Training the Physical, Building The Spiritual

What an amazing day I have had!  Today was the first day of training here in Mongolia.  The pastor of Hope Assembly of God told us he did not know how many people would come to the trainings.  We arrived this morning, and I would say there was close to 150 people who showed up to learn Children's Ministry!  We were so excited!

The morning started with Jay Risner doing an opening session, and then we went into workshops.  David taught a class, and I taught a class on "Puppet Manipulation". (How to work a puppet)...Would you believe that out of the 150 people that were there, only about 4 of them had ever even USED a puppet???? I was blown away!  What an amazing opportunity to know that I was teaching them a brand new concept that would be able to help change Children's Ministry in Mongolia FOREVER!  Such a humbling experience.

We then had lunch at the the church, and prepared for the next set of workshops.  Jay taught on Object Lessons, while David and Mary taught on how to use simple puppets to teach kids.  I helped David and Mary, and ended up making a sock puppet with banana peel hair! haha..David says in the middle of the workshop "Aaron, take this sock and make a puppet out of it to show everyone"...So I did! haha...

After that, we began to choose people for the real purpose we are here...to do a children's crusade called "KidQuest".  This program was designed by several of the National Leaders, along with some missionaries from Mongolia.  It is similar to what I do during the summer...3 nights of kid services.  It has now become an international ministry tool, used in many different countries to reach children.  So, we all have a different segment of the crusade that we are supposed to train people from Mongolia to do.  Then, on Friday and Saturday, they will perform 2 of the 3 nights of the crusade for a huge group of kids right outside of the city!

So, we had auditions today for clowns, illusionist, game directors, and T.J. the Tiger (thats my segment)..haha...We finally got everyone picked, and started training.  It was a bit challenging, being the only one who speaks good english, especially when my translator is not even very good with her english! haha...but, it was a blast!  Finally, I realized one of the guys was shaking his head after I said the english part.  So, I said "how much of what I am saying do you understand?" He looks at me and says, "All of it!" hahaha...thank God! So that made things a lot easier! hahaha...I had a great time teaching!

It is such a rewarding feeling to know that what we are teaching them in these few days will go on to further Children's Ministry all over this country for years to come.  Even the simple things that we overlook in ministry sometimes are like gold to them.  I am so excited and humbled to know that God chose me to be a part of something so much greater than myself!

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us!  My health is MUCH better...I am feeling 100 percent better!  PRAISE THE LORD!  Continue to pray for the mighty move of God while we are here!  I pray all is well at home!  Sweet dreams..I mean, have a good day! haha...