VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2019

Report by Joycelyn Chng

The annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) was held from 5–7 June 2019, with the twofold objective of evangelising children with the Gospel of Christ and teaching them the Word of God in fulfilment of the Great Commission. We are thankful for the Lord’s provision of the premises at Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church for our use once again.

Open to children (ages 4 to 12) and teenagers (ages 13 to 17), the VBS this year saw a total of 128 students attending over the three days. We praise God for all whom He had brought in. They were grouped according to age—preschoolers, lower primary, upper primary and teens. A good number were from the Preschool and Lowers departments. These two departments were further organised into two classes each for various activities. This allowed for better management and more opportunities to reach out to the children.

This year’s theme was “God’s Plan for You”, specifically the salvation plan of God, underlined by the theme verse, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk 19:10). This theme was developed over five lessons: (1) You Need a Saviour, (2) Only One Saviour – His Birth, (3) Only One Saviour – His Life, (4) Only One Saviour – His Death and Resurrection, (5) Your Saviour or Your Judge?. The children were taught from the Bible that every one of us is a sinner and the only Saviour in God’s plan of salvation for us is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Besides the Bible lessons, the children also participated in singspiration and games, and did worksheets and crafts that served to reinforce the lessons they have learned. Our hearts greatly rejoice for God in His grace and mercy, called at least one unto salvation. Indeed, Jesus says “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Lk 15:10). The programme culminated in the VBS Night with more than a hundred parents and guests in attendance. Song items were presented by the children from the Preschool, Lowers and Uppers departments, while the Teens department put up a skit entitled “God’s Plan for Daniel”.

The highlight of the VBS Night was the preaching of the gospel message. Our pastor, the Rev Jeffrey Khoo, was the Lord’s messenger. He presented the gospel simply and clearly to young and old alike, using a familiar nursery rhyme which he adapted into a Christian version.

MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
(Christian version)

Mary had a little lamb,
Little lamb, little lamb.
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow.

Jesus is the Lamb of God,
Lamb of God, Lamb of God.
Jesus is the Lamb of God
Who takes away my sin.

And…
Everyone who trusts the Lamb,
Trusts the Lamb, trusts the Lamb;
Everyone who trusts the Lamb
Is washed as white as snow.

And…
Everyone who loves the Lamb,
Loves the Lamb, loves the Lamb;
Everyone who loves the Lamb
Will surely be in heav’n.

As we recount the goodness of the Lord in seeing us through yet another VBS, we must not forget to praise Him for how He had moved many True Life brethren to sign up as volunteers. We thank God that all the brethren came together to joyfully render their service unto Him in various areas—admin, driving, bus running, logistics, photography, food, games, music, craft, teaching etc. There were those who though unable to attend the actual VBS, signed up to serve in the preparatory work—cutting and packing the craft materials for the children. The ladies who laboured cheerfully in the kitchen to ensure that the children were well-fed were much appreciated by the children who thanked them before each meal. Whether it be work done behind the scenes or otherwise, every role was important and we praise God for all who had served. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Col 3:23, 24).

The following testimonies offer a glimpse of God’s good hand upon us in guiding us through the different aspects of the VBS. May the Lord be greatly praised.

Katherine: “Praise and thank God for His protection throughout the 3 days of VBS. Thank Him also for moving the hearts of more brethren to volunteer as drivers. Despite the additions after the transport deadline, we could still fit in most of the late requests. All praise and glory be unto Him most high.”

Mrs Koh: “In VBS this year, there were six sisters in the team serving in the Food & Beverage Department. We thank God for a few brethren who though did not sign up to serve also came to help during these three days.

“All the students and volunteers were provided with snacks and lunches for the first two days and dinner on the third day. With the kind assistance of the Transport Department, we were able to collect not only the snacks and lunches but also the refreshment for VBS Night from the West Coast Food Centre where we had ordered our food earlier.

“We prayed for the Lord’s guidance and wisdom to carry out our duties each day. It was heartening to see our sisters in the team working harmoniously and tirelessly preparing drinks and food, cleaning and washing in the kitchen. A wonderful Christian love was displayed!

“Indeed, we thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to serve Him together. May all glory be unto His name! ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ (Ps 133:1).”

Yee Fong: “This year God sent us 46 children whose ages range from 7 to 9. The Lord directed us to use the cry room in the Truth sanctuary as the message room (instead of the classroom), to accommodate the increase of children who were equally distributed into two classes for craft and game activities. Thank God for His provision!

“On the whole, the children were attentive to the Bible lessons being taught, enjoyed the worksheets that were designed for each lesson and were eager to use their hands to do the lesson-related craft. Being an energetic lot, they were enthusiastic to participate in the games that were conducted both indoors and outdoors. The teachers had the opportunities (during craft time), to share the gospel individually with the children especially those from unbelieving families. Pray that the gospel seed sown during these three days, will take root and bear fruit in God’s own good time.

“Thank God for keeping all the children safe and especially for a close-knit team of like-minded brethren who love and serve the Lord tirelessly as teachers, class assistants, song leader, musician, games and logistic helpers. ‘Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.’ (Ps 100:2, 3).”