Third quarter is always fun, filled with activities. The quarter started with Talent Night. It is our major fundraiser for our Junior/Senior Banquet. The other class advisor made a deal with me that she would lead the Junior/Senior Banquet committee if I did Talent Night. It was quite a production; the performances alone took over two hours–singing, instrumentalists, and acting–with a dinner before and an intermission dessert. I was able to get a lot of adult and student help. I had 50 juniors sign up to work–parking attendants, ushers, food servers, cashiers, cleaning tables, etc. We sold over 200 dinners and 600 tickets for the performance. It all went well and we were proud of the junior class. Developing responsibility and a good work ethic is difficult on the mission field, but Talent Night is an excellent avenue for them to shine.
Two weeks later we were off for Outdoor Education with the middle school. This year’s theme was "Faith on the Rock." "The Rock" was an impenetrable fortress during World War II. The students learned many things about WWII and had an evangelistic outreach at a small fishing village. Four Spicers went this year–Ashley and Juliana are in middle school and had fun in their respective squads. This year I volunteered to be a site leader on an island-“The Rock.” Instead of being in charge of ten middle schoolers, another man and I were in charge of seven seniors who helped give tours of the island–80 middle school students per day! We were busy. Last year Cheryl was the main camp nurse while I was on the island, but this year she was able to come to the island with me. In the morning I gave bus tours to several batteries (a series of large guns) and bombed buildings. Then in the afternoon, we took them on hikes to explore other batteries and tunnels. They came back tired and hungry, but after we fed them they were ready for more excitement–the seniors organized the big game. After we tired them out again, we sat them down for a time of singing and a challenge from God’s Word: in WWII God used some ordinary men to do extraordinary things. Today, God is looking for some ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Him.
While we were gone on Outdoor Ed., the boys had fun in Manila staying with their friends. Last year Cheryl took Abby with her on Outdoor Ed., but this year Abby thought she was big enough to stay with a friend. She did great and had lots of fun. When we got back, she showered us with letters and pictures that she made for us.
I was home for one week and took off with Ben and the rest of the boys’ varsity basketball team to Japan. The boys played great and had a great tournament, taking first place. We were proud of how they acted on and off the court, and the referees honored them with the sportsmanship award. The tournament was at the same place as last year, so it was fun to visit the same small Baptist church. We were able to speak with a few people, challenging them and encouraging them. The boys made friends with many of the players, challenging them as well.
Extraordinary does describe God. We have been asking you to pray for our finances to fix our van–we praise God that money has been coming in and this last month we received a large gift that should cover all of it, plus money to pay for our tickets to the basketball tournament. We have been on the field 18 years and we are always amazed how God continues to supply for all of our needs.
Most of you have been praying for us during those 18 years and we thank you for your vital part in our ministry.
In Christ,
Walter for the Seven Spicers
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