The First Community Event

 On Saturday we had a concert outside the new Community Center which was under construction.  Some folks thought that everyone who would come would fit in the large room of the Center.  Others, like me, thought we would quickly overflow and need to have it outside.  When I arrived about 20 minutes before the scheduled time, I was greeted by about 100 kids who had eagerly gathered at the market and were waiting for us.  Yes, we had to move the event outside.  There were over 300 people who attended.  Don, the evangelist who travels around the world playing his trumpet and speaking, played and had everyone sing on some of the songs.  Then Pastor Kenneth, a pastor from Kenya who had come to be part of the project, preached the simple gospel message.  At the end people were given an opportunity to invite Jesus into their hearts.  Many people raised their hands and then met with the team afterwards.  Many, many children wanted to know more. 

 What is very clear is that there is a huge need for children's ministry in this area.  One half to two thirds of those attending were children.  And there are so many more children in the area.  Once the word gets out, we will easily grow the number of children and adults who attend our community events. 

 In one way we have already outgrown the community building.  We will use the 2 classrooms for school for our Village of Hope children.  The large room will be used for tutoring, computer training, library, smaller meeting area.  Then the verandah will be a "stage" for events.  On Thursday afternoon we have invited everyone back for the dedication of the building.