And they rested....And toured Antigua!

Saturday was a much-needed day of rest for the crew. On Friday night, five youth groups from all across the island came together for a youth rally. We were blessed to be able to talk with over 100 teens that were in attendance. "Bethany squared" as we call Bethany Davis and Bethany Williams, started off the evening with a great time of games. The teens were really excited to play "Bring it" (a game consisting of bringing various items to the front when called upon).

Our crew of Luke, Cameron, Olivia, Emy, Meredith and Eli dazzled the crowd with two skits that brought a lot of laughter from the crowd. I am continually amazed on this trip how God can use the talents and abilities of each of our team members. We then sang some songs and I closed the evening with a challenge from John 18 asking the question "What is truth?" Several teens went back during the invitation and we were able to have great prayer and discussion with several people who needed counsel. We really felt the Spirit moving and I am so proud of our team in hearing how each of them dealt with the various teenagers who engaged them in conversations. Many just provided that listening ear and wise counsel to hurting teenagers in need of a Savior.

Even when the evening concluded, the teens didn't want to let us leave as we spent about an hour afterwards just talking, singing and praying with them before finally embarking on the 40 minute trip back to the mission houses. We were all so tired, but so refreshed to see God work in such a mighty way with those teens!

Since we got back so late in the evening on Friday night, the crew slept in a bit before we headed out for our first "tour-day," introducing the team to the beautiful island of Antigua. We drove to English harbor which introduces visitors to much of the history of the country. After we enjoyed some pineapple turnovers (a specialty in Antigua), we headed to one of the highest points on the island (Shirley heights) and looked out over the vast ocean and beautiful scenery of Antigua (group picture below). Pictures truly can't do it justice to just how pretty the views are.

When we returned home, the team enjoyed more relaxing time at the beach near our mission house before we took them to a local restaurant here on the island for dinner. OJ's restaurant sits directly on the beach, giving us an unforgettable setting for dinner. Many of the team went "exotic" in their dinner choice as Emy, Angelina and Luke decided to try the Snapper dish which came as the entire fish (eyes, head and all). They all said it was pretty delicious. The rest of us enjoyed seafood pasta, ribs and a variety of other dishes. It was a great time to unwind with the team and the missionaries all while overlooking a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

The team was refreshed as we concluded the evening and are looking forward to ministering in our first church tomorrow morning. The team will be at Galilean Baptist Church which is the "mother church" to many of the church plants around the island.

Thank you so much for your prayers! God has given us a great first couple of days and the team continues to grow closer. We're excited to see how God will continue to use us in the coming days!

Everyone is in great health and good spirits. All pass along their good wishes and hugs!

Goodnight from Antigua!

Jonny Gamet