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Written by Sparky Pritchard Thursday, 24 June 2010 20:42

While the temperatures were hovering around the three digit mark this past week, it didn’t melt the enthusiasm or cause the blessings to wilt at our annual Vacation Bible School.  The theme this year was The Egypt File … (and the weather made it realistic as we felt we were in the Egyptian desert!) But the real thrust of the week was to help our kids decode the Mystery of Life!  And that was accomplished by the dedicated efforts of dozens of workers who invested their time and energies into our VBS.  As I met one leader in the hall, her response to my question, “How are things going?” was simply, “I am so excited!”  There was so much for which to be thankful in looking back over the week.

As I write this on Thursday (with the finale on Friday yet to come), I am thrilled to report that we had 182 children come (which is the biggest VBS we have had in years).  There were 90 workers who came to teach, help with crafts, provide the decorations, lead music, guide recreation time, care for refreshments and a variety of other needs.  What an amazing team!  More importantly, through Thursday, 11 children placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as personal Savior!  That, in itself, would make the entire week worth it.  But many other children were impacted by the in-depth teaching of our curriculum from Answers in Genesis.

I visited the classrooms and witnessed for myself the fantastic “sets” or “scenes” that had been constructed all themed in the Egyptian style.  I watched the interaction with kids and heard their enthusiasm.  And I was blessed beyond words when I learned of three special projects our children had participated in.  In seeking to minister to the Richmond community at large, our children during craft time …

• Sent over 200 wrapped packages of soap, wash rags and laundry detergent to Good Samaritan Inn with Scripture verse attached
• Sent over 200 Stenciled Pillow Cases to St. Mary’s Pediatric Ward
• Made over 200 Book Marks for Chesterfield County Jail through John Corcoran

I want to commend Becky Henry and her team for the vision and compassion this displayed and taught to our children.

Another incredible moment came on Wednesday night, as Becky wanted to have a Creation Night with a special film and activity stations for the children in addition to the morning sessions.  We thought there would only be a handful return, but 52 children and 22 adults (many of whom helped with the unexpected numbers) came for a unique time of instruction, fellowship and fun!  Wow!

Perhaps all this whets your appetite for tonight.  The evening service is dedicated to sharing with you many more blessings from the past week.  Come a bit early and take in the pictures that capture the spirit of the week.  Hear the songs and testimonies of how God worked.  Come to be encouraged and to thank those who gave so much so that our kids could enjoy this special event.                                                                                                                                 -- Sparky