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by Pastor Joe Garofalo
Several years ago, as a new Christian, our church was hosting Vacation Bible School. Our son was five years old at the time, so my wife enrolled him. I remember thinking this was going to cut into our stay-cation activities, since I took the week off from work, but our son was really excited about it, as was my wife. Who could argue with that?
I tuned out to be one of the best things we could do for our son! Prior to this, I really had no idea what VBS was about. I thought it was just about doing home-made crafts, sings songs and hearing a few Bible stories. But I could not have been more off base.
Sure there were crafts, stories and songs, but what I didn’t see coming was the connectivity the children had with one another as we as with God— even at their young ages.
I also realized something else. While VBS was a great time for the kids, it was also a time for the church family to be involved in a fun week of learning, activities, and celebration during the summer. VBS benefits not only the children who participate but also the churches that offer it and the adults and youth who volunteer to teach and lead it. Here’s a list of the numerous benefits of VBS in the life of your children:
Spiritual Growth: It provides children and even adults with an immersive experience where they can learn about the Bible, its teachings, and the principles of Christianity in an engaging and interactive way.
Community Building: VBS often brings together members of a church community, fostering relationships and a sense of belonging among attendees. It can strengthen the bonds within a church family and create lasting friendships.
Character Development: Through lessons and activities, VBS promotes virtues such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love, encouraging participants to apply these values in their daily lives.
Fun and Engagement: VBS is designed to be enjoyable and memorable for children, with games, songs, arts, and crafts that make learning about faith exciting. It can instill a positive attitude towards church involvement and Christian education.
Outreach and Evangelism: VBS often welcomes children from the broader community, including those who may not regularly attend church. It provides an opportunity to share the message of Christianity with new families and introduce them to the church community.
Family Involvement: Many VBS programs encourage family participation, such as family nights or activities that involve parents and guardians. This helps strengthen family bonds and reinforces the lessons learned at VBS.
So after his very first VBS, our son came away that week with an increased faith, even at the tender age of five! He actually sang the songs he learned about Jesus for weeks after, as well recited Bible verses that he knows to this day! This, coupled with the encouragement and teaching and modeling about Jesus he got from home (absolutely essential), and also attending Sunday School. So by the time he turned 10, he got water baptized, having received Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Parents: If you haven’t yet, enroll your kids in VBS. It could be a game-changer.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Register your kids for VBS 2024,July 22-26, from 10AM to 12PM.
Watch our Services live on Sundays at 10:00 AM est
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