From the Outback
What a week!
We’re midway through Outback Rock VBS and it’s been an absolute BLAST! We’re averaging 200 kids in attendance, have raised over $800 so far for Mission Washington and gathered TONS of baby items as well as done TONS of landscaping for some of our elderly church members.
To hear, “God Loves You, Believe It!” shouted out by the kids and volunteer leaders each day, in response to the various situations – being left out, being different, not understanding… (and the upcoming doing wrong and afraid) – is awesome. And so many people, not least among them being Jane & Dick Hultman and Cathy Stewart (just days before her son’s wedding!), have worked so hard to make this all happen, and happen so well! They deserve all our appreciation – all of our volunteer leaders do!
But I want to take a quick moment to share two little snip-its with you that made my heart leap.
The first was in today’s skit. This year, I’m the only adult in the skits. We’ve got 5 students, from 13 to 16yrs old – Tierney Jamerson, Piper Cox, Bria Coleman, Shelby Dodd & Blake Travers – who get into costume, add accents, carry props (and me) and have genuinely embraced being the center of attention, and the center of joy for so many little kids (and adults) in the room. At one point today, the script had me sitting in the front row during a hilarious “Interrupting Outback” segment… and as I look up, I see these five youth getting the most laughs from a full sanctuary… and it was priceless. It wasn’t long ago when they were the ones sitting in the audience, and now they’ve taken on leadership roles and are flourishing. Seeing their growth in faith and confidence is why I do what I do.
And then, there’s a little girl… that we’ll call Mary. She attends our daycare, but every time she sees me “in real life” she shies away and hides behind her mother. She’s been to VBS for several years, and unfortunately, my… “characters” and… “big personality” seem to frighten her. No matter what I’ve tried to do, it hasn’t really worked. Until yesterday.
I have no idea what changed. But she came right up to me and talked to me as if I was just a regular part of her circle of friends and family. No signs of anxiety or apprehension. She’s blooming!
That might not seem like a big deal… but I think I think it points to something huge.
God is at work in little, hidden places, transforming us in ways that we don’t always realize, to experience great joy!
Whether you’re here, on campus this week, volunteering, or back at home, catching pictures and videos online, or just dropping kids off and seeing the chaos – I hope you’re able to enjoy what God’s doing among us – as we experience the truth that Jesus loves you! Thanks for your work, for your partnership, for your prayers, because great things are happening in big and little ways this week here at VBS.
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus,
Pastor Don