Vacation Bible School is always an exciting time in the life of Custer Road UMC. that we were a community of believers and that God’s Word is for everyone.
This year 758 kids attended, 188 teens and 230 adults volunteered to make this an incredible week. Over 40% of our attendance at VBS was friends and families outside the membership of Custer Road UMC. What an opportunity for us to evangelize in our community, reaching out to those seeking God’s love.
Missions each year is a huge focus of VBS. Many lives are touched in dollars and in needs. Our main focus this year was Imagine No Malaria, an initiative of the people of the United Methodist Church to raise $75 million to eliminate malaria deaths in Africa by the year 2015. Vacation Bible kids and adults raised $ 7,443.42! Collection jugs were located through the building, and kids were encouraged each day to bring their loose change to help make a difference. But the mission collection did not stop there.
VBS supported Camp CRUMY, the Sr. High Mission Trip to Crossville, Tenn.:
- $950 in cash was collected.
- 129 children’s Bibles and 125 adult Bibles were collected.
- 150 beaded Bible bookmarks were made by the Tweeners class.
- 125 backpacks were purchased for the children in Crossville who are attending Camp CRUMY to take home their new Bibles and craft activities from the week.
Also supported was The Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center Rainbow Room, a store-like setting where caseworkers from Child Protective Services can access needed items such as clothing, shoes, health and beauty products, toys and baby goods for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Over 751 pieces of clothing were collected during VBS week. In addition, 50 “Jesus Loves Me” blankets were made as a special Rainbow Room mission project.
As the kids sang, took Bible Voyages, played games, sailed away in the Cinema, ate goodies from the gallery, took Bible adventures and grew through missions, one thing was certain: VBS made a difference in the lives of children around the world, in our community and in our church. Always remember that God’s Word is true, God’s Word is comforting, God’s Word is surprising, God loves you, God’s Word is life-changing, and God’s Word is for everyone.
By Debbie Pomponio
