VBS

Working in VBS this past week was a real test of both patience, knowledge of God, strength, and speed.
Patience – I had a group of little boys, grades 3-4. All of whom I love dearly! They are FANTASTIC! But even fantastic little boys push the limits. I dealt with fist fights, stubbornness, bad attitudes, complaining etc. however, I also saw love, obedience, JOY. The best part was seeing them learning songs and worship, and learning memory verses. Sure they did those things to make us leaders happy, but those verses stick to them the rest of their lives. You also turn around the corner and see them watching you. The test of your life for Christ. They are watching you, kind of like God is always watching you, except for the fact that these kids want to be just like you. Knowledge of God? Answering tough questions for kids, in a ‘kid’ way. not in a ‘I just came from a year of bible college and can give you 50 different words for salvation’ type thing. Strength? Spiritually and physically. Aside from all the little ones jumping all over you because you are “super strong”, you have to deal with your own walk. Being poured into spiritually is just as important as pouring out into the kids. And speed? Well, lets just say that kids have little patience, so everything needs to be done good and done NOW! That, or they ask you 15 million times to do it in the ‘are we there yet’ type attitude.
Ministry also has an improve aspect that people don’t really tell you about. There are times when you have to teach a bible lesson because someone is sick – the testing of your knowledge of the scriptures, or even times you need to be quick on your feet in asking kids questions or just being plain old ‘silly’.
Lastly, is the last day of camp. Rewarding in many times – for the first instance, you get to finally see your bed and rest, and the kids are BEGGING to stay. It is also rewarding to hear if even ONE kid turns their life to the Lord. Relationships are built, and although you may forget the small details, the kids don’t. they remember them, and sometimes it changes their lives all together. All this…

For HIS glory