VBS 2022 REPORT

Objectives

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a ministry of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church to children and teens from age 4 to 17. The objectives of the VBS are (1) to evangelise children with the Gospel of Christ and (2) to teach them the Word of God which is in fulfillment of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20.

We praise and thank God for seeing us through 3 days of VBS which was held from 1–3 June from 10am to 12 noon. Due to the COVID-19 situation, we had to suspend VBS 2020. Last year VBS was resumed via Zoom. At the time of the committee meeting early this year, Singapore was at the peak of the Omicron wave. After a thorough consideration of all factors in the planning of the VBS, with contribution from each committee member, it was decided to have VBS this year via Zoom again. God willing, we look forward to a physical VBS next year, where we hope to involve more church members to serve in this ministry.

Theme and Lessons

The theme “Heroes of Faith” was chosen. Hence Hebrews 11:6 was selected as the theme verse, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

A total of 6 lessons were taught in each department, namely, Nursery, Kindy, Lowers, Uppers and Teens whose reports have been appended below. These lessons were on the faith of Abel, Noah, Joseph, Rahab, Gideon and Daniel and how God had strengthened their faith in times of adversity to do His work.

God’s Provision

The number of children registered was 139 and the average turnout for the 3 days was 122. There were 47 in Teens, 40 in Uppers, 31 in Lowers, 9 in Kindy and 12 in Nursery. The breakdown by country was: 1 Malaysian, 86 Filipinos and 52 Singaporeans.

Though the VBS was only 3 short sessions of 2 hours each, they were packed with Bible-centred activities to help the children learn God’s Word. The children enjoyed the singspiration, Bible lessons, quiz questions and lesson-related crafts. Despite some language barrier, the children were eager to learn.

By His grace, God provided good and stable WIFI connections locally and overseas. Despite the occasional dropping off from Zoom for some classes from the Philippines due to various factors such as blackout and lack of mobile data, they were able to quickly reconnect. We give thanks to God for all the volunteers who have laboured tirelessly and faithfully for the Lord. Despite the inadequacies and unworthiness each of us as volunteers may have, our faith is much strengthened by the godly examples of these Biblical characters to continue serving Him while the Lord tarries. May the gospel seed that has been sown in the hearts of the children bear fruit in God’s timing and not return unto Him void. To God be the glory! (Bee Heng)

Teens Department

The Teens Department had a bumper crop of 46 children thanks to the outreach in the Philippines and the Zoom facility. On the average we had about 35 participants daily.

This year we introduced an interactive session each day using the online platform and this proved to be an added boost. This was in place of the craftwork. The children, enjoyed these sessions and participated eagerly, despite some of them in the Philippines having to share screen and facing intermittent internet signal issues.

The 6 messages on the Heroes of Faith, went out loud and clear as the teachers displayed a heartfelt burden for the teens as they cope with their faith amidst the real temptations around. Every message ended with a salvation call and a reminder to our theme song “Faith is the Victory” that overcomes the world.

All praise and glory to God as the Holy Spirit does His work in convicting these tender souls as we look forward to VBS 2023. (Patricia Joseph)

Uppers Department

We thank God for the children whom He had brought in to join us in the Upper Primary department this year. Besides children from True Life, we also had children from other churches, as well as from non-Christian families. In addition, the online platform allowed a good number of children from the Philippines to join us too. We praise and thank the Lord for bringing all of them in to listen to the teaching of God's Word. The children learned about the different aspects of faith from the various Bible characters, faithfully taught by the teachers. Activities such as singing, review questions and memory verses served to reinforce the lessons. The children also had fun during the craft and games sessions. We thank God for the labour of the teachers and songleader, as well as the volunteers who helped in preparing the craft materials and delivering them to the children. We pray that the Lord will cause the Word that the children have heard to take deep root in their hearts. May God’s name be praised. (Joycelyn Chng)

Lowers Department

The Lowers department saw an average daily attendance of 30 children ages mainly 7 to 9. We began an hour earlier each day, by seeking God’s help through prayers and to rehearse the order of the day’s program via the zoom platform to ensure the smooth running of each segment of the timetable. By 9.45am, children from Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines were admitted into the class and the program proper began with a singspiration of carefully selected songs which are diligently practiced a few days prior to VBS, led by the songleaders. 2 lessons on the “Heroes of Faith” were taught each day by God-fearing teachers. The children were exhorted to believe in and to trust in God; to fear and to obey Him; to serve God and to stand for the truth even if they are a minority with a small and weak faith.

Both children and adults (including parents accompanying their children online and a sister from Perth), had learnt much from the 6 Bible characters — the unquestioning faith of Abel, the focused faith of Noah, the lifelong faith of Joseph, the transforming faith of Rahab, the growing faith of Gideon and the enduring faith of Daniel. The children were enthusiastic to recite memory verses at the end of each lesson and to answer questions during the Quiz sessions. This was followed by a craft session done online together with them. Each day ended with the taking of a group photograph, followed by closing prayer. We thank God for a committed and likeminded team where each served the Lord with humility, love and truth for the sole purpose of reaching out to as many children for the extension of His kingdom. May all that had been done in His Name redound unto His glory! (Yee Fong)

Kindy Department

The Kindy class had an average of 10 children each day and they were from Singapore and the Philippines. The age group for this class was 5 to 6 years old. We were very encouraged by the joy of all the kids over the 3 days. Our overseas kids also invited their neighbours and friends to join us and we were thankful that they had the opportunity to hear the gospel.

We did 6 lessons over the 3 days based on the theme of “Heroes of Faith”. Whether it be singspiration, Bible lessons, quiz time or reciting memory verses, the kids were all very excited to raise hands and participate. The gospel message was shared at every lesson. We were also thankful that the kids enjoyed doing the craft and for the parents or guardians who assisted them.

The Lord made all things possible, all praise and glory to Him! (Serene Cheng)

Nursery Department

Thank God for a good time of VBS via Zoom from 1st – 3rd June 2022. It is a privilege to serve the Lord in this area. The age range for Nursery group of children is from 3 to 4 years old. Timetable was planned in a way to engage children through singing, praying, listening to the bible lessons, reciting memory verses and doing crafts.

Teachers prepared and delivered the lessons well. The theme this year was on “Heroes of Faith”. Children got to learn 6 heroes, namely, Abel, Noah, Joseph, Rahab, Gideon and Daniel. The lessons were interactive and made simple for children of this age group to understand. Children willingly participated in the memory verse session. I received good feedback from parents that their children enjoyed the bible lessons, singing and craft time. One of the parents sent a video of her twin daughters praying together with the teacher. Another parent sent a video of her son knowing how to sing songs taught during VBS. Thank God for such encouragements. All praise and glory be unto God! Amen! (Katharine Zhu)