Simpson U WorldSERVE

 

Here’s an overview of our first full week:

Since getting here, we have had the opportunity to experience so much. The first couple of days was spent getting to know the city and the culture. We passed out flyers all over the city advertising the camp, helped clean up our guest home’s association and spent time organizing and preparing for the camp.

A few days after we landed the soccer camp began! The first day we did not have as many kids as we hoped for, due to the schedule changing. However, the second day we had plenty of kids and the Melilla TV station came and filmed to advertise the camp. Each day we get more and more kids and are blessed by each and every one of them. The camp has gone well so far and the families and children are enjoying it very much. Many of the kids show up really early in anticipation for the day.

Although there are language boundaries, our focus has been to make relationships with the children and  give opportunities for Juan, Gus and Karissa to share the gospel with these Rif Berber and Spanish families as they stay in Melilla and minister to them.  We hope to show God’s love through our actions.

Not only has the team been touched by the kids, but we have been touched by the people of Melilla.We have enjoyed authentic Paella from a Spanish woman and couscous from two Moroccan women (which is completely different from what we’ve had in the States:). We also got the opportunity to play soccer with some of the locals. We went down to the park to play soccer and before we knew it there were more locals then Americans.

Yesterday we were really blessed by a multicultural church we visited.  We all were blessed by the warmth and kindness they showed to our team. During the church service while we were worshipping, it was amazing to look around and see so many cultures praising the Lord together. The church was filled with primarily refugees from Africa but also Rif Berbers, Spaniards, Juan from Chile, and our team from America–all under one tent worshiping and bring glory to the Creator of the universe!  The service was translated into three languages: Spanish, English and French.  It was an amazing experience we will never forget.

We are learning so much and can’t wait to see how God will continue to use us. Please pray for strength and energy as the camp picks up. And please pray that relationships will be made and opportunities would be created. More updates to come! Thank you all for praying!

Team Spain