Over the years, many churches have been involved in providing a vacation Bible school (VBS) on our Baptist Homes campuses. Baptist Homes is always blessed by this type of partnership with our churches. This year, Sonrise Baptist Church in Bonne Terre, Missouri, who had already been involved doing Thursday Bible studies on occasion, decided to take it up a notch and share VBS with our neighbors.
Pastor Daniel Weyland, his wife Heather, their children, and several other leaders planned to take VBS to the Baptist Home in Ironton. This church loves VBS and it shows in their enthusiasm. They had already completed VBS in their church, and as in most years, had promised their literature and themed decorations to another church in the Mineral Area Baptist Association. When the church showed up to pick up the decorations and literature, Pastor Daniel told them, “We need to keep back some for the VBS at Baptist Home.”
Vacation Bible school was an hour each day from 9:30-10:30. The morning began with the pledges to the American flag, Christian flag, and Bible. Some of you remember “Attention, salute, and pledge!” from your VBS days long ago. So did our neighbors!
The theme Sonrise Baptist Church used this year was “Emerald Crossing” and focused largely on the character of David, a shepherd boy who became a king, and the need to trust God and not be discouraged. One of the children went into the crowd as young David and told the neighbors, “Do not be discouraged, and choose to follow Christ.”
Church volunteer and VBS music leader Darrah Nelson used the “Emerald Crossing“ soundtrack of lively Bible-based songs. She taught the Baptist Home neighbors a new song each day complete with lots of movement! Even though they remained seated, the kids (6-8 of them the day I was there) went into the group and demonstrated the upper body movements, hand signs and words, encouraging participation.
The joy that the children brought our neighbors by just being themselves was amazing to witness. This is Soul Care—care being given by a local church involving all ages.
After Pastor Daniel led the Bible lesson, there was a VBS craft time. Again, the children assisted along with the adult volunteers to help our neighbors with their crafts.
I think the only thing missing was grape Kool-Aid and windmill cookies.
Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries welcomes the involvement of our churches, investing in the Soul Care of our neighbors.
Spencer Hutson, Church Relations Specialist
