Evening Devotions Recap - Nikki

Each evening this week our team has gathered for a time of Bible study, discussion, reflection, and prayer.  The study was based on a seminar Dawn Vogel and I attended this spring given by Tony Campolo titled "Transformed People in a Transformed World".  Our group read scripture and talked about what the Kingdom of God is.  We talked about how we can allow God to transform us through an ever deepening relationship with Him.  Last night our focus was on a beautiful prayer written by Bishop Oscar Romero which reminded us that we can't do everything, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do something when it comes to alleviating suffering and bringing about justice in our world.  The maturity of this group of young people was reflected in their comments each night.  

After Bible Study we would take time to share about our experiences that day.  We expressed appreciation for things that other people in the group had done that day.  (Often there were team members who had stepped up to do a task that was out of their comfort zone.  Another common sentiment was that the guys in our group did a good job of shielding the ladies from unwanted advances.)  We also expressed times when we felt God's presence or felt blessed by something that happened.  (There were many, many ways that God worked in our lives this week.  We will look forward to sharing some of those in church on the 24th.)  Finally, we would close with prayer thanking God for our experiences and people we had met.  We also lifted up prayers for the people and organizations we have been in contact with this week, asking for God's blessings.

Tonight was extra special as we were able to assemble on the rooftop patio for the first time and enjoy the sunset, cool breeze, and approaching storm clouds.  As we prayed, fireworks exploded in the distance and we were able to enjoy them for a minute or two after our prayer ended.  It was a special moment since we all missed the fireworks back home for Independence Day.  We weren't sure what the fireworks were for, but we speculated it might be to celebrate our wonderful time in Haiti!