In December 2018, more than 20 families joined once again our Homeschoolers Christmas Outreach, specially designed by our YWAM Gateway Team to equip and mobilize these homeschooling children from 4 to 12 years old. (…what is homeschooling?)
In the morning we started with a dynamic workshop about hearing God’s voice, both parents and children closely paid attention throughout as the session really set the tone for the day.
Next, parents and children tested their geography knowledge through a fun game on a giant world map spread out on the floor. Through a series of races the goal was to find the countries first, some turned out to be more well-known than others. There was a lot of fun, laughter and contagious joy amidst the healthy competition.
Other workshops that followed where the children learned to share the Gospel through different practical ways such as dance, drama, doing magic tricks and making gospel bracelets. The teams also spent time learning Christmas carols and making Christmas cards to reach out and bless others.
An important part of our day was sharing a delicious meal of homemade food prepared by the wonderful mums, where we sat around chatting enjoying good fellowship.
In the afternoon, our cheerful and excited team of more than 20 families went out to bring the good news to our neighbours. We took some time, before going out, to wait on the Lord and ask for His direction. Praise God, the weather was good as the rain held off after coming down heavy in the morning.
Our first stop we spread the Christmas cheer singing Christmas’ carols as we blessed those nearby, then the whole team moved to another location where we used the tools that we learnt earlier to share about Jesus to those around us. We danced, we performed a drama and we sang, then as the crowd of onlookers gathered the children eagerly approached them to perform the magic tricks and share the gospel bracelets which lead to many good conversations and prayers. The mums made some delicious homemade cookies enabling us to bless many people wishing them a Merry Christmas and telling them that “Yesou Oi Nei” (Jesus loves you in Cantonese).
During the festive season of Christmas, it was just wonderful to ask God’s heart for the people around us, to share His love and to join him in giving what he gave to us all, his Son Jesus Christ.
These are testimonies from some of the parents:
“I think my younger daughter, often feels left out especially with big sister getting lots of attention. Later during tract distribution time, she, I and a YWAM Gateway staff went to look for someone to pray with and give our tract to. We found someone and in the midst of speaking to her, I just could not think of the right word in Cantonese or Putonghua. I turned to my daughter and asked her to translate and she did it! I could feel the Father lifting up her heart from insignificance to significance, encouraging my little daughter.”
“During the outreach, we had a chance to pray for a lady and her health. I saw tears coming out of her eyes when we were speaking to her. I thank God we had a moment of sharing and prayer with her.”
“The “hearing the voice of God” workshop was a highlight.”
“We were able to talk with a Chinese old lady before we left. My daughter gave her one of the Christmas crafts and we told her “Jesus loves you, Merry Christmas”. Her eyes got watery and she said she was a Christian. We prayed for her and asked the Lord to bring her even closer to Him this Christmas. We were grateful for the opportunity of sharing Jesus’ love and we are thankful the Lord used the team to bring joy to this old lady and the many others in Chai Wan on Friday. Glory to God!”
All the glory to God to give us the opportunity to share the best gift ever: Jesus.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a type of education where children learn outside of a school setting under the supervision of their parents. The family determines what is to be learned and how it is to be taught while following whatever government regulations apply in their home country. Today, homeschooling parents have a wide range of curriculum, distance learning programs, and other educational resources to choose from. Homeschooling is a widely accepted educational alternative to traditional public or private schools, as well as a valuable method of learning in its own right.
