Having fun at VBS. Sandi is far left and her daughter, Kathi, far right. Photo by Taylor Williams, used with permission.
A Time of Learning
As a child one of my favorite things to do in the summer was to go to Vacation Bible School. I still remember standing in a line outside Trading Ford Baptist Church waiting to hear the music so we could march in. Memories of teachers like Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Queen, Mrs. Alley, Mrs. Gobble, Mrs. Massey and Mrs. Mullis will forever be etched in my mind. I loved listening to the Bible stories and then doing the related activities. I’m happy to see that tradition being passed down to my grandkids.
My grandsons, Carson and Garrett, go to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cleveland, NC. Their mom and dad, Kristin and Brian Saine, volunteered to help with VBS this year. When I asked what they did, Kristin said they were guides for the fifth grade Cave Quest. I’m not sure exactly what that is, but it sounds like fun. Kelly Fero, the director, always works hard to make sure the children have fun through games and activities as they learn about Jesus and his love.
When I asked Carson what he liked best, he said, “Making flashlights.” I suppose the flashlights were for the cave.
When I asked Garrett what he liked best, he said, “Singing.” Then, he added, “My favorite song was “This Little Light of Mine”.
While my grandsons went to VBS at Cornerstone, my granddaughters went to Franklin Baptist Church in Salisbury. The theme at their Bible School was “Submerged”. As you might guess, all the children loved this theme because they had plenty of chances to play in the water.
Sandi Hache has been the director of VBS at Franklin for a number of years and like Kelly works hard to prepare. One day I overheard her daughter, Kathi Majors, talking about going out to eat with her mom a few weeks before Bible School and telling her not to talk about VBS during the meal. Knowing how much Sandi loves preparing for VBS, I knew that would be hard for her. I laughed when Kathi said, “Mom reluctantly agreed not to talk about it but as soon as the meal was over she began making plans again.”
That kind of commitment is what it takes to have a successful program because a lot must happen before the children arrive such as preparing materials, decorating the church and lining up teachers to teach. Sandi said, “Every minute of preparation is always worth it. This year eight children made a decision for Christ. That’s what it’s all about.”
My daughter, Kelly Key, taught the preschool class this year at Franklin and agrees with Sandi. She said, “Since our nation was founded on Christian principles it is important as parents to teach our children to walk in the way of the Lord and against the tide of the world.” As a guide to this philosophy, Kelly made reference to Psalm 71:17. O God Thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. (KJV)
When I was seven years old I walked forward during Vacation Bible School at Trading Ford Baptist Church and received Jesus in my heart. I’m grateful for VBS and how it made a difference in my life and I know there are many others both young and old who feel the same way.
Thanks to all the churches, teachers and volunteers who unselfishly give of time, money and effort to make Vacation Bible School a success each year. By giving children a chance to discover there’s more to life than the here and now, you’re giving them the best gift of all.
What does Vacation Bible School mean to you? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
