Ephesians 3:20
Glory to God who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by His power at work within us!
Another exhilarating and inspirational week of Vacation Bible School is in the books! Our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, and I savor every moment of our out-of-this-world trip to Mars and beyond. Through missions, Bible lessons, music, and creative activities, the children learn how to go beyond with faith, boldness, kindness, thankfulness, and hope, all guided daily by Ephesians 3:20. I pray these are virtues that all of them will carry in their hearts from here on out.
Our day begins by gathering as a group in the Christian Activities Center (CAC) for songs, dancing and stories.
Each class at VBS is on a rotation system. For rising fourth graders, our first stop is Missions. The focus this year is to help our local Must Ministries raise monetary funds/food donations to supplement their summer lunch program for children in need.
Next stop is Bible Lesson. The children hear stories of Daniel in the lions' den, Queen Esther's bravery, The Good Samaritan, curing the ten lepers, and what happened on the walk to Emmaus. They especially love acting out the stories they hear.
Outdoor fun is next on the agenda. Boy, is it ever hot out on the church lawn! But thankfully, Friday gets wet and wild.
We return to the CAC for snacks and more music/dancing. What fun these kids are having!
Next up, science and crafts at the Discovery Zone. This is a perennial favorite for Virginia, and most of her friends would agree!
And although I enjoy every moment of this eventful week, it is demanding and tiring, too. I am so genuinely grateful that God is able to do far beyond all that I could ask for or imagine by His power at work within me during this amazing adventure with Virginia and all the children in our class.
To God be the glory!
Amen!
This is amazing. A whole week of events? Is it organised by your church? Do participants have to live there for the week, or do they return every day? It's so good that there are people willing to organise such events to further the Word of God.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor, the VBS was held in the mornings for five days. Yes, it is organized by the church, and we had well over 100 volunteers who worked/played with the children during the week. Nothing short of amazing when I look back at it! Virginia and I are already looking forward to next year.
DeleteLove and blessings!
100 volunteers? We'd be lucky if we had a quarter of that in our church!
DeleteGod bless.
Sounds like a great experience, though I am sure you are worn out... I know I would be. Thank you for taking the time to invest in the lives of the next generation.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ryan, for your kind comment here! Yes, it is a demanding week, as I mentioned in the post, but God's strength, working in us, is more than sufficient.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a super turn-out! How good it must feel, making memories for Virginia and her friends.
ReplyDeleteOur church's VBS is but one day and yet, they're struggling to recruit volunteers.
One day? Really, Mevely? Oh, what a shame that is! Honestly, though, it takes about a year to plan for the next VBS session at our church, and the committee that works on it truly has a commitment and a heart for God's children. I'm so glad I am still able to have the energy to help out.
DeleteLove and blessings!
VBS is such a great summer camp for kids. I remember going to VBS, for goodness sake. A long history of helping kids find Christ as their foundation. Thank you for continuing this important work for our younger generations.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm so grateful that I still have the energy and will to participate in this year after year, praise God! Some of these kids will never hear about the love of God or the salvation of Jesus without attending a VBS event, and I'm thankful I can be a part of it every year. I don't know who enjoys it more, Virginia or I! :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, thank you for sharing this glimpse into your church's VBS program. VBS has REALLY changed since I was that age (I won't mention how long ago).
ReplyDeleteFor many VBS is a life-changing experience (not just the children). I'm thankful for all the volunteers who give hours of their time to give a meaningful VBS experience for those in attendance.
Love and blessings!
Oh, yes, Kim, VBS has definitely come a long, long way over the years! I love the Cokesbury programs - always memorable music, scriptural truths, and hands-on crafts that they can take home with them to share with their families. Who knows how many lives have been redeemed through the experience had at VBS?
DeleteLove and blessings!
Does Virginia ever NOT have fun? She seems to embrace life in whatever way it's offered to her.
ReplyDeleteLaughed at your last post's photo about throwing rocks in the creek. Tomorrow I'm taking my grandson and my great niece to my cabin for the day to do just that!
Oh, that sounds like so much fun, Galen! I know the young ones will enjoy that simple activity as much as Virginia did. And yes, you're spot on about Virginia's attitude - she seems to find the fun in everything.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Looks like you all had a wonderful time! It is just so wonderful to know that those precious little ones are learning the Bible stories. Those foundational truths will come back to them all through life and sustain their faith. It is on good ground that you are sowing the seed, my friend. Many blessings to you and your sweet grand-girl!
ReplyDeleteYes, Cheryl, a fantastic time was had by all! And you are so right about the children remembering these stories as they grow. Praying we helped set a firm foundation this past week.
DeleteLove and blessings!
VBS! I remember those days well! First as a kid and then as a teacher, it was great.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd enjoy it now, esp. if I was a kid again.
I enjoy it as an adult - lol! Glad you have fond memories of VBS, Susan.
DeleteLove and blessings!