BootCamp Day 4: Kidz Block Party
Posted by: HelpSaveSam
I didn’t make it to bed until 5:00am after Y’Bor City. What an incredible book of Acts experience. Sunday morning we had to be at the buses at 9:00am so that we could head over to the neighborhood for to set up.
I honestly did not want to be there. Many other boot campers must have felt the same way because when I came down only one of the 18 busses was full and ready to go... Regardless, I boarded the second bus in line. My physical body was feeling so drained I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. I drank a cold Starbucks Frappuccino and hoped it would kick in quickly. On the bus I pulled out my journal and began to write about Y’Bor City. Although I was tired, my mind was wide awake as I thought about the night before. I could barely sleep last night I was so excited, and my mind was full of plans for a testimony of the wonderful works of God. If I had the opportunity I would jump at the chance to testify at tonight’s service.
We arrived at the neighborhood and I found a seat on a bench in the shade. It was only 9:30 and I was dripping sweat. I didn’t have a problem with that of course, but I was mainly concerned with getting sunburned. Redheads and sun are a no-go. I decided to use the time and continue writing. After a while a woman sat down beside me. She looked kind of sick. She told me she was the fiancé of one of the bus drivers and that she had been coming to all of the events. We chatted for a while before she headed back to the bus to cool down.
As I wrote pretty much everyone else was busy setting up for the Party. A few people came over and asked why those of us sitting down weren’t helping out, but I did not explain, nor did I feel guilty – I was too exhausted to care.
Families began to flood the field. Chairs had been set up under a tent for the service portion of the party. The music was playing just loud enough. “Looking For You”, by Kirk Franklin, was one of the first songs to play. It is one of my favorites and it made me happy to hear it. Not long after that I saw something big and yellow out of the corner of my eye. Oh goodnes... It was the biggest snake I’ve ever seen in my life! And then there was a kid holding a smaller but still scary snake! My goodness I hope no one thinks we are snake-handlers! I had the hebegebes for a while after that.
I moved to the tent as the children’s service started. Kid’s had already won many prizes – bikes, toys, money, etc. Visitors had started lining up for free food and drinks. But now it was time for the real prize! I don’t know the name of the man who preached the children’s sermon, but he did an incredible job! I loved how he talked about baptizing a cucumber... After it is baptized the cucumber takes on a new name and identity as a pickle.
I also loved the helmet of salvation illustration. He brought up two volunteer children. Around one of their heads he wrapped some strong sticky tape. He put a helmet on the other kid’s head. He explained that without God the things that we see and hear get stuck in our minds. The sticky tape supported a toy gun, an old, empty, cigarette package, and some garbage. He then showed how those same items bounced off of the helmet. When we wear the helmet of salvation all the bad stuff bounces right off of us.
Then came the alter call. Many children and parents gathered around the platform and sought for the Holy Ghost. I headed to the front to pray with the children. Kids Prayer has a very special place in my heart. It is awesome to be there when the kids receive the Holy Ghost and are baptized in Jesus’ Name!
At the Super Kids Block Party, 49 were baptized in Jesus' Name and 35 recieved the Holy Ghost!
I myself was baptized in Jesus’ Name at age seven, and received the Holy Ghost at age eight. My life has not been perfect or easy, but I have been incredibly blessed of the Lord. For more information on Kids Prayer Ministry, visit www.kidsprayer.com
I didn’t make it to bed until 5:00am after Y’Bor City. What an incredible book of Acts experience. Sunday morning we had to be at the buses at 9:00am so that we could head over to the neighborhood for to set up.
I honestly did not want to be there. Many other boot campers must have felt the same way because when I came down only one of the 18 busses was full and ready to go... Regardless, I boarded the second bus in line. My physical body was feeling so drained I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. I drank a cold Starbucks Frappuccino and hoped it would kick in quickly. On the bus I pulled out my journal and began to write about Y’Bor City. Although I was tired, my mind was wide awake as I thought about the night before. I could barely sleep last night I was so excited, and my mind was full of plans for a testimony of the wonderful works of God. If I had the opportunity I would jump at the chance to testify at tonight’s service.
We arrived at the neighborhood and I found a seat on a bench in the shade. It was only 9:30 and I was dripping sweat. I didn’t have a problem with that of course, but I was mainly concerned with getting sunburned. Redheads and sun are a no-go. I decided to use the time and continue writing. After a while a woman sat down beside me. She looked kind of sick. She told me she was the fiancé of one of the bus drivers and that she had been coming to all of the events. We chatted for a while before she headed back to the bus to cool down.
As I wrote pretty much everyone else was busy setting up for the Party. A few people came over and asked why those of us sitting down weren’t helping out, but I did not explain, nor did I feel guilty – I was too exhausted to care.
Families began to flood the field. Chairs had been set up under a tent for the service portion of the party. The music was playing just loud enough. “Looking For You”, by Kirk Franklin, was one of the first songs to play. It is one of my favorites and it made me happy to hear it. Not long after that I saw something big and yellow out of the corner of my eye. Oh goodnes... It was the biggest snake I’ve ever seen in my life! And then there was a kid holding a smaller but still scary snake! My goodness I hope no one thinks we are snake-handlers! I had the hebegebes for a while after that.
I moved to the tent as the children’s service started. Kid’s had already won many prizes – bikes, toys, money, etc. Visitors had started lining up for free food and drinks. But now it was time for the real prize! I don’t know the name of the man who preached the children’s sermon, but he did an incredible job! I loved how he talked about baptizing a cucumber... After it is baptized the cucumber takes on a new name and identity as a pickle.
I also loved the helmet of salvation illustration. He brought up two volunteer children. Around one of their heads he wrapped some strong sticky tape. He put a helmet on the other kid’s head. He explained that without God the things that we see and hear get stuck in our minds. The sticky tape supported a toy gun, an old, empty, cigarette package, and some garbage. He then showed how those same items bounced off of the helmet. When we wear the helmet of salvation all the bad stuff bounces right off of us.
Then came the alter call. Many children and parents gathered around the platform and sought for the Holy Ghost. I headed to the front to pray with the children. Kids Prayer has a very special place in my heart. It is awesome to be there when the kids receive the Holy Ghost and are baptized in Jesus’ Name!
At the Super Kids Block Party, 49 were baptized in Jesus' Name and 35 recieved the Holy Ghost!
I myself was baptized in Jesus’ Name at age seven, and received the Holy Ghost at age eight. My life has not been perfect or easy, but I have been incredibly blessed of the Lord. For more information on Kids Prayer Ministry, visit www.kidsprayer.com
