It is always so amazing to see kids get excited about God! This summer in particular was full of opportunities as we hosted four straight weeks of Vacation Bible School in Prospect. Normally just one week long, this year we had the opportunity and privilege of partnering with four churches to offer VBS throughout the month of July: Trinity Presbyterian Church, Grace Community Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Victory Church of Charlottesville. Twenty-five neighborhood kids had the ease of walking over each night where they were greeted with smiling faces, ate dinner, and participated in games, worship, and crafts.
They began the month learning about trusting God through change and times of fear, followed by lessons on each of the fruits of the spirit. It was a fun time of singing, laughing, sweating, trying new fruits, and learning Bible stories. One evening several kids even came out early to beat an approaching thunderstorm. How cool is that?! The churches provided a great mixture of adults and youth to help lead alongside four of our very own Prospect youth.
“We absolutely loved helping with VBS last week! The kids quickly became dear to each one of us, and it was such a joy to share the love of Jesus with them!” – Rich Brown, Grace Community Church
Churches give the week high marks
Assistant Pastor Rich Brown summed up the experience for his church, Grace Community: “We absolutely loved helping with VBS last week! The kids quickly became dear to each one of us, and it was such a joy to share the love of Jesus with them! I saw incredible growth in leadership and displays of maturity in our youth who helped serve, so thank you for letting them volunteer. I would definitely encourage youth involvement for future VBS programs for these reasons and more.”
Barbara Eppard, Children’s Ministry Director at Grace Community, agreed. “We had a great time with the children. God sent a rainbow while Rich was telling the Flood story. He is great and good!” Olivia Morley of Victory Church added, “I am so thankful to have gotten to be there and meet them!”
Making memories, planting seeds
One moment that stood out in particular was ending the week by having the kids write kind messages to each other in small booklets they created. The joy in their faces as they read each comment was so special! It is our prayer that the seeds planted in the lives of these young ones would take root and continue to grow over the years. We are grateful to Trinity Pres, Grace Community, First Pres, and Victory Church for coming alongside us in this effort to share the Gospel and engage more with our Prospect families throughout the summer. Thank you all so much and praise God for the work He is doing!!
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