They finished off the day with a game of Four Square!

Thursday 

Wednesday was a busy day in English Camp, but the children seem to be having lots of fun and are learning English. After English Camp and a quick lunch, we prepared to head into Madrid to do our clowning in the plaza called El Sol. We participated with the Red Box ministry, a group of Christian evangelists who minister in the plaza every night except Sundays. A group gathers each evening for two hours of prayer before they head into the plaza to preach, to share testimonies, to share object stories, to hand out tracts, and to talk with people interested in learning more about Christ. An incredible ministry with amazing results. One of the men who shared a testimony that evening was saved several years earlier as a result of the ministry right there in El Sol. We put on our make up with a background of gentle praise music and prayer, then we were powerfully prayed over before we headed down to the streets. Our hearts were truly prepared to minister in Jesus’ name. We spent about two hours in the square interacting with the people and doing two of our skits between Red Box speakers before heading back to Camarma on the train. A powerful evening of ministry, the results of which are entirely in God’s hands.

English Camp this morning was busy and fun and several teachers reported quality interactions with their students in English. The goal is not only to teach English, but also to share the love of Christ. Please pray that the children will see Jesus through us and that when we leave, the Humes will have many open doors to share the Gospel with adults and children alike.
-Jennie MacDonald,
Ballston Center ARP Church

Day Three – Reading upside down!

Wednesday

This has been a very good day of being with the children. Kathy and I have been teaching eight year old boys and girls, four boys and four girls. Today, they did some good things in helping each other. On Mon., we were surprised that each of the students was able to read English. In fact one girl read the short story while holding the book to show the other students. She was reading upside down.

There are 40 boys and girls involved in English Camp this year. Seven or eight of the students from last year are here and it was really neat to see them as the registered on Mon. Both Ismael, my student and his sister, Lucia, Kathy’s student from last year were all smiles as they saw us standing in the hallway waiting for them.

On our travels to Camarma, we missed our connection in Chicago, last Thurs., and spent the night in a hotel. We went to bed about 2 am. and then had to make our way back to the airport the following noon. The flight from Chicago to Madrid was very noisy with a large number of teenagers returning to their homes in Spain. We did not sleep very much, Fri. night, and that put us a bit behind in adjusting to the six hour difference in the time zone. Yesterday, Tues. we began to feel more like ourselves.

Last evening, we went to a nearby small town so that our team members could perform their clown acts in the Plaza. There were about 150 people gathered. After the clowns the rest of the team made animal balloons. I had some small heart balloons and the small children enjoyed receiving them. I think that they enjoyed my blowing up the balloons with some of them popping in my face. Their reactions were fun to watch even with the snapping of the balloons.

This afternoon our team will be going to Kilometer Zero in downtown Madrid. The will have the clown acts and balloons as well as testimonies and a short message on a “Red Box”. Through this area of downtown Madrid, 10,000 people pass every hour. God is using this ministry to reach people for His Kingdom. Many people are holding this ministry up in prayer, every day.

Thanks for your part in our team’s ministry this week. Many of us are extra tired and we are trying to keep up with very energetic children. God is giving each of us His strength. We will share more with you when we are able to visit you. Ps. 96:1-3

- In Christian love,
Ron and Kathy,
Unity ARP Church

Day Two – Huge smiles!

Tuesday 

Hi Everyone,

There have been many new adventures this week. Yesterday was the second day of English Camp. The kids are all excited abut being able to be with their friends and eager to learn. You know God has put you where he wants them to be when a child kisses you goodbye with a huge smile on their face and asks if he/she will see you tomorrow. In our classes, we read, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and made a mouse for a craft. The kids are very interested in coloring and telling us about their family. Spain is both family and friend oriented and this is such a blessing to see the love they have for each other. Last night was our second night of clowning, as well. It was hot and sticky out, but we still gathered quite a crowd of children and their families. There was one woman, in particular, that stayed the entire time and then took many pictures of us as a group in the end. She seemed very blessed by the message. Each day brings new smiles and learning experiences, personally as well as a group. I believe everyone looks forward to every new day to teach, as well as to learn.
By: Lexi -
Spain Team

First Day – Open Doors

 Monday 

We started our day with a devotion and prayer then we were off to the school to greet the kids! I think we had 40 kids…..last year there were 9! Praise God for the work he is doing in this area. It was so amazing to see all the faces of the children eager to learn the English language. I can’t believe how many already know some English. It is great how God is using the snack time for the kids to come up and practice what they are learning in class. This really opens doors. We are being stretched by God and I can see God using the team. After English Camp we took the train into Madrid to see the area and the group we will be working with on Wednesday. It is an amazing ministry they are doing right in the heart of a city of 5 million. Please pray for the team that God will use us to be his hands and feet.
- Keep Praying,
Gail Fowler,
Fayetteville ARP Church,
Fayetteville, TN

Hola from España!

Sunday 

It’s amazing to be a part of the second year of English Camp in Camarma, Spain. There are some definite changes from July of 2009, but the foundations remain the same – building relationships for the glory of Jesus Christ.

From the small beginnings of last year, the Lord has blessed English Camp with clarity of thought, unity of purpose, and especially more active participants. The Lord has seen fit to provide a worldwide cast of teachers and helpers, and a great group of enthusiastic children to get to know throughout this coming week. English Camp 2010 has been blessed with an abundance of materials, and an additional day of class time. The expertise of English Camp participants from Wales, and Germany are joining in this exciting ministry, along with new helpers from right here in Camarma!

The team faces new challenges with the growth of the ministry, which we are sure our infinite Lord will meet through his people. “Clowns for Christ” is now ministering in Camarma, and plans to be in Meco and Madrid during the week. Please pray with us for physical strength and God’s wisdom for all involved, along with health and safety.

- John (Little John) Haag,
Ballston Center ARP Church