Pastor Don's Journal Articles
"I want to fly like an eagle/ to the sea"--Steve Miller
The halls and classrooms, worship center and parking lots of First Baptist are buzzing with excitement and airplane noises as this year's Vacation Bible School is now underway. It's still too early to be certain, but it sure looks like this week is going to be our best VBS ever, with over 600 participating!
I love this week, as do all our pastors and support staff, because we have such a great opportunity to impact young lives for Christ. To lay a solid foundation, anyway, for the day when they will understand and receive the gospel. It is also a treat to see them having so much fun at church. And they are certainly having fun this week! Yesterday when the children poured into the worship center for the opening ceremonies, they saw a battery-powered model airplane flying around the large room, soaring, swooping and ultimately landing smoothly. And I was as excited as the kids. Thanks, Aaron Kahn. (Don't worry, he's a professional).
Our sincerest prayer for all these precious ones is that they will develop a relationship with Jesus that will help them to walk, run and even "soar like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31), filled with hope in the LORD and strengthened for every challenge of life now and in the future.
Tomorrow I will meet with the older children and talk to them about exactly what it means to be a Christian. No pressure and certainly no coercion, but lots of clarity. Be in prayer that some of these will make their decision to become Christ- followers this very week.
Another thing I really enjoy about VBS week is the chance it gives me to get to know better the scores of our folks who volunteer as teachers and helpers. (I hang around the faculty snack lounge for that very purpose.) I so appreciate their willingness to serve, and all the passion and energy they bring to their task. Many are dressing for the theme, too. A lot of Amelia Earharts are showing up every day. With Bryan Jones as "Mike the mechanic", jumpsuit and tool belt included.
And, by greeting parents and grandparents as they drop-off their children each day, I am trying to be accessible and approachable now for later down the road when that might be important.
By the end of the week we are all going to be exhausted, no doubt-- but it will the good tired that comes from doing a most important job, and doing it well.
Don't miss next Sunday. At noon we will be having a big reception in the FAC, honoring Bryan Jones for his 5 years of ministry with us and welcoming Mikel Dasch as he begins his ministry with our students. So much to celebrate all the way around!
