It has been quite the week! God has been doing some amazing work in many kids lives and mine as well. I find the theme of faith has been constant throughout the summer so far. There are a few verses that come to mind:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it – Isaiah 55:10-11

I realize that I have 5 hours to build truth into the lives of these children. That is not much at all, so hope of these children knowing Jesus one day and faith that God will act is essential.

I taught with Crystal last week in Regina and throughout the week and there were many situations that required me to hope and have faith in the Lord. For example, at our first club on Thursday, this girl came. I told the story and I could tell that she was very engaged and gears were turning in her heart and mind. I was certain that she would accept Christ, however she did not that day. I simply thought that she would come back for the last day and she would accept Christ. Sadly, she did not come on Friday.

That is where the lesson of faith comes in. I have a strong hope that God will save this girl eventually. I will not see it, I will not hear it, but that is why I hope. We hope in being with Jesus in heaven one day. We cannot see it, but we believe it will come to pass and it is the same with this girl trusting in Jesus for me. Another girl was very genuine in wanting to accept the Lord into her heart but was very distracted when she prayed. Hope is needed there as well.

The Lord is very good and he saved a couple of kids throughout the week and I am thankful to see that and it brings much joy.

Hoping is not easy all the time. It can be easy to have unfruitful thoughts that say that these kids were not genuine or that they will fall away. What comforts me is that the word of God is effective and will always do what it accomplishes. Many people say that seeds are planted in these children’s lives and I believe that. I talked to a lady about this verse and she said that these kids will understand the gospel and that is the work of the word of God. They will understand. To choose is on them, and I pray that they will choose life and not death.

Overall, it was a very good week. It was very tiring, but God provided strength to endure through it and joy to continue on strongly.

I am now in Pelican Narrows which is very far north and I will say that the drive up was quite interesting. It may or may not involve some hitchhikers. As we always leave the kids with a cliff hanger in one of the stories, so I will leave you with a cliff hanger in this blog expedition.

Please pray for:

•  The kids to come to Christ and be transformed
•  Endurance with kids who may not listen the greatest
•  For discernment in difficult situations

I am grateful for your prayers

Darren

Darren Goetz

Hello friends! My name is Darren Goetz and I am 20 years old. This is my first summer teaching and I am very excited for what is in store. It brings me joy to plant seeds of truth in the life of these children. In the fall I am doing a pastoral internship in BC. Pray for kids to know christ. Pray for the strength to endure all summer.