 1

My dad and I arrived safely yesterday here at Camp Good News for Summer Missionary Training School. We spent much of yesterday afternoon getting set up for the students' arrival. There are many details to attend to before they students arrive. We are expecting 45 students for the entire training school. (24 camp staff and 21 5-Day Club staff). I am in charge of the 13 first year CYIA/5-Day Club staff. For the first day or so the 24 camp staff plus the 13 CYIA will meet together for Wordless Book Classes. I will be teaching three classes today. Please keep us in prayer. There is so much yet to do. I need to go now. I will update you more tomorrow. Please keep us in prayer.