Paul’s letter to the Romans was my Bible reading this morning. One of Paul’s main points in was that we all have something to offer to Christ (Romans 12:6-10). That stimulated my thinking about people who would be excellent Vacation Bible School team members. Unfortunately, they reject the idea because they feel inadequate for various reasons.

Here are some of the comments I hear:

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T PARTICIPATE IN VBS (Vacation Bible School)

…But Can!

1. I don’t know my Bible too well. I can’t teach it. All I can say about that is to make it a daily practice to spend some time with your bible and make it (Jesus) your friend.

2. It sounds too strenuous for me. I have trouble even getting out of bed. Well, you do get out of bed. And when you have a reason to do something, somehow you find a way to do it.

Make gearing up for VBS a priority. Walking each day, a little further each day, will help build the stamina you need. VBS doesn’t have to be real physical. If you have limitations, work on them. There is a place for you in VBS.

3. But I don’t get along with little children. You know the key to getting along with children? I’ll tell you by this example. When I was a school principal years ago, I met with the teachers at the end of each school year to assign students to the class for the following year. We tried to place children in a class environment where they would have the best opportunity for success, both learning and behavioral. Whenever we got to assigning a “problem child”, one teacher always said, “I’ll take him (or her)”.

Later, I quietly asked that teacher how she could take those students, but never seemed to have the problems the other teachers had. The answer astounded me, but was so obvious. She said, “I JUST LOVE ‘EM TO DEATH.” “Nuff said!

Paul said that too. If we made loving others a priority, a regular practice, we wouldn’t need the ten commandments.

4. I’d feel like such a hypocrite. I am a sinner. How can I look a child in the eye and tell them how to live their life. Mine is a mess. You may feel that’s the case, but remember we are all a work in progress.

None of us is free from sin. but we strive to avoid the sinful ways and associations, the very qualities we want to impart to the children. Sincerity is the key here. They say you “can’t con a con man” Well, children spot a phony very quickly. But if you are sincere you can be a real role model for the children at VBS.

5. How can I help when I don’t know the language? Not as big a problem as you might think.

One year I was a helper in the Crafts section. Most children can mimic actions, instructions to do simple projects. Off to the side I noticed a young gypsy girl, about twelve who was doing nothing, just looking around like she was lost.

Naturally, I went to her and through motions with my hands, and hers, she let me know she was stuck on the first step. The first step was to write her name on her project. She could not write her name. She said, “Maria” and I wrote it on her project for her, gave her a little hug and she gave me a big smile that would melt a glacier. I could tell from the comments and giggles around the table, that Maria was frequently teased and rejected by her peers. (Unspoken message – “Jesus loves us despite our shortcomings.”

Maria and I bonded at that point. It was moments like that that kept me wanting to return to Romania again and again, helping other Marias.

Yes, not knowing the language can be a problem but In many cases you will have translator. However, in an environment where everyone is trying to help everyone else, the language barriers tend to fade away and become less significant.

Playing the VBS “game” so to speak can be a lot of fun. When you are part of the team, that’s when the real fun begins, and the feeling of being a true servant of Christ occurs. Join the team.

 

 

Next Week: 16 Reasons Why Having a Vacation Bible School is Good for Your Church.