Vacation Bible School 2011

We have just brought Vacation Bible School 2011 to a end here at Fellowship Baptist Church.  Our theme for 2011 was “The Kingdom of Heaven.”   Every night was fun, filled and jam-packed with practical and effective lessons.

Each night began excitedly as the side doors opened upon the hearing of “Onward Christian Solders.”  From the right side came the blue team, “The Knights of Knowledge,” led by their team captain, Isaac White.   From the left came the red team, “The Warriors of Wisdom,” led by their team captain, Ethan Vincent.  Everyone was then greeted enthusiastically by Ben White who welcomed everyone by throwing generous handfuls of candy!  After a word of prayer and an action filled songs were sung, such as Making Melodies and Be a Missionary, Bible and song drills then took place.  An offering was then taken in which both teams contested and cheered to see if their team would tip the scales in their favor in having given the most pennies! Pastor White would then give an excellent power point lesson on The Armor of God.  Afterwards, the children broke into different age groups and had their own class and game time.  Before the end of Bible School each night, everyone would gather back together as Bethany White presented a lesson with “Sunday School Charley,” and the gospel.

An aspect of Bible School that brought out the competitive side of everyone was the division of teams. A point system was set up that kept each team cheering and screaming “Go Red!,”  “Go Blue!”  Everyone waited eagerly at the end of each night to see whose team was going to be in the lead.  The first three nights the “Knights of Knowledge” held the lead.  However, with much enthusiasm and team spirit the ‘Warriors of Wisdom “pulled ahead and won by only a few thousand points on the closing night!

To add to everyone’s competitive spirit and encourage each child, individual points were earned, and accounted for and categorized by grades.  The children earned points by bringing their Bibles, attending each night, memorizing designated scripture verses and bringing visitors.  Friday night prizes were awarded in each grade division to the child who came in first, second and third place.

The most sought after prize, however, was a new shiny bike which could only be won through bringing a visitor.  For each visitor that each child brought their name was dropped into a jar.  On the closing night of Bible School with much anticipation and excitement, a name was slowly drawn and read.  The winner of the bike was Chloe Miracle who, on the last night, brought three visitors!

To add to all the excitement and fun each night, a challenge was given for the following evening for everyone to engage in a contest of a crazy theme:  Tuesday being crazy hat, Wednesday crazy shirt, Thursday crazy hair and face and Friday team spirit!  Some of the workers seemed to enjoy the contest as much as the children.

The most important aspect and goal of Vacation Bible School was to bring the glorious truth of the gospel to the children.  Each night the gospel was clearly given through Pastor as he taught on the armor of God and Bethany as she brought forth an exciting lesson from Sunday School Charley.  The plan of eternal salvation was beautifully woven into these lessons.   Almost every night children came forward to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Savior!  One young girl with tears in her eyes said, “I asked Jesus into my heart and I feel so different and it feels so good!”  All together ten children made professions of faith.   Also, one adult man received Christ!

On a personal note, I would have to say that Bible School this year was off the charts!  Though much hard work and effort was put into every aspect, it was worth all the sacrifices that were made.  It was a fruitful work.  By teaching children truths from God’s Word on levels that were understandable, exciting, and motivating, undoubtedly seeds were planted in each child’s heart. Bible School seemed to be more than just a learning experience for the children that came but was also for the workers as they witnessed contagious childlike faith.  “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of heaven.”  Mark 10:14b

By Stephanie Kronbach (staff writer)

Click here to view all the photos from VBS!