LEARNING FROM JESUS
Report on the Vacation Bible School
by Samuel Eio
The Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a ministry of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church (TLBPC) to children that began in 2008. The objectives of the VBS are (1) to evangelise children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and (2) to teach them the Word of God. This is in obedience to the Great Commission for the church in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Held from June 4-6, 2014 at Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church, the theme of this year’s VBS was “Learning from Jesus”, based on Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” An average of 62 children participated in the VBS. Besides children from TLBPC, there were children from five other churches (including Bible-Presbyterian Churches) as well as those from non-Christian families. The children were grouped according to their ages. There were about 11 in the Pre-schoolers (ages 2-6), 23 in the Lowers (ages 7-9, i.e. Lower Primary) and 28 in the Uppers (ages 10-12, i.e. Upper Primary).
In line with our theme, “Learning from Jesus”, a good number of Jesus’ parables were taught within their various groups over the three days. These included the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13), the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the Lost Sheep and Coin (Luke 15:4-10), the Talents (Matt 25:14-30), the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14) and the Wheat and the Tares (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43). Through the various lessons, games, arts and crafts, and songs, the children were reminded of each day’s sub-theme that God loves each of them very much, how they ought to receive God’s word wholeheartedly, and how Christ is coming back really soon!
Around 60 volunteers (excluding the Pre-VBS craft helpers) helped in the overall running of the VBS programme. Two highlights were the games on the second day (organised by volunteers from the Young Adults’ Fellowship) and the Special Closing Event (or Gospel Night) on the third day. Parents were invited to attend the latter event. That evening, the children presented the lessons learnt through songs and skits. Our speaker, the Reverend Stephen Khoo, preached the gospel message based on the parables of Jesus. The evening ended with a singing of the VBS Theme Songs, “Come to the Saviour” and “Hear Christ Calling: Come Unto Me”. For church members, volunteers and children who attended the event, it was indeed a tremendous time of learning from Jesus!
The VBS planning committee and volunteers would like to thank God for granting us the privilege to serve Him. We would also like to thank God for the children who received the gospel during the VBS. Following the efforts of last year’s VBS, this year, ten Bibles were presented as gifts to the children who prayed the salvation prayer. This year, too, our volunteer photographers initiated a social media page, “True Life VBS 2014” to reach out to parents and children of VBS, past and present, and to keep them updated about our church activities and/or future VBS announcements. We are glad to serve as labourers for our Lord’s vineyard, yet we recognise that there is a great and ongoing need for the gospel to go out to the children. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:14). Amen.
