Vacation Bible Camp 2009
June 29th, 2009
Posted by Beth
Hola Amigos!
Just finished my 7th year doing five full-days of Vacation Bible Camp (VBC)… and it just keeps getting better and better.
When you look at ministry, this is what I love: Being with the kids.
We’re fortunate to be a good-sized, centrally located church, in a working-class community with a large population of working Mom’s and Dad’s. This means parent’s have a need that we’re committed to fill.
In my book, the purpose of being in ministry is not to offer church programming for the sake of offering education and programs… but making it real, and relevant, and meeting families and children at their current point of need.
What parent wouldn’t want their child to be with other kids in a fun, safe, Christian environment from 7:30a-5:30p… 5 days in a row… with breakfast, lunch, two snacks, and field trips provided every day?
This year’s numbers were the largest I’ve ever seen in my 10 years doing VBC, and the last seven as full-time Director of Children’s Ministry: Over 100 kids, 33 youth counselors and 20 adults (station leaders, preparing meals, chaperons, etc).
The Youth (including our son Matt who I circled below… nice sandals dude), were recruited as ”Crew Leaders.” Each was assigned a group of five kids for the week.
Here’s our fantastic Crew Leaders:
33 Crew Leaders, including Matt
Full-day Vacation Bible Campers, 7:30a-5:30p. Appx 100 kids, age 5-11
This year’s theme was “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light.”
What I stressed to the kids through our programming was God is always with us…even when we have to do something hard… and that He is faithful and He keeps His promises.
Read that again.
What VBC meant to me this year was just that…
…if we believe that God can do what He says He can do, then there is nothing to be afraid of. He will always be with us because He cares for us.
As I looked around throughout the week, I marveled at how well everything flowed. I didn’t make VBC happen: God did. And without Him, this week would not have been possible.
Just try coordinating 100+ kids without ‘divine’ intervention, and let me know how that works for ya. 
Now don’t get me wrong. As I say, I had to do my part. I had a lot of work. But God took those efforts and actions and multiplied it in ways I could not begin to comprehend.
I was reminded that God does not call those who are equipped, He equips those that He calls. So with a servant’s heart and a willingness to share God’s love, go for it! You can do anything!
Anything!
Even adopt a child from a third-world country!
I don’t surely don’t have all the answers to parent our new 7-year old son who will be united with in 30 days… but I love him already and want Him to know God’s love.
To quote one of Daryl’s favorite hymn, I am “Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.”
People see my summer schedule and think I’m crazy. Maybe you’re one of ‘em.
A full week long music camp Jul 6-10 (85 kids).
Then another full-week camp in Leesburg at the Florida United Methodist Retreat Center, Jul 20-25 (300 kids – fortunately I’m just a worker bee at this camp). Matt playing All-Star baseball almost every night.
When it’s all said and done, close to 500 kids.
Then we leave for San Salvador on July 26th …(if I can get my laundry done.) Volunteer(s) wanted. 
Be fearless!
And pray for me!
Last 5 posts by Beth
- El Salvador Update - Month 12
- El Salvador Update - Month 3
- El Salvador Adoption - Home 1 Month
- El Salvador Adoption - Home - Through Week 3
- El Salvador Adoption - Home - Week 1
From Ginger
Congratulations on the completion of another wonderfully successful VBC!! I always love to read your updates . . . You ARE prevailing, standing on those Promises of God, Our Father!
One of my favorite hymns “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty . .” has these words: “Hast thou not seen how thy desires ere have been granted in what He ordaineth”!!!
Praying for your strength for all that is ahead,
even your laundry!
Love & hugs . . .
06/29/09 2:05 PM | Comment Link |
From Nancy
Beth what a wonderful BLOG, and what a busy, busy schedule you have for the month of July. You surely do need our prayers to be able to get through the month and still be ready to travel (the very day after Leesburg). I know you have wonderful support from Daryl and Matt, and may you realize many of us are there asking for your strength to serve the Lord and still be able to enjoy the trip and time you will spend with your new son.
I too love Daryls favorite hymn.
Blessing are coming your way.
Nancy from Frostproof.
06/29/09 5:21 PM | Comment Link |
From Becky
Okay, okay…..VBC set decorations….now laundry! What else are you gonna ask me to do?? Just kidding! I’d love to do your laundry. Let me know when I can pick it up.
Allie tells me that VBC was great. That’s high praise coming from a 15 year old. Congratulations!
I’m still praying for y’all every day.
(Lucky kid!)
06/29/09 11:37 PM | Comment Link |
From Claudine
You’re in our prayers! I admire and love you!
07/1/09 11:34 AM | Comment Link |
From Kara
Fear Not!!!
07/4/09 8:05 AM | Comment Link |