Children throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond enjoyed learning more about Jesus during a variety of Vacation Bible School experiences this summer.
Eagle
Between 50 and 60 children in the community of Eagle learned about God's Big Backyard during the week of July 7–11. They loved singing songs, making crafts and playing water games. In the Community Corner, they met a local TV personality, as well as representatives from the fire department and the Eagle food bank. They learned that each one of them could serve their family, friends, neighbors, community and Jesus just like people in the Bible. During crafts, the children wrote personal messages on a 25-foot parachute that will be given to the Women and Children's Alliance in Boise for use in their day care.
Caldwell/Nampa Spanish
The Caldwell Church joined the Nampa Spanish Church Aug. 4–8 in also featuring God's Big Backyard theme, welcoming a total of 114 children by the week's end. The children enjoyed the antics of Nick the squirrel and Cooper the dog, and the adventures of "Becky" and "Wayne the Brain" as they found ways to serve others. They pledged their lives to serve Jesus in all that they do by hand-writing their individual promises to God on a 6-foot banner. Becky Bindernagel, VBS director, asks reflectively, "What's our mission now? To just take a step outside, look over our own fence, and help kids discover how rewarding service can be!"
Gem State Academy
John LaFond accepted the challenge to lead out in Gem State Academy Church's VBS. Using the Castles and Crowns theme, they taught an important spiritual lesson from a different biblical king or queen each evening. By the end of the week, every boy and girl knew Jesus as the King of Kings and that each of them were adopted into His royal family.
Vale
In the farming community of Vale, Ore., nearly 60 children attended all or part of the church's VBS program, July 21–25, coordinated by Lillian Thompson. Only 15 of the children were from church families. At the end of the week, VBS volunteers compiled a DVD slide show from the week. They plan to visit each family and present them with a personal copy of the DVD as a constant reminder of the good experience and lessons learned.
Becky Bindernagel, Caldwell/Nampa Spanish VBS director, discovers fun things to do in her own backyard.
Caldwell/Nampa Spanish VBS children enjoy several active games while they explore God's Big Backyard.
Eagle VBS staff members pray before the start of each meeting. From left: Dale Anderson, Edie Taylor, Tim Roosenberg (pastor), Joan and Don Hutchison (Joan is obscured) and Mary Mace (who has her back toward the camera).
During Gem State Academy Church's VBS outreach, Sherry Malakov talks to the kids as a member of the King's Court.
Vale, Ore., VBS stories have the children listening with rapt attention.
