On Sunday morning, our team divided into two groups. One went to a local evangelical church with the YWAM workers while the other attended God’s Grace Reformed Baptist Church (GGRBC). Ken was scheduled to preach at the church with the second group but had to remain at the hotel with a severe migraine. Kevin preached at the church with the first group and they were able to make their presentations during the church service. After church services, both groups were taken to nearby food courts for lunch.

After lunch, the second group, after a short detour to pick up Ken who had somewhat recovered, rode up to a government-run preschool on the mountainside just outside the city. We were greeted by 90+ kids from ages 1 to 11 and some parents. One of the employees of the center is a member of GGRBC and had arranged the visit. Apparently, this neighborhood is a government project designed to offer affordable housing to poor people. Word was that it was a very violent area and that these kids needed to hear our message of hope and love. The facility was very clean and modern and there was a significant police presence that made us feel very safe.

We set up for face painting and balloons and spent the next 90+ minutes offering the children these gifts. Afterwards, we presented our dramas and Ken tied each one together and delivered a clear gospel message at the end. The students did their usual tremendous job with the skits and the kids in the audience loved every minute. By the time we were finished, it was nearing dark and the authorities wanted us to pack up and leave. We made several friendships and received a heartfelt invitation to return any time.

On the way back down the mountain, some of the older boys kept following our bus (on foot). Two in particular jumped on a bike and, in tandem, with no helmets, they rode right off the right edge of our bumper at speeds exceeding 40 mph down the mountain for about 2-3 miles. Needless to say, we were a bit anxious at this sight. We were definitely not in Kansas anymore.

That night we returned to the hotel for dinner and a debrief to end the day.