Vacation Bible School just ended last week; it was great! I had 25 boys aged 9-11 (5th/6th grade) every day, with the exception of Monday when we only had 18. The boys were very well behaved and my youth workers were excellent with them. Much to my surprise I even taught a boy, named T, who I taught last year as part of an autism course I took at the college. He is non-verbal for the most part, a little aggressive but very affectionate. My helpers were great with him as he needed much one-on-one.
This year's VBS was the best by far, and it is a testament to God as I did not really want to teach this year. With graduation, family visiting, and my final 2 "teacher tests" (which I took yesterday, by the way), I have just been swamped with trying to get ready for everything. VBS was the last thing on my mind, and I did little to prepare. Honestly, when I was asked to teach, I originally said no. But, the Lord convicted me and about 2 weeks later the organizer approached me again because the person who was going to teach this class was no longer able. I knew this was the Lord giving me a second chance, so I reluctantly agreed. I knew I needed to be obedient to the Lord despite my feelings. I am so glad I did because it truly was an awesome week and God blessed our time together. I also think that God had me teach that particular grade level so that I would be T.'s teacher. Not that another person could not have handled him, but it was definitely better since I knew him and was able to communicate with him via signs (sign language) and gestures.
The biggest blessing came on Thursday. Rather than teach the bible lesson for the day, I decided to split the class into small groups and have each group meet with either myself or a youth worker for a candid talk. Each group talked about heaven, salvation, and the alternative to heaven, which is hell. We shared verses from the bible describing hell and who goes to hell, and then we did the same for heaven. Lastly, we shared the gospel and God's plan for salvation. 1 boy made a profession of faith and another wanted to know more. In my group, I was able to answer questions with the boys and share some verses assuring them of their salvation.
My biggest challenge all week was fighting my cold. I physically felt okay but I have a chest cold. I have a horrible cough that is keeping me from sleeping well at night. Despite not feeling well, I had a great week and enjoyed sharing the Lord's love with the boys. I am looking forward to next year and am honestly sad it's over.
This year's VBS was the best by far, and it is a testament to God as I did not really want to teach this year. With graduation, family visiting, and my final 2 "teacher tests" (which I took yesterday, by the way), I have just been swamped with trying to get ready for everything. VBS was the last thing on my mind, and I did little to prepare. Honestly, when I was asked to teach, I originally said no. But, the Lord convicted me and about 2 weeks later the organizer approached me again because the person who was going to teach this class was no longer able. I knew this was the Lord giving me a second chance, so I reluctantly agreed. I knew I needed to be obedient to the Lord despite my feelings. I am so glad I did because it truly was an awesome week and God blessed our time together. I also think that God had me teach that particular grade level so that I would be T.'s teacher. Not that another person could not have handled him, but it was definitely better since I knew him and was able to communicate with him via signs (sign language) and gestures.
The biggest blessing came on Thursday. Rather than teach the bible lesson for the day, I decided to split the class into small groups and have each group meet with either myself or a youth worker for a candid talk. Each group talked about heaven, salvation, and the alternative to heaven, which is hell. We shared verses from the bible describing hell and who goes to hell, and then we did the same for heaven. Lastly, we shared the gospel and God's plan for salvation. 1 boy made a profession of faith and another wanted to know more. In my group, I was able to answer questions with the boys and share some verses assuring them of their salvation.
My biggest challenge all week was fighting my cold. I physically felt okay but I have a chest cold. I have a horrible cough that is keeping me from sleeping well at night. Despite not feeling well, I had a great week and enjoyed sharing the Lord's love with the boys. I am looking forward to next year and am honestly sad it's over.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." ~Matthew 18:20
*Note: T. and another youth worker, J., are not pictured. T. had to use the restroom at the time the photo was taken.
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