BASKETBALL CAMP!

Our secondary function was to help Cherith establish itself as a community resource by hosting a basketball clinic for kids from local schools.

Bruce, Stephanie and Mark are teachers in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and did a great job connecting with the kids, teaching basic basketball skills, and laying a foundation with teachers and administrators in the area.

The smiles were big and the competition furious!

COACHING WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS

In spite of the language barriers, meaningful connections could be made by showing interest and just being with the kids of Meepitiya.

One-on-one interaction created special bonds and really demonstrated the love of Jesus we hoped to share.

Could it be that "ministry" doesn't need big programs and big budgets? Is it as simple as building relationships with "ordinary people"?

Yes!

MORE THAN BUILDING A PLAYGROUND

One of the greatest benefits for our teammates during these projects is the relationships that get built and the blending of stories that create the lasting souvenirs we take home.

This project brought together five nations for the benefit of a new generation of kids who will live with little that the Western world takes for granted.

Jeff, Pastor Chandrasena, Demitrio, Mervin and Jaghram represent The USA, Sri Lanka, Italy, Holland and Trinidad on this project that will have impact for years to come.

Yesterday's strangers quickly become today's friends and tomorrow's partners.

SMALL WORLD

You may remember that we came to Sri Lanka for the first time in 2000 to make another playground for a school in Dekinda. The principal of the school, Mr. Senaratne, got to know us a bit, but we had not been in contact since that project ended, until today...

Of all the thousands of people walking through Nawalapitiya, who do I almost bump into? None other than the principal! Not only did we stand there with our mouths hanging open thinking, "I know this guy!" Mr. Senaratne reached out his hand and said, "Jeff!" He remembered my name and everything we did.

How amazing, humbling and energizing to do this sort of work that creates lasting impressions...and relationships half a world away.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

After dedicating the play park with a few prayers, raising the flags of the USA, Sri Lanka, Holland and Trinidad, and the singing of our national anthems, the park is officially opened.

There is a public park a few miles from the Children's Home, but nothing as shiny and new as this one. This park holds promise for something beyond just fun and games as Cherith is working hard to be more than a Children's Home, but a resource for the whole community.

Judging by the response of the neighbors so far, it looks like they're off to a good start.

 

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER

Happy faces and good times are the same all over the world. Our team was delighted to participate in the building the play park and had a great time at the dedication ceremony that officially opened it.

Lots of bright colors, smiling children, happy parents and swing dancing (yes, SWING dancing) set a happy tone for the years to come.

 

A LASTING LEGACY

A fellow named Erwin McManus wrote, "The invisible Spirit of God is at work around us all the time and when people stand up to participate with that Spirit, it becomes visible to the rest of the world."

Six months ago this park didn't exist. Six months ago it was mostly a dream, yet now it stands as a lasting monument that Jesus came to Nawalapitiya and cares for the people there.

How much more will the good people of Sri Lanka see when more and more people give their time and efforts during our next projects?

STRANGERS NO MORE

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, "... you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..."

There is always a sense of bittersweet ending when a project concludes. The building that once looked cold and uninviting is now our happy home. The city that was once unfamiliar now holds special friends and those who were once strangers are now family.

We take comfort that Sri Lanka will always welcome us back, and feel it quite appropriate that an orphanage is where we adopted lasting friendships that will become even stronger during our next projects.

We hope you will join us.