Holiday Bible Club

Week 1

Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of being involved in two different Holiday Bible Clubs (VBS). The fist one took place at the church where the student’s classes are held & where many of them attend on Sundays. It was held during one of the school holidays & the students had come back from break specifically to be involved in this Bible club for the week. Honestly speaking, going into it, I wasn’t very excited. I had just come out of a busy two weeks, even though the students were on break, & I was looking forward to what I thought would be a less busy week & somewhat of a break for myself. Of course, this was my selfishness talking. However, God had different plans & I’m so thankful that he did.

I went into the whole thing not knowing much except that I would be a small group leader. I didn’t really know anyone besides the students who were also participating. I didn’t know where I would be staying for the week except that it was a family from the church. Quickly, the Lord took all of these variables (unknowns) & turned it into an awesome week.

Slowly but surely, the pieces began coming together. I discovered that I would be leading a group of first grade girls. And what precious little girls they were. Most days, I had about 6 of them. Even in those first moments of meeting them, my attitude began to change. The Lord began transforming my selfish heart into something that he could use for his glory.

Each day, we talked about a different part of the armor of God & each day during our small group time, we took every opportunity we had with them to bring them back to the gospel. Though none of them made a decision to trust Christ that week, I would not at all consider our week a waste. Seeds were planted into their young hearts & I pray that one day, God will cause those seeds to grow into a saving knowledge of Him. I echo Paul’s words when he says in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

As I had the opportunity to spend time with those sweet little girls, I was reminded of the joy of serving the Lord. I no longer cared so much about having a break or time to myself but instead look back with a heart of gratefulness that God would allow me to be a part of what he is doing in the lives of others. 

I was also reminded as I spent time with my wonderful host family, whom I had the privilege of staying with for the week, that God never leaves me hanging & that his plans are always better than my own. They were all such an encouragement to me & made me feel like family. Their hospitality reminded me of Christ’s love & made the week all the more sweeter.

Week 2

Last week, I had the opportunity to be a part of my home church’s Holday Bible Club. This time, however, instead of leading a small group of first grade girls, I got to lead a group of seventh grade girls. Quite the contrast to say the least. Though different in many ways, it was just as great. Because it was my home church, I was able to minister alongside of many of the youth that I see on a weekly basis which was a blessing in & of itself. It gave me the opportunity to connect with them outside of our usual environment .

Me & some of the youth girls

As I had opportunities to interact one-on-one with the girls in my group, I found that many of them already attended church regularly & had a personal relationship with Christ. However, towards the end of the week, I welcomed a new girl into my group named Angel who had never been to a Holiday Bible Club before. During our break time, I had a chance to sit & talk with & discovered that she occasionally attended a Zionist church (which teaches a false gospel) with her family. In the midst of the conversation, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with her. After asking her some questions, she expressed that she understood everything we had talked about & wanted to place her trust in Christ alone as her Savior. What a sweet moment that was as I watched God work in her heart & draw her to himself. For me, that moment made the week totally worth every second.

Me & Angel

My prayer for each of these girls is that in the midst of this dark world, they would come to know & experience love God more everyday & live in the abundant life that he has given them. I look forward to reconnecting with the ones that attend my home church & for further opportunities to love & encourage them in their walk with Christ.

Holiday Bible Club is no holiday but it is one of the most exciting & rewarding things to be a part of & for that I am so thankful.