Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an enriching time to share with children about God, his love for his people throughout the Bible, and that same love that we experience today. Have you considered how your VBS might be an opportunity to further introduce children to God’s heart for the nations?
Our missionaries often travel back to the States during the summer months and VBS would be a great opportunity to invite a missionary to tell stories of sharing God’s love around the world. Often, our mission partners recall how hearing the stories of those who served before them was a pivotal seed planting moment in their desire to go and serve globally. How might hosting a missionary at your VBS be an opportunity to inspire and disciple tomorrow’s cross-cultural missionaries?
Other church VBS programs have connected with a missionary across distance: sharing video greetings from the missionary, learning about and praying for the ministry where the missionary serves, and even raising funds to support the missionary and their work. Kids love seeing their offerings go to help children just like them hear about Jesus for the first time!
Reach out to Emily Belvery to get connected to a missionary!
Additionally, we invite you to check out our kid-friendly resources which you can use to equip children to share the Gospel with those around them, learn about the global church, and support God’s mission through prayer. A few suggested resources to get you started:
- What is a missionary?: In this video, mission partner Sarah Berta-Somogyi teaches young children about what it means to be an overseas missionary and the role we all have in telling others about Jesus.
- Missions-Themed Activities: Use these activities with kids to help them think about what God’s mission looks like and how they can be a part of it.
- Kid’s Prayer Bookmarks: This printable resource includes a prayer request for each day of the week to keep children focused on praying for the global church and for God’s mission around the world.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6
God of the nations, who said ‘let the little children come to me,’ we lift up churches, VBS leaders, and volunteers as they prepare to pour into young lives this summer. May you grant them the energy needed and the boldness to share your love with each kid who will participate. May children learn of your deep love for them, your Son Jesus, and how they can be a light to others right where you have them. Amen.