Seedling Development Project <Special Edition>

an Extraordinary Winter Camp

Wen

In mid November, the snow started to fall in the northern part of China. With the help of the Seedling Development Project (SPD), we held a winter camp for 130 children for whom this was their first winter camp. Camping is familiar to us as we are used to bring along some personal necessities, like toiletries, change of clothes, etc., to the camp. So, it was a huge surprise to see almost all the children came barehanded to this winter camp! Since this was the first-time these children were away from home, some mothers lingered outside the bus and gave last-minutes advices to their children. We divided them into groups, and in many trips, arrived safely at the farmhouse near a forest park.

Hearing solely from the teachers' singing, the children could easily catch up and memorize the songs. They listened attentively when the teacher was telling the Bible stories. They learned how to pray. Through such activities, God's Word was gradually impressed into the hearts of the children. During playtime, they played different kind of games like jumping rope and badminton, etc. Their favorite game was an elimination game by following the order with action. Since all the activities were outdoor, they could sit down only at dinnertime. Besides, we prepared a health package to teach them some personal hygiene. Each package includes a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bar of soap. Plus, we gave them a calendar, and four pictorial Bible storybooks so that they could share the gospel with their families. Also, we encouraged them to write thank you notes to their supporters.

kids enjoyed the food/
Kids exercised early morning / kids listened to the bible story

Due to the cold temperature, physical activities were always involved in every programs. Teachers and students moved around to keep the body warm. After the sunset, the temperature dropped down to 6oC. Outside was very dark. Only the dormitory had light on. So, they went to sleep right after the dinner at 7pm. Children also requested their teachers to have a bedtime story before they go to sleep. The next morning at around 5am, they woke up. Teachers led them to do some physical exercise and jogging. Their daily activities were to sing hymns at the mall inside the park, to listen to the bible story, to take some photos, and to have the playtime. They were very excited and happy.

adorable smiling faces / Kids prayed together

A 4-year-old boy with running nose all the time and wearing an unfitted and dirty jacket (shown in the picture) became friend with me during these 2-day camp. He often came and chatted with me. Frankly, I had never participated in such a cold winter camp, and I had running nose all the time. Apart from the cold weather, children were so happy to play, so attentive to listen, so earnest to pray, so content to eat, and so happy to meet many new friends. On their return trip, children received
bags of gifts with smiling faces. What an extraordinary winter camp I have ever been!

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