NAOMI House Daily Blog - Day 7

I want to start this wrap up devotional by giving a huge thank you for your support of the NAOMI House ministry! You have become a part of our sending team through your prayers, encouraging words, and monetary gifts.

Here’s the summary of our week:

Children’s ministry:

This year was certainly was a learning experience in engaging and redirecting the overwhelming energy of the 5 toddlers and 2 seven year olds who were there! The group worked hard to prepare and execute lessons, crafts, songs, and games for the children. In the process, our team formed bonds with the kids that they hopefully will hold in their hearts as reminders of God’s love for them.

Facilities:

Although our facilities team was relatively inexperienced, having a larger group of high school and older people enabled the work to move ahead more quickly and smoothly. Rich from our sister church in Walnut Creek acted as foreperson to our 10 person crew. They faithfully served as early as 6am, doing painting, pulling out nails and screws in preparation for drywall, removing debris, doing demolition, sweeping, and handling whatever else was asked of them.

Kitchen:

In total, the kitchen team made a total of 17 meals for 23-40 people. Laura from Walnut Creek was our meal planner, keeping things on track and organizing the kitchen. Even in the midst of the busyness of the regular meal and snack planning, she invited several team members to be in charge of a dessert, so we enjoyed 3 evenings of specially planned desserts, including chocolate chip cookie bars, banana bread, and mango sago!

Worship:

Our times in worship helped us connect with God throughout our week, remembering Him and His faithfulness to us, and responding in thanksgiving. The core team was Eric and Ai (guitar), Brooke and Renae (vocals), and Noah (cajon), and we had several others join us, both from NH and our team (Naoki and Dawson on vocals and dancing). Our last night of worship was a super special time of exuberant worship with the NH family, with an added song at the end because we didn’t want the time to end!

Evening reflection and planning meeting:

Lucas and Kai served as our MCs for our evening gatherings, facilitating sharing about each ministry’s day and plans for the next. Several nights Laura also led us in group games, and having that time along with the sharing was an important time of bonding for our team.

For success, it takes a team of people with different skills, experience, and ages. This year Walter answered God’s call to go on missions. He faithfully and cheerfully served with the kitchen ministry, but he also led several devotionals for our team, imparting God’s wisdom learned thru many years of walking with Lord.  We were so blessed with his service to the team and the house.

Is going on missions to NAOMI House hard work? Yes, most definitely! The team was physically challenged, stretched in ways that were sometimes uncomfortable, and were asked to be flexible with many last minute changes. But throughout the week we were able to understand and see firsthand how God is at work in redeeming children in the Navajo nation to Himself. And that we get to be involved in the work He is doing is very exciting! We rejoice in how God used us to serve Him and NAOMI House. Thank you again for your support of our team!

- Renae Kishimoto