The pictures attached pretty much speak for themselves. Sunday night the group was split into four work groups so that upon arriving at the centre Monday morning the teams were able to start work right away. On the main floor Team 1 was tasked with re-painting a mural at the back of the centre's stage. They also filled in cracks and holes in the walls. Team 2 worked on painting the Music Therapy Room, with paint that was very watery and quite a challenge to apply. We know that God has a plan, we're just not sure what that plan looks like. Team 3 involved decorating the stairway with various artwork. Team 4 sanded and painted the roof, which up until this point had been bare concrete. (Above: re-painting the wall mural and painting artwork on the walls.)

We had lunch with the centre's kids, mixing the Union Youth amongst them. We wanted to make every effort to bring down barriers between the two groups. This seemed to be quite a success and by after lunch their was quite a bit of mingling. In addition, after lunch the Union Youth played a walking game that the centre kids enjoy on a regular basis. (Above: painting artwork on the walls, including selecting scripture verses. Below left, many hands make light work; below right, Steven helps one of the autistic youth learn how to paint.)

Above: various team members pose in front of their first two white coats of paint on concrete; above right and below, at the start of, and during, the walking game.

Post-game time involved visitors from a Jinan Youth Christian Fellowship group. Various songs of worship were played by the Jinan Youth, Union Youth and Centre Staff… we even heard a Chinese version of Amazing Grace. The Union Youth shared stories about their lives followed by the Jinan Youth who also gave testimonies about their lives and faith. Parents will be happy to know that many of the Union Youth pushed the envelope with their mandarin skills: it was inspiring to watch and hear. A great day of service and fellowship enjoyed by all. (Above: snapping pictures of the Jinan Youth and Union Youth post-fellowship. Below: group photo before everyone departed for the day.)