The Inflatable Monkey War June 22-27, 2008

It was an epic battle fought for days. The monkeys and their friends were resilient and did not give in nor surrender easily. They attempted several sneak attacks...

But they were not match for the superior skills and battlefield manvering of Bland and Ed. The came with the BIG Beach Balls only to fall swiftly. Well not so swiftly. Have you ever considered how much air is in one of those BIG Beach Balls?

While Barb manhandled, err...womanhandled... the palm tree! Go Barb! Go Barb! Show not mercy Barb!





But when the day was done and the final bell had tolled, the CTBC'ers deflated the army of monkeys, trees, gators, parrots and the like.

More Mission Trip Pictures

Craft time!

The sky on our way home!

Norfolk Mission Trip Wrap-Up

After having a couple of days to catch up on sleep, I can look back on our week at Norfolk with bright eyes and a bushy tail. Overall the week was a HUGE success. Each day we saw the number of children at VBS grow as word of mouth got out. I know that each CTBC'er returned with a heart full of memories and a mind full of stories that will stay with them the rest of their lives. It was a true blessing for us to be welcomed by Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church (thanks to Carolyn for the still warm Krispy Kreme's) and to be able to plant gospel seeds throughout the Norfolk area. We may never in this life see the fruits of our labor this week, but know that some of the seeds scattered will land on good soil and take hold. Here are a few pictures from the week...

Ed had the kids mesmerized with his storytelling ability.


Do you know how hard it is to carry a ping pong ball on a spoon?


She does!


Hangin' with the homies



Friday's trip...Norfolk to Newport News...20 miles...2 hours 15 minutes






Even the volcano had all it could take by Friday!

WE'RE HOME!!!

We finally made it home! We were able to cram a 4 hour trip into 8 hours. On the way out of Norfolk the tunnel on I-64 had a backup (just a mere up to 6 hour) then we attempted to head out of town via the I-264 tunnel which had a 7 mile back-up. We were able to take VA highway 17 all the way back home. Needless to say..we are wiped out. Check back this weekend for the wrap up!

Norfolk Missions Day 4

We had another successful day in Norfolk. The energy at VBS was through the roof and the kids were energetic too. Again today the children heard the gospel message loud and clear while having a great time of fun! It is amazing to see how each of the children have begun to grow in thier knowledge of Jesus. Also, many of the children have warmed up to us and begun to talk freely to us. The walls of distrust have been broken down. All of us on the mission team can see God working.

No the picture is not hazy.
That is just the smoke from the fires in North Carolina.

Our afternoon consisted of another trip to the beach to pass to care kits to the lifeguards. Every lifeguard was happy to receive the kits and in fact many immediately drank the water. The temperature was pushing 100 degrees today. Carrie and Brianna made the sacrifice to had out the kits. Thank goodness it was big hairy lifeguard day today at VA Beach!

Barb, Evelyn, Carrie, and Brianna are all smiles on VA Beach.

Super Ed saves the beach from the giant smiley face!

The Inflatable Monkey War Continues...
The monkeys mounted an fierce attack with a little help from their friends, but the secret weapon was unleashed upon the unsuspecting monkey forces. We came, We saw, We deflated! For those of you keeping score CTBC Mission Team 3 Inflatable Monkeys 0.

Norfolk Day 3.5

Jesus and the 12 Brothers aka 12 disciplines

First came John and James his brother
Sturdy sons of Zebedee
Andrew next and Simon Peter
Fisherman of Galilee
Phillip and his friend Nathaniel
Sometimes called Bartholomew.
Matthew who collected taxes
And who wrote a gospel too.
Next came Thomas, he who doubted.
Simon and another James.
Then the Judas who was faithful
Thaddeus was his other name.
Then the Judas who betrayed him.
These the Master's chosen few
But, we all are His disciples
When we try His will to do.

At the closing gathering each day the children are asked what the Bible story was about that particular day. With all sincerity one girl responded Jesus and the 12 brothers. Above is the poem that Ed Burwell taught the children to remember the names of the 12 disciples.

Day 3 - Norfolk Mission Trip

Today we had a good day at VBS. We kicked off the day with a balloon pop game in which the kids had to run to the chair, take a balloon, sit on the balloon until it popped and then run back to tag the next person in line. Sounds easy huh? In the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!" Let's go to the video...

And then today during the music time, Bland put on the moves. Dude, he has got rhythm and he has style. He is such the dancer. Video don't lie.

This afternoon we went to VA beach to pass out specially made packets for lifeguards. Each kit contained: water, gum, hard candies, handi wipes, chap stick, New Testament, and an Invitation CD. Carrie and Brianna passed out a lion's share of the kits. There was not one lifeguard who turned down a kit and several thanked us for the kits.

Brianna and Carrie head out to the lifeguard stand.

Heading back after a successful kit drop off. It was a quick trip because Wednesday is Ugly Lifeguard Day at VA Beach.



Your random shot of the day.


The Inflatable Monkey War was at a lull today. However, it seems as if the monkeys have begun to form alliances with the other Inflatable Animals of the Jungle. Rumor has it that their working name is the Inflatable Jungle Animal Justice League.