“Through every storm of life, I know you’re by my side, so I am holding on to your promises!”
Earlier this summer 120 kids, ages 3 through the 5th grade, participated in our Shipwrecked VBS. They spent the week exploring the idea that Jesus rescues us when we feel lonely or worried, when we struggle with things we that seem scary or that we don’t understand, when we make bad choices, and when we feel powerless. We played, we learned, we sang and danced, we created, and we discovered that God’s love can help us through anything!
Each day began with a Bible story — we heard parables of lost things, we read about Mary and Martha preparing for a visit, we acted out Jesus calming the stormy sea, we became friends with Zacchaeus, and we explored the 23rd Psalm. Our stories were taught alongside activities to help reinforce the theme, both in our small group lessons as well as our VBS workshops.
Workshop time allowed us to dig deeper into our Bible stories by enjoying art activities, science lessons, outdoor games, and music. Our art room found us creating colorful binoculars to remind us to look to Jesus when we feel lost, paper lanterns to light our way through stormy times, slap bracelets we could wear to show others that we are powerful because of Jesus, and so much more!
Science is a favorite for many of the kids, and this year was no exception. We explored colors as we made our own kaleidoscopes, designed protective shells for water balloons, and made elephant toothpaste (this is a favorite — Google it!) Our science workshop also included time for our mission project. Throughout the week we collected over $200 to send to Pura Vida ministries to help purchase Eco Filtro water filters to be used by communities in Guatemala where clean drinking water is not readily available. Throughout VBS, kids learned about Guatemala though books and photos, and we spent time each day discussing how helping others is one way to share God’s love
We ran wild, dug for our VBS Bible buddy keychains, and enjoyed getting wet in our outdoor games workshop. Time in music meant working out the words, movements, and meanings to the incredible VBS songs we heard throughout the week. Our snack and playground workshop allowed the kids time free with friends old and new at VBS! It was an incredible week that these kids will remember all summer. Hopefully the lessons they learned, the friendships they made, and the experiences they shared will encourage them to always look to Jesus!