Training Time

Today concludes a week of Vacation Bible School. Every morning we have had between 180 -200 children and countless volunteers. Every corner of the buidling and much of the yard has been used. The sounds of excited children and energized leaders fill the halls with chatter, songs and laughter. Annette Siminski tells me around 60% of the children are regular attenders of our ministry and 40% are new friends from the community.

Vacation Bible School is such an important time. It is a powerful expereince impacting the lives of the children. I have a lousy memory but I still have snapshots of times at VBS in my childhood. It is a time when the images of a church being closed and unable to have fun are confronted with the truth. The Bible, snacks, water balloons, songs, cotton candy and bounce houses all become vehicles and experiences of joy and grace. They are a way to share faith through teaching and expereince.

This week I am locked on to the story of the prophet Elijah passing the mantle of prophetic leadership to Elisha. It is found in 2 Kings 2: 1- 14. Of all its great lessons, the key one is this. Faith is not to be lived and then hope someone else picks it up. It is to be handed off intentionally. It requires mentors and mentees. It requires teachers and students. The faith has always been one generation away from extinction.

VBS is one way to provide time and experiences to share faith with others. It is not however, intended to be the aberration . Faith is a life style where believers care enough to prepare others to pick up the mantle of faith in the world. Who are we preparing to become those who will speak, act, witness and serve God in the world?