Saturday, June 6, 1998
VBS a place to find God
As a child, this was one of my favorite times of the year.
Of course, school was out and there were many adventures to be
had playing softball, swimming, going on picnics and spending
lazy afternoons outdoors with my dog.
But, there was always something else very exciting to look
forward to -- Vacation Bible School!
I grew up in a small town in Kansas, and in my community of
4,000 or so, all of the children attended each Vacation Bible
School program offered. We "made the rounds" so to speak.
I gladly rode my bicycle to each church to explore the Bible
and what it means to live for Christ. I learned memory verses
and sang songs. I glued together more Popsicle sticks than I care
to count. I played with my friendsand ate cookies of every kind.
But the most important thing I ever learned at Vacation Bible
School was that I am a child of God. I remember the evening I
truly realized this wonderful truth. The message that evening
was given through puppets.
Lionel the Lion told me that God loved me. I listened carefully
as he led a prayer asking Jesus to live in our hearts and to wash
away our sins.
I prayed with that little lion that night, and I became aware
of God's presence in my own life. I don't remember the date or
even the denomination of the church, but I will never forget that
lion and how he gave me the most important truth I'll ever know.
That was all nearly 25 years ago, and now I am working full
time in Christian education at a local church. And as I help prepare
this year's Vacation Bible School program for our children, I
think of all the volunteers and congregations who helped me find
my way to Christ.
I pray for each of you who are doing the same at this time
of year. And I encourage everyone to take a child you know to
an area VBS program. It really does make a difference!
Sandy Dlugas
Abilene
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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