1... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you... Matt. 28:19 20. PEF International Team Member - Rev. Paddy Cook IRAQ #2 Newsletter Part A (of A, B, & C) - July/August Stephen & Ryan walking from the hotel, past the Mosque, to the Summer Camp of the Medes. Summer Camp of the Medes IRAQ Part A Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Psalm 27:11
2 Summer in Iraq means, drink lots more water! Camp games were a huge success, despite the summer heat. Miss Peggy, Joe and Ed were foundational in planning and executing camp!!! Miss Kris giving motherly help. Jack & Ryan giving it back! Miss Kris, a firefighter, throwing herself into the action. Jack encouraging creative bandana wearing. This could be perspiration but it is not. Ed managed to do this by himself!
3 Miss Tammy giving needed personal attention to one of the campers. Lunch During the heat of the day events were scheduled inside, and then lunch was served and the children had games and indoor classes.
Team games were a highlight of Camp fun. Colored bandana s denoted each team. We heard no negative comments from the community. Rather, Why is it that these Americans do all this work for our children, in the heat of summer? Answer: To bring glory to God. 4
5 Stephen teaching teachers, by example. Jack & Ryan Simon says do this! Ryan, on the job. Jo, addressing a lunchtime group. Kelsey & friend. Happy Christian Couple. Iraq Ancient and Modern. Miss Peggy and Jo helping camp flow! Stephen made a friend. Good friends from way back! Left, Kelsey: Did a great job with the handicrafts program. Right, Miss Tammy & Jack leading morning singing.
6 It was clear that the students at camp loved to play games and have fun. They were also very good students. They showed that their classical Christian education in Iraq had prepared them, giving them a desire to learn. The Classical Christian School has an excellent reputation with Muslims and Christians!
7 Jack did a great job leading the singing, helped here by Stephen & Ryan. Jack in one of his classes taught the Lost Son story. Stephen in one of his classes taught the Lost Sheep story. Miss Peggy, in one of her classes taught the Lost Coin story. Let each generation tell its children what glorious things he does. Psalm 145:4 Ryan preparing a slide presentation of camp for the Parent s Night. Miss Kris with teachers from the Classical School of the Medes.
8 Preparing for Parent s Night at Summer Camp. Hard work, co-operation and participation took place to prepare for the evening which gave parents a good glimpse on what their children were so delighted to look forward to, and attend with such pleasure. An encouraging number of local folks came and enjoyed the program. Parents were thankful, and interested in what their children had so enjoyed for 3 days. A spirit of gratitude for all the team s hard work to bless the children. Happy Campers with Mom. Stephen with grateful parents. Parents delighting in their children s experience. The face of a happy camper.
9 Praise God for the vision, commitment and the incredible amount of work that Ed & Jo put in with pastor Yousif, to make this team ministry possible for the rest of us. Give thanks for the wonderful results and the blessing that fell upon the church in Iraq, the schools, and its families. Truly a blessing to work with this headmaster and his capable assistant. God knew we needed Ryan in Iraq! Exit from Camp, required a high five from Ryan.
10 A Day Off, in Istanbul, Turkey Ryan out and about in Istanbul. The Blue Mosque There was no room for my picture! The genuine Turkish bath. Coffee Break! Stephen with our coffee table book of Istanbul. The quoted cost: 37 Turkish Lire. We bartered & settled for 5 Lire. Stephen, holding my coffee table book of Istanbul. The cost was 37 Turkish Lire. I divided by 7 & settled for 5. Lire.