Hi Everyone,

this past weekend we were at a church called Beulah Baptist in Asheboro, NC. For a girl from Wisconsin-this church was huge. After taking a few hours to figure out the sound in the building we finally got to go home with our host families. Sunday morning we had some bad weather so the morning service was cancelled and instead we had a potluck at the church before having one afternoon service instead of both a morning and evening service. Monday morning we headed out bright and early for Alamance Christian School before having both kids and teens chapels in the afternoon. Monday through Friday we had chapels at the school for the students, rotating between kids in the morning and teens in the afternoon and vice versa. For our kids chapel we worked on portraying the Pilgrims Progress story in a kid-friendly way involving each of the team members at least once. For teens chapel we split for small/impact groups which is basically each grade assigned to a team member or two. So, for example, Ali and I had the senior girls but since there were 15 of them we split the grade in two groups and each taught one. For impact groups we focus on asking some questions that have to do with the lesson that was taught, trying to make it more personal for them. 

Monday through Thursday went as was scheduled but on Friday school was delayed for two hours which didn't affect kids chapel but did cancel teens chapel. So, instead we sang for the teens while they were eating lunch. As we started singing our African song "Ta Kwa Ba" a bunch of the kids ran up on stage with us and started singing with us. So, we played it again and started singing. By this time, basically half of the cafeteria was on stage singing and Leonard (our contact in Zambia, Africa) was on the phone. So, one more time! We sang it for him and afterwards we were able to hear him talk to us through speakerphone through a microphone. After singing a few other songs we sang one more that the choral group at the school had learned for competition and they came up and sang that with us as well. It was such a cool experience. Afterwards we wound up having 8 juniors and seniors audition for the team including three of the girls that were in my impact group! 

Wednesday night I had an incredible experience. I was able to go to youth group with my host sisters and there was a girl there who obviously was struggling with a lot. At frst I just noticed her listening to her music and sitting alone, but didn't think a whole lot about it. But when we had gone into the room where the teaching would take plaec I noticed that she wasn't there. But, a few minutes later she came in with her earbuds out this time. As soon as she sat down she started staring at the ground. The lesson was on rebellion and I could tell she needed to hear it. I said a quick prayer for her heart and soul, and then continued to observe her as the lesson went on. Eventually she started to soften up and I could tell she was paying closer attention. At one point I think she wiped a tear from her face,, and another time she laughed with the rest of us, from then on she was listening closely and looking the pastor in the eye. At the end God gave me the courage to go and talk to her. I started by introducing myself and from the moment that I said "Hi" she had tears in her eyes and was smiling. I asked her a few general questions about whether this was her first time at the youth group and whether this was her church, after that I took the plunge and asked her if she was okay. She told me "Yeah, I'm just going through a lot at home." I didn't ask her what those problems were but I ddid tell her that I would like to pray for her if she was alright with that. She said that she would like that, so I promised her that I would be and she said "thank you" and left with a smile. Her name is Melanie. Please pray for her. I could see so much of a sweet spirit in her if she would only let the Holy Spirit work in her heart and life. 

So, I'm sure by now you can tell what the high point of my week was and I would love to know that you are praying with me for Melanie. Please pray for her salvation-I doubt that she is saved, also please pray that the people at her youth group would actually reach out with the love of Jesus to her. That's all she seemed to want and need. 

Thank you all for supporting me and for joining me in praying for Melanie.

In Christ,

Anna 

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