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Saturday we wrapped up film camp officially, and it was bittersweet. We all dressed up formally, and we set up decorations. We taped up papers to create a photo-op for students for taking pictures of themselves, teammates, and friends. I was blown away to see so many people turn out! Easily 50 people came, most of the students along with friends and family. We watched all the videos we created during the week, as well as the three final films. They turned out exceptional! Our global partner commented that it was some of the best work that she has seen in the few years she’s done film camp, which was encouraging. She credited it to the talents brought by our team, but I also think it was the great acting and creativity of the students! One student truly took the lead and edited the film which received the “peoples’ choice” award, which was determined by popular vote after everyone watching cast their vote for their favorite film.
Afterward, the girls on our team invited a couple of the female students out to coffee. This is a very common excursion for people living here, and it affords great relationship building opportunities. I had heard from a student that even though he initially showed up for film camp at the start of the week for the extra credit on his final grade, he stayed because he had so much fun connecting with our team members. Two of the male students also agreed to meet up with the guys on our team. We all went to the same cafe, which was filled with smoke and loud noise, but this was the place divinely appointed for all that followed.
The next two hours involved fun banter with each other; girls with girls, and guys with guys, all in a semi-circle. We talked about film, family and other small talk things. I intentionally wanted to lead the conversation towards matters of faith, and slowly the topic came around. I was able to listen extensively to the student who shared about the M people and their practices and beliefs. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about this, which was inviting to me. I patiently waited for the right time to ask insightful, intentional questions that led to sharing a little of my own views and convictions. The student I was talking with seemed very open and curious about learning about other perspectives, which gave me the courage to speak boldly, but truly in a conversational, relaxed way. I shared several things that I hope will plant a seed. More than the WHAT, is the HOW. By listening and building trust throughout the whole week, it paved the way to this kind of friendly, casual conversation that held eternal significance. Later, upon reflecting with the team, this was truly the kind of encounter we could only dream about having, which the workers here have hoped for for so long. It is an encouraging sign of the movement happening in the hearts and minds here, and we continue to pray that the local team may have more similar opportunities.
I went to bed with a full heart and amazement that I personally had the chance to have such a deep and rare conversation like this one. I want to do a lot of reflecting on the significance of this. I look forward to catching up more with you all when I return!
- Ben
Saturday we wrapped up film camp officially, and it was bittersweet. We all dressed up formally, and we set up decorations. We taped up papers to create a photo-op for students for taking pictures of themselves, teammates, and friends. I was blown away to see so many people turn out! Easily 50 people came, most of the students along with friends and family. We watched all the videos we created during the week, as well as the three final films. They turned out exceptional! Our global partner commented that it was some of the best work that she has seen in the few years she’s done film camp, which was encouraging. She credited it to the talents brought by our team, but I also think it was the great acting and creativity of the students! One student truly took the lead and edited the film which received the “peoples’ choice” award, which was determined by popular vote after everyone watching cast their vote for their favorite film.
Afterward, the girls on our team invited a couple of the female students out to coffee. This is a very common excursion for people living here, and it affords great relationship building opportunities. I had heard from a student that even though he initially showed up for film camp at the start of the week for the extra credit on his final grade, he stayed because he had so much fun connecting with our team members. Two of the male students also agreed to meet up with the guys on our team. We all went to the same cafe, which was filled with smoke and loud noise, but this was the place divinely appointed for all that followed.
The next two hours involved fun banter with each other; girls with girls, and guys with guys, all in a semi-circle. We talked about film, family and other small talk things. I intentionally wanted to lead the conversation towards matters of faith, and slowly the topic came around. I was able to listen extensively to the student who shared about the M people and their practices and beliefs. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about this, which was inviting to me. I patiently waited for the right time to ask insightful, intentional questions that led to sharing a little of my own views and convictions. The student I was talking with seemed very open and curious about learning about other perspectives, which gave me the courage to speak boldly, but truly in a conversational, relaxed way. I shared several things that I hope will plant a seed. More than the WHAT, is the HOW. By listening and building trust throughout the whole week, it paved the way to this kind of friendly, casual conversation that held eternal significance. Later, upon reflecting with the team, this was truly the kind of encounter we could only dream about having, which the workers here have hoped for for so long. It is an encouraging sign of the movement happening in the hearts and minds here, and we continue to pray that the local team may have more similar opportunities.
I went to bed with a full heart and amazement that I personally had the chance to have such a deep and rare conversation like this one. I want to do a lot of reflecting on the significance of this. I look forward to catching up more with you all when I return!
- Ben