A Second Week of VBS “In the Wild”! At Sister Church

Only one week of VBS is not enough! The week following VBS at our church plant (Calvary Grace & Truth), we lead the same “In the Wild” camp at our sister church (Horizonte Tlaxcala).  Though exhausting to lead VBS twice in one summer, we are blessed that the investment of time and money in the preparation of VBS can be used to bless more children and more churches. 

56 children participated in the camp! (Exactly 50 arrived the first day! A record high response for this area! We had to rush to prepare more materials- snacks, crafts, etc.- in anticipation of more children arriving the next day). 

The children obviously enjoyed themselves.  I was so pleased that even my 11-year-old nephew, Josué, approached me after the second day saying he loved VBS- he was having

so much fun.  I invite him every year but this was his first VBS to finally attend. He had thought they would sit at a desk and write all day- like traditional school.  Even my sister- and brother-in-law  (Paco’s brother’s family) attended the last day of camp.  Though they are still not Christians, I know the Lord used VBS to break down preconceived ideas about Christians and the church, to prepare their hearts to know Jesus.   

Two of the other children also brought their mother, Rocio, to join them during the last day.  She participated in all the activities- dancing, games, crafts…  And she prayed along with the children after sharing the Gospel message! I found her after the closing ceremony to congratulate her for seeking the Lord alongside her children, and showed her a Bible to explain where she could start reading

to grow in her relationship with the Lord on her own. She admitted that she will be criticized by her extended family for her decision, but is excited to know more along with her children.

VBS Closing Ceremony and Potluck

Children and their families were invited to celebrate the week of fun and Bible learning at our Sunday service and potluck, where we would have a final opportunity to share the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ with our VBS guests.

During Paco’s Bible message, he included the 6 memory verses that we had taught during the week. While the adults were asked to “open their Bibles

and find” a specified verse, the children were asked to recite it by memory.  The parents and family members were amazed to hear the children, without help, recite 6 Bible verses by memory- revealing that they have hidden God’s Word in their hearts!

Many children and even their family members were excited to hear about our mid-week kids’ Bible club, where

the fun and learning of VBS continues every Friday.  We are praying that we will have regular contact with all the children!

After the service, the brothers of the church served the potluck meal that everyone had prepared for our guests.  Everyone was encouraged to see visitors and have the opportunity to serve them with love.  The event turned out to be as much of a blessing

for our church as the visitors- as they experienced the joy of serving.   

VBS "In the Wild" at Church Plant

35 children- over half of them completely new to our church- all heard the Gospel of salvation in Jesus, memorized verses, sang worship songs, and learned Biblical truths about Jesus Christ.  That is worth all the hours and stress of preparation for this week-long camp. 

Our volunteer team was small this year but equipped by the Holy Spirit to serve the children that arrived. We had

such a blast along with the kids! The volunteers, most who had no past experience with VBS, were amazed at the fun and learning.  Ivonne, one newly baptized volunteer, testified that she learned as much as the children- memorizing all the Bible verses and learning new truths about Jesus that she had not known.

We were so thankful for our church building (which we have been renting

since January)- with 2 classrooms besides the main sanctuary, and an enclosed patio, we had space for all of our VBS stations: kitchen, music, crafts and games.  Unlike our sister church where we also lead VBS, this building is completely closed, so we did not have to worry about decorations blowing away or getting rained on- what a relief!!

We know that the Lord has His hand

over each child that attends VBS: Diego, 7-year-old, was especially rebellious during all the activities. But, after the second day, he told to his group leader that he wanted to share a secret: that his father does not love him (and shared some details of their relationship). The group leader hugged him, and prayed with him, and assured him, again, of God’s love and care for him. It was a reminder to our whole team that these children desperately

need God’s loving, constant, faithful presence in their lives.

It was fun to watch my own (almost 3 year old) daughter grow during VBS this year.  Jemina not only learned the Bible verses, but joined me in front leading the music choreography, and accompanied me when I gave announcements.  Little Asher (1 year old) experienced VBS from his walker-toy. I am so thankful that my

children can grow up in the Word of God and the Church.

Invitation and Preparation for VBS

As the first Vacation Bible School at our church plant location, the (relatively new) church members had no idea what to expect at this event.  When most did not volunteer to participate, I was starting to sweat the weight of directing the majority of the event by myself. 

Our church announced a “spring clean” day the weekend before VBS, and many brothers arrived to cut grass, wash windows, and sanitize nursery toys. After cleaning, it was time to hang VBS decorations.

This year, a church lovingly donated many of the “In the Wild” VBS decorations for our use.  The

brothers of our tiny church plant marveled to see such elaborate decorations!  The box of materials we had received more than filled our small church building with a wild, jungle atmosphere. 

Just seeing the colorful decorations, and witnessing the transformation of our simple building into a jungle backdrop, our small congregation got so excited about the upcoming event!

Suddenly, many showed interest in volunteering their time.  Everyone suddenly wanted to help!  The combination of serving together (cleaning and decorating) and being a part of something big (an exciting VBS event) activated even some of the less participative members of the congregation.