Bryan Tabb

Recap:

• Guitar
• Painting
• Basketball
• Courtyard Kids
• Guitar
• Generosity

Of course, we started with early morning guitar lessons again.  At this point, they’ve spent about 2 weeks with me and we’re now just playing through songs.  I’m so proud of these guys.

JJ and Melissa are so gracious to have so many groups staying with them throughout the year.  They have a huge heart to allow others to see the mission field personally.  The downside is that they invest in others so much, that they don’t always take the time to do things they want to do… so… today for our mid-day activity, JJ and I did some needed painting in their house for them.  We had some fun conversations as we beautified their house.  

After this, we went to the community basketball court.  When we got there Frank (who came to know Christ because of this ministry) was already out there teaching the kids exercises and getting them warmed up.  He does such a great job with those younger than him.  I can really see great potential in ministry for him. 

After some warm up time with the boys at the court, JJ took me back to their courtyard for a treat.  Every Wednesday evening they host something called “Courtyard Kids”.  This is open to the whole community.  It’s something Melissa hosts that is for the younger kids.  Children here have NOTHING like this for them, so they didn’t know what to think about it at first.. but they love it.  Today, about 65 small children from the village showed up.  I got to hang out with them as they learned from the Word, played games, and sang together.  I can’t be certain, but I think they were all making fun of me.  They made me come up front and do the motions to one of the song that makes you look really funny.  We had such a great time together.  For pictures of them, check out my FB page.

I’ll be honest, I often question organizations that have lots of different ministries.  I like the idea of simplicity… and in the back of my mind I questioned all these sports based ministries… like basketball and soccer.  After being here for 2 weeks, I’m sold on it.  The whole church here came from things like that.  It’s just another avenue for people to connect with other people so they can share the love of Christ with them.

Courtyard kids is no different.  You may remember my blog about one of my students (Simon) who is being pressured by his family to be heavily involved in Witchcraft.  The reason he came to know Christ can be traced back to Courtyard Kids.  He was introduced to this church in West Africa because Melissa loved on their children and provided this Wednesday event for them.  It gets peoples attention when you genuinely love their children.  After he came to know Christ, his son (Juel) also came to know christ.  He also introduced his sister (Osha), another lady that now attends the church (Leonce), and his good friend (Atien).  He is an incredible person with a powerful story.  By the way.. Simon was late for guitar practice tonight because he and his friend (Atien) were out sharing their faith with someone.  If the gospel has truly changed us, it is worth sharing. 

Here in the darkness of this country, there is not much middle ground.  The wicked stand out strong, and those living for Christ stand out strong.  In this darkness, if you know Christ, you shine bright and attract a lot of attention.  

One more thing… I was so pumped to hear from a few of my friends in Florida today.  One of them said I don’t have a lot of money but I have $50.00 and I saw how far money goes there.  She was asking about how to make a difference. If you are interested, hit me up on Facebook and I’ll be happy to tell you how you can make a tangible difference in someones life here.  

I’m so grateful for generous people.  It’s encouraging.  

For more info about this ministry, visit: www.togopalms.org or visit JJ Alderman on FB

To see pics from today, visit my facebook HERE.