Having a place that we can feel at home while we’re away is an incredibly important part of the whole experience, ensuring rest and recuperation after a long and busy day and revitalising tired bodies for each new day ahead. Many times over the years we have stayed with ‘strangers’ who have become lifelong friends and once again this week, as many times before we are privileged to be welcomed into homes of some very special people.
Last night Brian took us into the garage to share a moment with his pride and joy…a stunningly beautiful Harley…what a gorgeous sight and we were even allowed to sit on it!!! Two dead pheasants hanging on the wall was slightly disconcerting, though but another little nightcap and putting the world to rights and then we’re ready for bed…
A brand new day filled with opportunities to share Jesus and a final ‘push’ for the concert, hoping that many will come tonight. On this day we would be encouraging the young people to consider the wider world…we hoped that this would be a reality check, helping them to look outside their own situation, recognising that every one of us has a place and opportunities in this world to make a difference in the lives of people who are in a less fortunate position than ourselves.
The main focus of the day would be The Trading Game, a team based activity which would challenge the youngsters to consider the difficulty of balancing the worlds resources. With 100 students, divided into groups of 8 they are actually given very little information but have to work things out for themselves. They are instructed that the object of this game is to make as much money as possible in the given time.
Each group represents a country and is only allowed to use the equipment and materials they are given. In the envelope at the beginning of the game they discover their resources and equipment and then set to work making money by manufacturing and selling goods. These goods are ‘shapes’ which they will cut from the paper they have received and must be identical to the images shown on diagrams spread around the room which they use for reference. Each shape has its own value.
Players then take their products to the banker who checks them and credits their account. Any deviation in the size, accuracy or neatness of the shape will result in a reduced value and their income will be effected. The object is to manufacture as many shapes as possible – the more they make the wealthier they will be.
Eventually it becomes apparent that the resources have not been distributed evenly, that it’s all very unfair. For example the UK may have more equipment but fewer materials. India will have plenty of materials but only one or two pieces of equipment and so each team begins to realise that they can negotiate with other countries to loan equipment for the exchange of materials. It’s all very clever and trading is quite unscrupulous at times. There are many levels of teaching that can be drawn from the experience. Fantastic:-) The kids really seemed to engage and it was interesting to see the parallels that could be drawn from the world situation.
It’s been brilliant this week to see the team develop, growing new skills, getting alongside the kids and encouraging them to engage in the programme that’s happening around them. We were so excited this week to be able to perform two new songs, songs that the new guys wrote together with Andy just before Christmas. Both songs are going down really well, with a powerful message – Reach Out and There ia a Love…we’re hoping the album will be finished soon so that you can hear the new band:-)
After a busy day we had an hour to set up extra lights ready for the evening before heading off to the church for a lovely (but speedy) meal then we shot back to the school to sound check and do final preparations for the concert. A technical hitch with the lights was soon resolved after a phone call to Andy Keel who is always on the end of an iPhone ready to help when needed! We had getting on for 100 young people come along and enjoy the gig which featured Foolproof as well as Taste. There was a great atmosphere and an opportunity for them at the end to meet the leaders and find out more about Exchange, the Christian lunchtime club in Auchmuty High where those who have been intrigued and interested by the things we’ve said about Jesus this week can find out more…
Loved the photograph, dare I say I love Harleys as well, we see a lot of them in the States. What a different use of the word love. I shall remember you this evening and I will tell Meg what I have said, as you tell these young people about the ‘love’ of the Lord Jesus. What a difference to a meaning! Meg and John.