Are You Ready For Vacation Bible School?
The time for our annual Vacation Bible School is upon us. Monday, July 20th through Thursday, July 23rd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. will be an exciting time at the Sixth Avenue Church of Christ. We will examine ―God’s Garden: The Fruit of the Spirit‖ over the course of four exceptional nights. The great characteristics of love, patience, kindness and faithfulness will be studied through such familiar characters and stories as Joseph and the famine, Joshua and the walls of Jericho, the friendship of David and Jonathan, and Daniel in the lions’ den. So many volunteers have given of their time, talent and energy in preparation for VBS. Class teachers have been preparing their rooms and their lessons. Group guides are getting their itinerary ready for the arrival of their young charges. Crafts are being put together and the craft room is set up in anticipation of our little Bible students immersing themselves in their lessons. Decorations are being laid out and painted as time to put everything together draws near. With all of the work that so many have done and are doing, the proverbial ball is now in our court. How can we ensure that we have a successful VBS?
First, and foremost, pray for the success of our Vacation Bible School! I trust that we have been doing this already, but it never hurts to have a reminder about the need to invoke God’s richest blessings. God longs to hear His children praying (Psa.50:15; Matt.7:11). If we fail to ask, we can rest assured that we will not receive what we desire (James 4:3). Pray that God will bless us with visitors from our community. Pray that God will allow children to be reached through our efforts, and that doors might ultimately be opened to teach entire families the gospel (Col.4:3). Pray for our teachers in every age group. Pray continuously (1 Thess.5:17)!
Second, issue invitations to everyone you know. Flyers and postcards have been printed, and they are very colorful and attractive. Invite your relatives, your grandchildren, your co-workers, your neighbors, the children down the road, etc (Isa.2:2-3). The success of our VBS depends upon personal invitations. Just a simple invitation may be the very thing to bring someone to Jesus (John 1:46). Offer to provide transportation for those you invite. Tell them that we can pick them up on the church van. Just invite! Let’s not be guilty of expecting someone else to do the work that we should be doing!
Third, make sure that you are present for every night of our Vacation Bible School. If we as members of the congregation do not support our own efforts, how can we expect others to do so? Some have it in mind that VBS is strictly for children, but that is entirely untrue. VBS is for everyone, from infant to adult. Classes are provided for all ages. Opportunities to learn more of God’s word are available for all who attend. What child of God would not want to take advantage of this time to grow in knowledge of the precious word of God (2 Pet.3:18; Job 23:12)? Perhaps parents will be present who are not members of the church of our Lord. What sort of impression will be made upon them if we do not support our own activities? For your own spiritual maturity, commit to being here each night. For the encouragement your presence provides to your brethren, be here each night (Heb.10:24). For the good influence you may exert upon those who may visit, be here each night!
-Patrick Morrison
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