Howdy Buckaroos & Cowpokes!
Just like that, Vacation Bible Xperience is over! We had a blast in Cactusville as we learned and experienced in a variety of ways how ‘kids are called to follow Jesus’.
The excitement started before Cactusville opened to the public. A group of volunteers met the evening before to transform our entire church into a western-ranch setting. Each day began with an opening Round-Up, which had songs, skits, and fun. There were themes for each day, expanding on how kids called to follow Jesus. A Cactusville Critter was introduced, with some basic information on their lives and how they too are called.
Tarantula Tammy was called to be different, like John the Baptist.
Prairie Dog Pete was called to be faithful, like Abraham.
Chuck the Chuckwalla was called to forgive, like Joseph.
Pack Mule Patty was called to serve, like Deborah.
Road Runner Roy was called to give, like Jesus.
The sub-themes were used for the entire three hours, throughout the various stations:
Sunset Canyon was the prayer room.
Chuckwagon Station filled hungry tummies with delicious snacks.
Trading Post was where creativity was explored through crafts.
Wild Horse Corral provided the space to run and play.
Campfire Stories was the interactive place to learn Bible stories.
By the week’s end, the deputies-in-training were familiar with the Golden Nugget, which is found in 2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV):
{Jesus}…who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
The Adventist VBX programs also include a special mission project each year. For 2017, the theme is ‘Operation Wheels‘. The children learned about five different refugee families of various nationalities, who now reside in Arizona, United States. Operation Wheels is working to purchase a bus. This vehicle will help to provide transportation for refugee families to attend school, adult education classes, work, worship and more.
Our children were eager to participate and came with coins jangling in their pockets each evening and raised $222.22 by the end of the week!
In addition to being fully deputized, the children also made a decision to follow Jesus. It was a blessing to watch their excitement as they chose Jesus for themselves. Many parents and children were grateful for their time in Cactusville and are eagerly anticipating VBX 2018.
A special THANK YOU to all the hard working volunteers. Thank you for your donations and loans of décor items, for the setup and take down crew, constructing the backdrop, leading the various stations, wrangling support (adult supervisors), audio-visual, registration and prayerful support. Though the target of this ministry is the children, we are all involved in the work.
An extra special THANK YOU to our faithful organizer, Sheryl!! She has been working for months to ensure that VBX was truly a blessing! We appreciate you, Sheryl!
Check out our slideshow of our week at Cactusville.
