19/11/2010 by Dave.

A little later start this morning was good for the team, as we had no lesson first period. Check It Out continued there round of music, RME and PSE lessons whilst Colin and I delivered a second Business Studies lesson on Fair Trade and the coffee supply chain. Once again, the S2 responded well and got really involved; we could have given them much more and filled the time easily.

The buzz of last night continued through to today and some were still wanting to talk through things and seem to still be keen on following a Check It Out course. Andy ‘apologised’ for giving me more work, and that will certainly be the case if kids remain interested, but this is the work we want to be doing. Having had the privilege of taking Christians on a leaps this week in telling their story, it would be the icing to get alongside those seeking and leading them through the full significance of Jesus Christ to their lives.

 A quick pack up and back for a quick tea which Ruth had prepared for us, so the team could get down the road. Away before 6pm to Blackford, before heading on to Essex tomorrow. Meanwhile a weekend off for me, before tackling all the positive inroads that have been made for the gospel throughout the week.

Posted in Working for COOL | No Comments »

19/11/2010 by Dave.

One day to go with the Check It Out team after a non stop, but highly successful week. The guys had a full program of music, RE and PSE lessons as well as a short lunchtime gig. The first class took a bit of warming up, but the guys were soon on board and enjoying the music, videos and drama. Check It Out (three in the band, Taste, and two in the drama team, Diversion) teach curriculum relevant material whilst offering performance and an explanation of what motivates them as Christians.

The evening was the last of the YF meetings, this time in Glenelg. About a dozen young people gathered to listen to Joy and Keel’s stories of how they met God and what difference it has made. They then split into groups of twos and threes to share their story of their experience of God so far. A great evening and the band seemed genuinely bowled over to be a part of that process, listening to the kids share their stories.

We had two school asssemblies on Wednesday morning, first for S1-3 followed by the S4-6s. It had been an early start for the team as half the equipment had had to be packedup for the bowling club on Tuesday night (and the same on Wednesday) but everything came together in time. More lessons before heading off to the joint churches Prayer for Youth meeting in Kyle. It was great to be able to share some of the excitement of the week with the supporting churches and hear from Andy and Joy on the work of Viz-a-Viz. I had put together a short video montage on what they’d been up to and then we split into groups to pray for the week and the wider work.

Big day today as we looked forward to the evening concert. More of the lessons elicited some really good conversations with kids and a lot came back at lunchtime to chat more with the team. Chips for tea! All seemed sorted with the band for the 7pm start and by the time we were rollling, over 70 kids had come along. A great turn out which made for a fantastic atmoshpere! Everyone was up for dancing and joining in with the activities and singing along when invited. And when Andy came to give his presentation on the need for Jesus in our lives, everyone was quiet and seemed to be listening. He concluded with a prayer of forgiveness and asked for people to let on if they had said it with him in their head. Around six hands went up and 22 signed up for a Check It Out discovery course. A great evening and God continues to move amongst the young folk of the West Highlands. Above and beyond those that came out tonight, the week has given me some really good conversations with others in the school and insights into where folk are at.

The work goes on, but we’re so thankful for the boost this week has given us. One day to go; looking forward to a rest now

Posted in Working for COOL | No Comments »