Kid 's Day Out

Welcome to Kidz Fest 2009
Friday morning dawned bright and clear with a light
breeze blowing.
But by 9 am heavy rain clouds gathered
and it began to pour.
We took it as an answer to prayer
because we had been praying for
pleasant weather.

The rain really brought the temperature down
And everybody was ready to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.


It rained steadily the whole day.
And a cool breeze made the sanctuary seem
air conditioned.

Over 200 children
and 50 volunteers from
various Allahabad churches participated.
People represented a good mix
from all sections of the community.
I was surprised to see a mentally and physically
challenged boy which is very rare.
Because such kids are usually kept at home.

Bishop Dr. J M leading in prayer
and giving the opening word.
Under the church porch Operation Paet Pooja
was going on.
Paet Pooja literally means
Tummy worship!
Above you can see hot pakoras being fried.


Ouch Potatoes (boiled)

Onions are essential to Indian cooking.

Bhaturas sizzling in the wok.

They are very similar to

Mexican tortillas

except that they are made with

flour or maida.

Spices are being sauteed.

This is a chick pea curry called chole

to go with the bhaturas.

There were gulab jamuns for dessert.

Dumplings made with flour and milk and

soaked in sugar syrup.

The Paet Pooja Team (volunteers)

serving the food.

A petrol (gas) run generator was

hired to provide relief during

the power outage.

Projecting song lyrics on a screen.

The Bishop 's wife ,Auntie Clara

putting her grandson to sleep.

His Dad, Dr Justin, a young college

teacher was the organizer of the Fest.

Come along and sing with us.

Simran (remember her?) and her

brother Ayush learning action songs.

Little Miss Muffet suddenly felt

peckish in the midst of all the activity.

So she fished out a bag of chips from

her bag and polished them off!

A group enacting a skit.

The skits centered around the Fest Theme

What Would Jesus Do?

I took these videos

to show you the enthusiastic singing.

Justin told us when he was visiting

another church the kids tugged at his shirt

and asked him"Uncle when are we going to have a Kidz Fest?"

Pray that this day may leave a long lasting

effect on the lives of these children.