Above: Dezső started out the day pointing out various misconceptions about prayer. Some consider prayer to be like waving a magic wand, others consider it like a vending machine where you put something in (religious works, repeating superstitious words) and get exactly what you request.  “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:3).



Above: Dezső sought to correct misconceptions about prayer with various object lessons. He made clear the necessity of approaching God in humility and faith in the fact that God knows what is best to provide for us. Sometimes Jesus says no (like a red light), sometimes he says wait (yellow light) and sometimes He answers with provision of our desired requests immediately (green light). In all cases, His answer is the best answer. We also talked about how Jesus called out to His Father before his impending suffering and death on the cross.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)





Above: A good sign that some kids really really enjoy camp! Brigi, (pictured above right) continued a project at home that we did early in the day at camp. The next day she brought in various names attributed to God composed of ABC cards. She composed the following names: Provider, Savior, God, Father, Jesus, Forgiver, Lord.



Above: Erika (far right teaching) reported that the younger children are becoming more engaged with the stories and songs as camp goes by. She was very encouraged that each of the kids was able to recall important details from the teaching when we are together in one large group. She also reported that the kids are able to recite the Bible verses from each day from memory with her just showing the motions related to each part of the verse. Today, when all of the campers were lined up together outside, Erika’s group surprised everyone by performing one of the songs we have been learning acapella.





Above: Unfortunately, in contrast to the younger children, the small groups with older kids and teens were very difficult for the leaders today. Many in Miki’s group were completely disinterested and disengaged, while some in Laci’s group were repetitively disruptive and hard to keep focused on any line of thought.









Above: Today’s competion involved various stations the kids visited in groups to solve puzzles and test their knowledge from the various truths taught throughout the week.



Above: Dezső’s wife Marcsi lead the station where the kids were challenged to recite the verses learned throughout the week. She reported that every group was able to recite them (most without reading the puzzle helps).







Above: Julika and Val ending the day with an object lesson on the misconception that we should expect God to forgive us (and therefore have peace in our hearts) when we have chosen not to forgive others. With two straws taped together (and one out of the water bottle, the other in) Val attempted to get a sip of water while she was dying of thirst. Of course, no water came up through the straws because one was out of place. Julika told Val that in the same way, we should not expect the peace of God to come to us after asking forgiveness when we continue to hold a grudge and not forgive others. Both work together.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

PRAISES

• Though it was pouring rain in the morning, as we gathered for our daily devotion and prayer the rain stopped. The forecast showed thunderstorms throughout the day, but God was gracious to give us a day full of sunshine! After our debriefing meeting and everyone returned home, the rain commenced.
• Brigi was moved to do her own project at home thinking about the names of God.
• The youngest children are much more engaged and participating in learning God’s word, and singing from memory (since they can’t read) the songs everyday.
• In the midst of our debriefing meeting that we hold at the end of each day, a large plastic light cover crashed down from the ceiling landing inches away from some of the teens who are serving with us in camp. Praise God for his protection, that no one was hurt and that this didn’t happen in the daytime when the room is usually full of kids (particularly the preschool kids).

PRAYER REQUESTS
• We are nearing the end of VBS and it is clear that fatigue is setting in. Please pray not only for us, but for the kids to be refreshed and strengthened for our day together tomorrow. After the day is over we also have much planning to do together for our final day of camp to which we have invited parents. Pray for wisdom and unity as we work through the details after a long day.
• Please continue to pray for Laci’s small group in particular which has a few kids that are distracting the entire group. Pray also for Miki’s group with teens.
• For continued grace in God’s provision of the right weather for His purposes at camp.