We were spared the trauma of a 10 to 7 wake up call this morning as breakfast wasn’t until 7:30. By now we had become accustomed to the early morning wake up calls, and so to sleep in after 7 was a luxury for us. The night before it was great to relax and unwind with nothing much to do, because we didn’t need to prepare until the following morning - previous evenings had been spent staying up after dinner preparing for the activities the next day. After our ‘late’ breakfast at 7:30 and our devotions at 8, we set to work preparing the games and activities for the day.
We’re given about 2 hours in which the 3 groups (drama, small groups and games) rehearse and get all the equipment ready. At about 11 we set off for Port Douglas, a short detour on our way to Mossman Gorge. The weather was beautiful - we couldn’t have asked for a better day. We arrived in port Douglas at about 12:45 and were set free to explore until we met together again at 1:30 for the short trip to Mossman Gorge.
It wasn’t until we arrived at Port Douglas that we realized we’d left the box with all our sandwiches in it back at the Tropicana (!) As we were now also accustomed to being provided with great salad sandwiches by the fabulous cooks everyday, it was a minor disappointment to be denied our lunch we had all been looking forward to.
We then set off around Port Douglas where we all purchased our own lunch from the many food shops aimed primarily at the groups of tourists the site attracts each year.
The time passed quickly and we were soon on the road again, on our way to Mossman for day number 3.
It was amazing to see when we arrived several kids already sitting around waiting for us. We quickly set to work unpacking and organizing while a few of the boys went off to play footy with the kids. The day started, as usual, with about 45 minutes of relationship building with the kids (balloon animals, face painting, plate spinning, and footy for about 10 of the older boys who also showed up each day.) We then set into the routine for the day, with Andrew as the MC. Michelle did a fabulous job at presenting her testimony to the kids even though she was feeling really sick. Snaps for Michelle ☺
We had a larger turnout today than we had had any other day, with at times over 35 children there (they were free to come and go as they pleased, and it was a great encouragement to see that most of the kids stayed for the duration of the day.) We started off with games which then moved into songs and a drama. It was great to see kids who already knew the songs because they had been there for previous days. The theme for the day was ‘never giving up’ which the kids seemed to respond to really well and demonstrated later on what they had learnt from the day when they were asked questions by the small group leaders. The kids were all looking forward to our ‘captain memory verse’ who made daily appearances at our program. It was all laughter today as the captain was making his way down the driveway in all his glory when he was tackled to the ground by the group of boys playing footy (this was all part of the plan, don’t worry.) Snaps for Tim for escaping with only minor injuries.
We finished the day off with a state of origin football match between the Bible Society (NSW) and the aboriginal kids (QLD). The girls weren’t too keen to join in and so we continued more relationship building with them during the game. Naturally, NSW won the match. Overall it was a great day and it was so encouraging to see the kids responding, engaging and connecting with us heaps more as we let them know how much Jesus loves each and every one of them. We left feeling like we had really started to make an impact on these wonderful children’s lives.
Katherine Taylor
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Daneden Mission Blog - Day 1 to 3
Daneden Mission Blog
(all edited by Andrew)
29th June 2008
The mission team woke up to an unfriendly wake up call in the early hours on Sunday morning. After our misery we were spoiled with the variety of the food on offer for breakfast. The Tropicana cooks served a delicious tropical fruit salad fitting in well with the humid and hot weather, a range of cereals and a gourmet English breakfast. After filling ourselves with scrumptious food, the mission team visited St Luke’s (a Torres Strait Islander Church) and were welcomed by overwhelming hospitality. We were fortunate enough to listen to Bishop James, in his sermon, he converted the well known story of Abraham into an amazing adaption that the congregation could easily relate to. He also encouraged us to obey the great plans that God has for us. The service was very different to what most of us were used to, causing some of us a range of embarrassing moments. It was very traditional and different compared to the services that we all were used to hearing back in Sydney. We were even lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in communion with the congregation. The people were so encouraged and excited to see young people bringing the news of Jesus Christ to their community. They prepared a “feast” at the end of the service for everyone to enjoy. If we had stayed any longer than we did all the food would have been eaten by us. It was absolutely delicious.
We returned to The Tropicana Lodge and prepared for Mondays Kidsgames program. For lunch we were served several magnificent platters of sandwiches prepared by the Lodge’s cooking staff. Then we were drove up a mountain (thank goodness we didn’t have to walk) to an amazing view overlooking Cairns. From there we were able to see the airport, Sugarcane plantations and the suburbs. As we descended the mountain heavy clouds covered the massive mountain range surrounding Cairns. We headed back down to the bottom of the mountain were we spent some time in the local shopping centre buying necessary gear for the days ahead, which obviously included: Milo and lots of lollies. We returned to the Lodge and enjoyed a filling roast dinner that was very substantial. Then we braved a long and dark journey to Mossman Gorge to attend the local Church. The whole service was extremely challenging to all of us including the Teachers. We were able to meet the kids that we would be spending the week with and had lots of fun. It was a real eye opener to all that are on the mission team to see how lucky we are back in Sydney. Then we were driven back through the darkness and windy roads by our brave drivers. We returned safely back to the lodge and had a peaceful nights rest to prepare us for the day ahead. Thank you to all those who are praying for us, we are really going to need it, but we are all having a fantastic time.
By Elsie.
Daneden Mission Blog 30th June 2008
It was our first day with the Kids of Mossman Gorge and we had enthusiasm coming out of our ears. We started with breakfast then preparation time. The team was previously split up into groups that look after the different areas of the Kids Games program that we are running. They are: Games, Drama and Small groups. We all finished with time to spare and after lunch we couldn’t wait to head off back to the community and start running the kids games. We made the same trip as the night before but were all pleasantly surprised by the picturesque scenery all the way up the coast. Many cameras were thrust out windows and luckily all made it back inside the cars.
When we arrived some of the team went around in the car to round up some kids, while all the others stayed at the oval to set up for the games. With in no time at all a footy game had started and the face painting and balloons had been broken in. Unfortunately (but all in Gods control) we only got a few children to stay when the program started. We were discouraged at first but we knew that anything done for the Lord is not done in vain. We talk about the fishermen who chose to follow Jesus even though it was hard and the day’s theme of Courage. Captain Memory verse made his debut appearance and was an absolute hit with all the kids, teaching them Joshua 1:9. In the end the program ran with great success. Every one stepped up and did their roles to the best of their ability, engaging the children and just having fun releasing their inner child.
We all had a fantastic time, being immersed into a different culture and being able to share the good news with the kids. At debrief that night we talked through all the good and the bad and were resolved to do even better the next day. We just pray that the Lord will provide even more kids for us to minister to tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the support and prayers; we are really enjoying our stay up north.
PS. The weather is to die for. Warm, sunny but not too humid :p
PSS. The editor does not agree with this comment about the weather.
PSSS. The original writer is in denial about needing an editor.
By Bethany Young
Daneden Mission Blog 1st July 2008
Due to the ‘coming of the light festival’ in the afternoon, the Daneden team headed off to Mossman gorge much earlier than usual, leaving the motel at around 8:45am. Feeling tired, a bit nervous but excited, we drove down to the gorge hoping and praying that today would receive more kids and have a big focus on Jesus. When we arrived we were greeted by two little boys who ran down to us as soon as they saw the team arrive. After encouraging more kids to come down, we were rewarded with about 20-25 boys and girls, ages ranging from around 3 to 13. We began with face painting, bubble blowing, and balloon making and footy. The kids and also the leaders were so enthusiastic about the day. During the day we were all involved in singing two songs, called ‘Who’s the King of the Jungle’ and ‘Love the Lord’. We also saw a Drama about the blind man Bartemaus who was healed by Jesus. All the kids were getting so involved and really understood the story of Jesus’ miracle. After this, we split all the kids up into small groups. The small group leaders asked the kids questions and helped them to understand the story of Jesus. In my small group I had some kids from last year, and they were asking all sorts of questions about Jesus and why he died on the cross, and they also said that they read all the stories in the children’s bible’s they were given by the team last year, and that they wanted more stories from the bible to read because they thought they were so amazing.
This was so encouraging to see because it showed how the team from last year implanted a seed in the kids and they were so interested about Jesus. Another encouraging thing to see was a guy from the team, Andrew, who said his testimony to the kids. His delivery consisted of so much passion and joy and he engaged the kids so much so that all the kids were intently listening for the whole time. He was even complimented by one of the boy’s named Stanley who loved his testimony. It seemed to go really well, and we had so many more children from yesterday that our prayers were definitely answered. It was so exciting to see all the kids bring their friends and having such a fun learning experience. After the kids games program we headed to St Margret’s church for the coming of the light festival. This was to celebrate the coming of the gospel of Jesus to the Torres Strait Islanders on the 1st of July. We witnessed the re-enactment of the coming of the gospel and also sung about and praised God in their church service. It was a really encouraging day for all, and the message of Jesus was definitely proclaimed.
We are thrilled to have read your blog. It is immensely encouraging to read that the children were so impacted by last years group that they, not only read the childrens' bible stories they were given, but are thristing for more. There must be a real buzz in the whole team with news like this. We continue to pray for the Daneden team, the ministry during this mission, the impact that this will have on the kids & community at Mossman Gorge, and that you will be blessed as you faithfully serve our gracious & sovereign God. We love the photos. More of these would be fantastic.
Posted: 02-Jul-2008 08:10 PM | K&S. |
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The mission team woke up to an unfriendly wake up call in the early hours on Sunday morning. After our misery we were spoiled with the variety of the food on offer for breakfast. The Tropicana cooks served a delicious tropical fruit salad fitting in well with the humid and hot weather, a range of cereals and a gourmet English breakfast. After filling ourselves with scrumptious food, the mission team visited St Luke’s (a Torres Strait Islander Church) and were welcomed by overwhelming hospitality. We were fortunate enough to listen to Bishop James, in his sermon, he converted the well known story of Abraham into an amazing adaption that the congregation could easily relate to. He also encouraged us to obey the great plans that God has for us. The service was very different to what most of us were used to, causing some of us a range of embarrassing moments. It was very traditional and different compared to the services that we all were used to hearing back in Sydney. We were even lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in communion with the congregation. The people were so encouraged and excited to see young people bringing the news of Jesus Christ to their community. They prepared a “feast” at the end of the service for everyone to enjoy. If we had stayed any longer than we did all the food would have been eaten by us. It was absolutely delicious. 
It was our first day with the Kids of Mossman Gorge and we had enthusiasm coming out of our ears. We started with breakfast then preparation time. The team was previously split up into groups that look after the different areas of the Kids Games program that we are running. They are: Games, Drama and Small groups. We all finished with time to spare and after lunch we couldn’t wait to head off back to the community and start running the kids games. We made the same trip as the night before but were all pleasantly surprised by the picturesque scenery all the way up the coast. Many cameras were thrust out windows and luckily all made it back inside the cars.
to set up for the games. With in no time at all a footy game had started and the face painting and balloons had been broken in. Unfortunately (but all in Gods control) we only got a few children to stay when the program started. We were discouraged at first but we knew that anything done for the Lord is not done in vain. We talk about the fishermen who chose to follow Jesus even though it was hard and the day’s theme of Courage. Captain Memory verse made his debut appearance and was an absolute hit with all the kids, teaching them Joshua 1:9. In the end the program ran with great success. Every one stepped up and did their roles to the best of their ability, engaging the children and just having fun releasing their inner child.
Due to the ‘coming of the light festival’ in the afternoon, the Daneden team headed off to Mossman gorge much earlier than usual, leaving the motel at around 8:45am. Feeling tired, a bit nervous but excited, we drove down to the gorge hoping and praying that today would receive more kids and have a big focus on Jesus. When we arrived we were greeted by two little boys who ran down to us as soon as they saw the team arrive. After encouraging more kids to come down, we were rewarded with about 20-25 boys and girls, ages ranging from around 3 to 13. We began with face painting, bubble blowing, and balloon making and footy. The kids and also the leaders were so enthusiastic about the day. During the day we were all involved in singing two songs, called ‘Who’s the King of the Jungle’ and ‘Love the Lord’. We also saw a Drama about the blind man Bartemaus who was healed by Jesus. All the kids were getting so involved and really understood the story of Jesus’ miracle. After this, we split all the kids up into small groups. The small group leaders asked the kids questions and helped them to understand the story of Jesus. In my small group I had some kids from last year, and they were asking all sorts of questions about Jesus and why he died on the cross, and they also said that they read all the stories in the children’s bible’s they were given by the team last year, and that they wanted more stories from the bible to read because they thought they were so amazing. 
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