Feast of Nations

Well last night I received a great update on our Bahamas teams and the word from the field was that the day was FABULOUS and that the kids were doing well and had great attitudes. There was so much information shared from yesterdaythat I decided to keep you in suspense and save it for today.

Little did our students know that when they returned from their exiciting first day of ministry the more challenging adventure of the day was yet to come. It was time for the FEAST of NATIONS. When they returned to camp the leaders had them go wash up and then gather in the cafeteria. Each team member, including the leaders, chaperones and student leaders selected a card from a special deck of cards as they entered for dinner. All of the "KINGS" were then asked to stand and these team members were then escorted to an impeccably set dinner table complete with linen napkins, candles and crystal goblets. These special guests were waited on "hand and foot" and served a delicious meal, which included steak and potatoes and a luscious dessert. The others waited in anticipation for their cards to be called. Next up were the hearts. This group was directed to sit at tables with a table covering and a stack of plates and silverware in the middle of the table. Two large pots of rice and black beans were then set on the table and they were encouraged to help themselves. The rest of the group, the largest group, then watched as the pot of black beans was removed and the rice was set before them with plates but no silverware and they were directed to sit in the corner. (I am not sure if the previously mentioned "good attitudes" were in play at this point.) Even though some of the students suspected this experience, the REALITY was more than many could handle. Many were very frustrated and mad and called the whole experience unfair! The comment was made that our intrepid group reacted to this experience much the same way that many poor people react to their circumstances. Some were content, some pouted, some begged, some stole and some even went through the trash after the scrapes from the steak dinner were tossed out! Once dinner was complete, they then retreated to the campfire area for a time of Bible Study, worship and a debrief...as you can imagine the whole experience had quite an impact on the kids. The question of the hour was Why Us? Why do we have so much? What should we do with what we have? How can we reach out and share with those who don't have as much....spiritually as well as physically. It was a very poignant and personal time of sharing and one that really touched the students and certainly served to enlighten some of their attitudes. After the debrief, please know that yummy leftovers were waiting for the group back in the cafeteria where happiness was once again reinstated. I believe now that leftovers will have a better reputation with this crew.

Here is a little further explanation of the Feast of Nations: The idea was for the students to experience the inequality of food availability on a global basis. The Feast of Nations
experience was to show the students that only 4% of the world's population can be considered well fed while the rest of the population who has very little is quite high. They were randomly (through card selection) divided into three groups based on those percentages. (1) The well-fed "steak and potatoes" group with only 6 people (2) the basic needs "beans and rice" group with 16 people and finally (3) the very poor and close to starvation group of "rice only" with 30 participants. They then discussed the issues of hunger and God’s provision. This experience certainly got them out of their comfort zone. Today they will be going out on another work project within the community. Please continue to pray for good health and open hearts. I will keep you posted as I receive news from the field. All for now!
Faithfully yours!
Bahama Mama