Children of the Amazon

Because of flooding during the rainy season, elementary schools along the Amazon often close during that time. With little to do, groups of children monitored the approach of our boat. We were the entertainment for the day.
After our boat docked, boys began a game of football (soccer) along the riverbank. Bare feet ran across the dirt and to the long screen like net crossing one end of the field. It prevented most of the kicks from hitting a cow tethered nearby.
Girls hustled high up into trees to pick fruit. On the ground, they ran up planks connecting their homes to dry ground.
Young children followed Ella, a Brazilian member of our team, like she was a pied piper. Delight showed on their faces as she conversed with them in Portuguese.
News of VBS spread quickly. Bare feet hurried to the church. Short legs dangled from wooden seats. Wide eyes stared at strange visitors. Pews filled with village children.
After Chris’ introduction, we each said our name which the children repeated enthusiastically. Lucas, a team member from Brazil, led the singing as we all tried to join in. I read the story of David and Goliath from a large picture book. Chris translated. We prayed.
With a Bible verse displayed on large cards, Chris helped the children memorize the words. A couple of children said it perfectly.
Chris, our Brazilian director of the VBS, played a few games with the expanding group. Older children,not wanting to be left out, entered the church late or draped themselves onto the windows from outside. All attendees, except the window hangers, spent time coloring pictures. Most took time to color perfectly while a few only scribbled. Some little boys wanted to play the church drums so they had to be moved back to the pews. With a couple of pictures finished, the majority were ready for the next activity.
Bubbles floated around the room with small hands popping them. Outside the church, wayward frisbees hit people, buildings, and even entered the small sanctuary through open windows. Our US teenager, Mike, tried to teach them how to throw, but his instructions weren’t always followed. Giggles and laughter filled the air.
As we wilted in the intense heat, happy children lined up for their candy treat.
Though their world along the river is quite limited, our brief VBS showed them the love of Jesus. Through some words but mostly actions, they knew we cared.
Pray for the riverbank people of the Amazon. Some receive medical boats once a year while others never have. Many villages do have churches, but other people of the Amazon have never been reached with the Gospel at all.