For quite a few years now, Ellen has been the Bible teacher for Valley Bible Church’s VBS program which uses materials from Group Publishing Company. In the past we have gone on a Bug Safari, on a Scuba Undersea Adventure, to Lava Lava Island, on a Serengeti Trek, and to a Mexican Fiesta. This year we went to Avalance Ranch where the theme was horses, cattle, buffalo, and western adventures.
What amazes us about our VBS at Valley Bible Church is the size of the program considering we only have an average attendance of 50 people in our church. This year our VBS consisted of about 80 children ages toddler to 6th grade, 20 junior high and high school helpers, and at least 20-30 adult helpers. Most of these kids come from unchurched families, and yet even their parents want to help in any way they can.
On Tuesdays during the school year, children from the local elementary school are dropped off by the bus at the church for Kids’ Klub. For many of these children, Kids’ Klub and VBS are their only exposure to the Word of God. Even though they don’t come to church, they keep coming back year after year to these programs, and when they are too old to attend, they want to come back as helpers. We thank the Lord for the opportunity to share the truth of God’s Word with these children who otherwise have no opportunity to hear the message of salvation.
On Monday Ellen taught the story of Rahab, teaching the kids that God is real. Tuesday we crossed the Jordan River with the Israelites and learned that God is with us. Wednesday we watched the walls of Jericho fall down and heard that God is strong. Thursday we experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and learned that God is awesome. That day at least 6 of the children claimed to accept Christ as their Savior. Friday we watched as Naaman was healed of his leprosy and learned that God is in control.
Following our Friday night program, one of our adult helpers told Ellen that she had never before heard the story of Naaman being healed of leprosy. Was that really in the Bible? Ellen was able to take her to the story in the Old Testament and share with her that God used this disease and healing to bring Naaman to the knowledge of the one true God. This mother is a young believer who is in the middle of a divorce, and Ellen was privileged to share with her how God could bring wonderful changes in her life and the lives of her children, just like he did for Naaman and Rahab. We thank the Lord for the opportunity He gave to participate in VBS this year and to see God working in the lives of the children and adults.
Leave a Reply