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| learning songs |
During the third week of August, we held the annual week of VBS. The theme was the fruit of the Spirit, from Galatians 5. For the first time since 2019, we had it live. Although the Teach Us to Pray building in Huejotzingo still didn't have running water, any electricity, or all its doors, it was ready  |
| signing in |
enough that we could have the VBS there.  |
| teen volunteers lend a hand |
We provided transport for two families, which meant packing eleven kids - sometimes more - into our car for the short trip. Throughout the week, 36 children attended, along with a total
of 12 volunteers. Three of the volunteers were teens who had participated as children.
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| changing from games to snack |
We told stories of Bible characters who demonstrated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Old Testament Joseph, Paul and Silas, Abigail, and Ruth represented the first seven fruits, and on the final day, Abraham told of how Jesus embodied all of them, while emphasizing Jesus' gentleness and self-control.
Each day we opened with review and some songs, and then the smaller kids went upstairs for their snack. The older group enjoyed games for that half-hour, and then the two groups changed places.
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| craft time with the smaller kids |
During the middle of the time, both groups joined to hear the Bible story and sing more songs, and then the smaller kids stayed downstairs for their review page and craft. The older kids did their activities
upstairs. Throughout the whole time, we worked with the kids to memorize Galatians 5:16, 22-25.
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| the final craft |
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snack
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| finale with parents |
On Friday afternoon, all the parents were invited to attend the finale so that they could see what their children had learned during the week. Without us asking, four different families offered to buy treats to share with all the people who had participated in the VBS.
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one family bought a cake for everyone
In our neighborhood, there are few children, so we felt it more prudent to continue VBS the final week of August by Whatsapp for those children. We recorded the videos, prepared packets of review pages and crafts, and filled bags with the necessary supplies for each activity. Twelve children and teens signed up. They have until September 4 to send photos of their completed pages.
Thank you for your prayers for us. Please pray that the lessons learned by the VBS participants would draw them closer to God. Pray also that the construction in Huejotzingo could be finished quickly and well, and that God would guide Abraham and I in how best to reach out to the community there and in our neighborhood. |
