Hebrew-Style “Thank You” to the Church that did VBS

What the pastor said next is what struck me as new. He explained that Hebrews said “thank you” by telling others what someone had done for them. In this case, they told and reminded each other what God had done for them as a way to say “thank you!” to Him for His faithfulness to them as a nation. 

Writing for the faith column gives me a platform to basically say whatever I’d like to my larger community, and what I would like to say is “THANK YOU” to a church I do not attend—Fairview Loop Baptist Church. My daughter lives near the church and enrolled her two boys in their advertised Vacation Bible School (VBS) so they would have something different to do than their usual summer activities. She asked if I could help with drop-off and pick-up of the boys throughout the week when she needed help. I agreed. Having been a coordinator for a VBS years ago I know how intense that week is, how much planning goes into it, how many volunteers are needed, and the overall cost of such an undertaking. This church offered attending the VBS for free to our community, and they did an excellent job!

They had turned the church into a giant pre-school and elementary school, decorating with fun, colorful decorations with a gaming theme throughout. They had men, women, and teens voluntarily filling all kinds of roles and the atmosphere was electric with excitement every time I was there. Children were bursting with joy at being together and having such an all-out amazing event to attend for three and a half hours a day during a mostly rainy week. They learned about God and the Bible; they did crafts, played games, sang songs, and learned dance moves to the music; they baked bread together that they could bring home, made soup, and raised money for a missionary family; they received t-shirts and CDs, and had a picnic on the last day with their families and the people they got to know during the week. 

My grandsons both tend to be shy and more reserved, so the fact that they went every single day (they were given a choice whether or not to attend) is a testament to the connection they made with these people. The VBS workers even made a consistent effort to greet me, the drop-off grandma. This wonderful group of loving, Christian people welcomed me and my grandchildren so kindly. They did not ask for money and there was no pressure to attend the church. It was a gift to the children and their families. I know it was a ton of work, but they didn’t look like they were weary in doing it. They looked joyful. Even when there was a behavior issue with a child I ‘might’ know, they treated it with tact, love, and compassion. 

So I tell you this to say ‘thank you’ to them and to praise the way they offered love to our community and our children. I also tell it to say “thank you” to the other churches in the community who will do the same thing this summer. It is no small feat. For all the kids, whether or not they are able to attend camp or other organized sports or activities during the summer months, this was an amazing and memorable week. 

I know the purpose of a VBS is fundamentally to introduce children to Jesus Christ as Savior; that is primary to any Christian summer program. This church definitely accomplished that, but even beyond their primary goal, they offered excellence in everything they did, with love and enthusiasm. I am grateful and wanted to share it with readers of the Faith column in the Frontiersman. Thank you, Fairview Loop Baptist Church!

Kim Ford is a long-time resident of Wasilla. Her collection of articles can be found on her blog at: www.thesteadfastbutterfly.blog and she welcomes new subscribers to her site (no charges or fees).