Transformed in Christ
Report by Samuel Eio on the Vacation Bible School, May 30-June 1, 2012
Into its fifth year now, our Vacation Bible School was launched in 2008, and is an important ministry of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church. This year, the three-day non-residential programme was held at Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church, 201 Pandan Gardens. Through Bible lessons, handicraft, music and games, the theme, “Transformed in Christ”, based on Romans 12:2, was explored. The focus across all three levels of the programme (Preschoolers, Lowers & Uppers) was on the lives of the Bible characters Zacchaeus, Ruth and Naomi, and Joshua. Through the study of the lives of these characters, the children were encouraged to draw and apply lessons, ultimately to realise that the only One who can transform the lives of people is the Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect and sinless Son of God. The children learned that the journey of a “transformed life” begins with an individual trusting in God to save himself or herself through Christ’s perfect life, His death on the cross, and sinless Son of God. The children learned that the journey of a “transformed life” begins with an individual trusting in God to save himself or herself through Christ’s perfect life, His death on the cross, Joycelyn Chng and Mrs Patricia Joseph. A teachers’ training programme, led by sister Tammy Ho, was conducted on May 19.
A General Volunteers’ Meeting was held on May 26, and a Bump-in five days later on May 31. We were greatly assisted by Brother Aung (building manager), Deacon Eric Lim and sister Jean Lee, all from Calvary Pandan B-P Church. They helped us resolve the many teething problems that cropped up on account of the venue being new to many of our staff.
The first day of VBS began with the registration of children. As the children streamed in, bus by bus, their temperature was taken by brother Jose Lagapa at the health screening station. During the morning assembly, Song Leaders taught the children gospel songs (including the actions), along with the VBS Theme Song (“New Life in Christ”). During the earlier part of the day, there was a photo- taking session of the three departments.
In the Level 2 “Lounge” (equipped with special classroom furniture and a layout configured for our VBS), the Preschoolers were taught the story of Zacchaeus. In the “AV Rooms” and Level 3 classrooms respectively, the Lower and Upper Primary children learnt about Zacchaeus, and were thereby reminded that obedience is evidence of God’s transforming power at work within an individual. The children also had lessons from the lives of Ruth and Joshua taught to them. Through Ruth’s commitment to following God and not looking back, the children learned not to look back upon the ‘old’ life but to remain steadfast and wholehearted in seeking after and serving God. Through Joshua’s example of humility, willingness and a teachable heart, the children learnt that it requires spiritual strength, courage and complete trust in God while living the transformed life. During their dismissal programme, the children were handed ‘invites’ to their parents, inviting them to the special event of the VBS Closing Programme on Friday.
The second day saw the children’s games programmes being carried out in the bright morning sun. God gave us good weather so that the various departments could organise their games. Preschoolers had their games held mostly at the quadrangle of the building; the Lower Primary, indoor games in and around the fellowship hall; and the Upper Primary, at the back of the building. Through well- planned station games, all three departments were able to illustrate spiritual truths. For instance, at one station, children were blindfolded to illustrate the aspect of faith which depends not on sight, but instead, trusting in the verbal commands of their station-leader in order to reach the end of a winding course. The games were followed by lunch, more Bible Lessons and Art- and-Crafts. By the end of the second day, despite a longer duration of the programme, the children still displayed enthusiasm in singing, and many were eager to come for the third day’s programme.
The third and final day of the VBS was held in the afternoon, extending into the evening. The programme had a concluding Bible lesson and a time for craftwork. The entire staff and children all gathered in the quadrangle for a group photo before moving up to the Level Three Sanctuary. At the Closing Programme, Pastor Jeffrey Khoo spoke on Matthew 19:13-15, how the Saviour permitted children to be brought to Him, that they might be blessed. As knowledge of the Scripture from a tender age would benefit the children later as a strong defence from the attacks of the Evil One, parents were commended for letting their children come for the VBS. Also cited was the example of children of the Maasai tribe lowering their heads in order to receive a blessing from their elders or pastor, or from a preacher of God’s Word. So too should we seek the Lord’s blessing upon our children.
Then, it was time for the respective Departments to present their items in song. The Preschoolers enthusiastically presented Zacchaeus, One Door, and One Way; the Lowers, with their synchronised use of flashcards, presented G-O-S-P-E-L and Trust and Obey; and the Uppers presented Things Are Different Now and I Have Decided indicating their understanding of, and commitment to, a transformed life in Christ.
Trusting in our Almighty Heavenly Father to provide and to lead us by His grace, the VBS has seen yet another year of service among the children, and opportunities for more volunteers to come forward and serve our Lord. It is encouraging to note that 56 and 59 children attended our programmes for the first two days respectively, and 47 attended on the third day. There was a hearty turnout of staff each day, resulting in nearly a 1:1 ratio of staff to children! It is our ardent hope that the Gospel seed thus planted in these children would lead to their salvation in God’s good time.
May the Lord continue to make us into more useful vessels for His use, especially in this ministry to children. Amen.
*****
They Glorify God
Testimony by Jose Lagapa and family (Celeste, Theya, Thessa and Biboy) of their ministry in the Philippines, May 14-19, 2012
Our praises to the only living and true God for His mercy and grace. We would like to express also our heartfelt thanksgiving to True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church and other brethren who supported us both spiritually and materially in the ministries we conducted in the Philippines. Here is a brief report of the two activities.
“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;…” (2 Cor 9:12-13).
We praise the Lord for how He used you in co-labouring for the fulfilment of His Great Commission in the Philippines. The Lord brought into our midst 53 children to minister during a Vacation Bible School held in San Juan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on May 14-16, 2012. The theme was “Who Is Jesus Christ?” The three lessons, (1) Jesus Calls His Disciples, (2) Jesus’ First Miracle, and (3) Nicodemus and the New Birth, were taught by Celeste and her two younger sisters, and assisted by Theya and Thessa. The children were divided into three classes: (1) Kindergarten 1-Primary 1, (2) Primary 2-3 and (3) Primary 4-6. Almost all the children were from the Roman Catholic Church background and most were attending the Vacation Bible School for the first time. The Vacation Bible School concluded with a Gospel meeting, and 10 parents came for the meeting. Jose Lagapa preached the Gospel.
A Teens Bible Day Camp followed on May 17-19, 2012 held at Gingoog Fundamental Baptist Church, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. The theme of the camp was “Who Did Jesus Say He Is?” with seven messages by Jose Lapaga on the “I Am” statements of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. The camp was blessed with 61 participants. The camp closed with a Gospel rally and Rev Romeo Larano, Pastor of Gingoog Fundamental Baptist Church, preached the message. There were 30 parents who attended the closing activity.
All praises and glory be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
