Saturday, June 19, 2010

We just finished our annual Vacation Bible Camp yesterday, our version of the traditional VBS. We had a fantastic week in "Rescue 91:1", averaging 1820 in attendance, and saw over 70 kids make decisions to follow Christ. The event far exceeded our expectations. At the very least, the week can be summed up as nothing short of FUN!
Its crazy, I've been doing VBS events since 1991, when I first entered children's ministry, and even used to assist with them for years when I was a youth pastor. Over the years, I've become so used to pulling these off that I almost dread them, both because I've done so many, and also in the weeks leading up to them, because I get stressed over all the details to pull them together.

And yet, the morning we begin, and the campus is filled with the smiles and laughter of children and leaders, I remember why I love VBS/C. The enthusiasm, the joy, the activity, the many kids who come to know Christ. By Thursday, a parent asked me, "So, how are you doing so far?" to which I replied, "I'm tired, but man, I'm having fun!"

By the time we finished yesterday, and the clean-up was done, I just walked the campus, reflecting on the week. I was sad it was over. So much planning over so many months, so much preparation, so many people recruited, trained, and supplied- and suddenly in a few short days, it was over. But hopefully, in many kids' lives, this would spell the beginning- the beginning of a lifetime of loving and following Christ. That's why I keep doing it year after year. That's what motivates me.