Nothing made sense.

I could see the words, but couldn’t understand them.

I could see the materials, but didn’t know what to do with them.

I could hear the music but didn’t know what to sing.

I didn’t know a lot.

I didn’t even know what I didn’t know!

That’s the way most of us feel when we get into the new situation, pretty alone and confused and helpless. Watch a five-year-old child on his/her first day of school. The vacant stare, the trembling lower lip, the moist eyes, the fear of the unknown beginning to take hold.

That’s the way many of us are until we meet Jesus. He cares for us, gives us direction, comforts us and keeps of safe and feeling secure.

Think for a minute about Vacation Bible School (VBS). The children, young or old, don’t know what to expect. They have only been told that VBS will be exciting and fun. We’ll have more to say about the children in a few paragraphs.

But now let’s talk about the people who have volunteered to help. I’ll bet they had the same feelings those children had when they first volunteered.

What am I going to do?

Can I handle the children?

I don’t know the bible that well?

I can’t move around very fast.

Why did I ever agree to do this?

As a VBS leader, you want to keep the anxiety level low or non-existent. Tell the people what the plan is, what is going to happen and when, what they will learn, and how they will feel when it is all over. Keep communicating with them and encouraging them.

As for the children, greet them with a happy smiling face. Call them by name, projecting love and help. In VBS, in all components; crafts, recreation, bible study, praise worship, they are learning about Jesus.

“A hug from a child as he/she leaves for home after each VBS day means more than you can imagine.”

As a leader or helper, YOU become a surrogate Jesus.

Your actions, the things you say, the love you share all reflect on who you are, and what the children perceive you to be.

You are their friend. Jesus is their friend.

You guide them. Jesus guides them.

You forgive mistakes. Jesus forgives mistakes.

Is it no wonder that sometimes YOU can get confused with Jesus in a child’s mind.

That is an awesome burden. But don’t you try to live your life the way Jesus would want you to? Don’t you pray and worship God every day? Hmm?

You see, just being YOU is all you have to do to relate to these children at a deep spiritual level. No need for fancy names and labels. A hug from a child as he/she leaves for home after each VBS day means more than you can imagine. It is those times, and the times are countless, that you remember fondly for many years.

Those are the times that draw you back to having another VBS experience. Ask those who have done it. Something happens, something very addictive, something that demands satisfaction, a satisfaction that can only be met by seeking to have that experience again and again. Sort of like eating chocolate.

Does your church have an overseas VBS mission? If so, volunteer. If not, talk to your pastor and suggest he take the leadership to start one. You CAN do it. The children are waiting.

Next week:  How Shall They Know You?

When children come to church, they don’t need another authority figure. They need a model of Jesus. A friend. Someone they can talk to. They need to experience the love of Christ in a caring relationship with you. What you say and do is as important as the Bible study you teach. God’s Word really is caught AND taught.