First Day of Vacation Bible School

The church buildings were filled with lots of noise today, VBS has begun. The fun and the worship were very loud in the worship center (over 400 people, most children, can easily make a lot of noise in one room). The halls were filled with laughter and chatter as the kids moved from one activity to the next. The gym was packed with excited, screaming kids running and playing (praise God for an air conditioned gym).

But noise is not all the church was filled with today, the place was filled with love. The kids were all eager to give high-fives, hugs, or smiles as they passed you in the halls. They somehow know that when they come on to the property and enter the buildings that the halls and rooms are filled with the love of God - because the hearts of all the people are filled with God's love. I enjoyed watching the youth serve snacks, help with crafts, or carry a little one who just wanted someone to carry them (for many it was there first VBS, and their first time away from Mom in a new place).

I watched our leaders carefully teach the truth of God's word to the children, knowing that God's word would never return void - that it would change their lives. I saw the results of many hours of preparation, as the rooms were decorated with great imagery. I saw smiles on the faces of the adults as they willingly gave of their time, money, and love to care for these kids and hopefully make a difference in their lives, - - - if even for just one day.

I look forward to the rest of the week, to see what all God is going to fill this place with each day.

Vacation Bible School

This year had to be the best VBS that I have experienced in 25 years of ministry.  There was a sweet spirit throughout the church, which I believe was due to the many who prayer walked the church campus early in the morning, late in the afternoon, and throughout the day.  Thank you prayer walkers.  

There were so many volunteers this year that people were not overwhelmed, so the stress level was down, the work load was manageable, and there were fewer problems to work through.  We are so blessed to have the great volunteers in our children's ministry.  Every need was met, every child was loved, every class was enjoyed, and every worker was blessed.  

From the kitchen crew, to the office staff, from the youth group, to our eldest adults; we appreciate every person who served so selflessly.  This past week was truly an amazing adventure as we saw every age group in the community come together to make VBS 08 a huge success.  

Thankful for the servants of the Lord,

Bro. Wade 

VBS 2007

WOW! It is always overwhelming to see God changing lives, especially the lives of children who have so many years to give to the Lord. The Vacation Bible School held this week at First Baptist Church Harlingen was truly used by God to change the lives of so many children and the their families.

There were of course the children who accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. Their testimonies are so precious. One young lady I had the privilege of praying with as she accepted Christ attended one day of VBS, the very day that we shared the gospel individually with students. I am so glad that life is not a matter of chance; God is sovereign over all.

There were also students who had already accepted Christ, but they came to VBS with life problems that seemed far more advanced than their years should allow. The boy whose father had died recently, the child who is dealing with bullies, the children whose parents are divorcing, the children who are soon moving to a new place and those who recently moved to the valley; all of these and many more found love, peace, acceptance, and strength while at FBC Harlingen. What a privilege to serve these children this week.

There were also many other children who are too young to understand the gospel and their need for salvation. We had the privilege of helping those children to learn more and experience more of God's love. They took another step on their journey of faith and we were excited to help them make that step.

In every way, we are thankful that God chose to use us for His work in the lives of these children and their families. We pray that we are not finished, that we will have more opportunities to serve these families.

from one who had the joy of living and loving like a child for a week at VBS,
Bro. Wade