by Deacon Alan Andersen

Praise Him!  By God’s good grace and the sacrifice of some amazing MHWS volunteers, Jesus was the focus at this summer’s Vacation Bible School (VBS).  It would not be feasible to share all of the ways that God was present with us.  In order to do my due diligence though, I would like to share a glimpse of what the Holy Spirit accomplished through VBS 2009.

The theme of this year’s VBS was Upward Bound, which was all about the story of Jesus’ journey to earth to seek and save the lost.  The kids learned about His life, death, resurrection and ultimate defeat over our adversary, Satan.  On average we had 60 kids who were able to hear the Gospel through the art of storytelling.

The 60 kids in attendance had ages ranging from 3 years to 9 years old.  I am uncertain if the weight of trying to safely shepherd these kids with the varying ages, developmental skills and abilities can fully set in!  And yet, it was not on our own strength that we were able to care for these little ones and point them to Jesus, rather it was by God’s grace as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10.

Our adventures included the snack stop, which was always the place to be.  Activities that amazingly enough integrated everything from “duck, duck, goose” to a good old-fashioned tussle!  Crafts were also a hit, as they were not merely fun, but Christ-focused.

Indeed we had a very safe, fun, and Jesus-focused week, which is what we prayed for.  I am very thankful for the outcome of VBS 2009 and how it concluded (this is not to say that I am not already thinking about and looking toward VBS 2010)!  And although this explanation could go further about what all we did and accomplished, I desire that we would not be self-focused with regards to this awesome experience.  Rather that we look to the author of our VBS experience by wrapping up this note in the spirit of Paul as he stated in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  Praise be to our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

For additional pictures, view the slide show below, or click here.