Judy Smith
Florida Conference Children and Family ministries was committed to serving the community by bringing a fun, interactive Vacation Bible School (VBS) to them. This goal became more difficult in the wake of COVID-19. After much planning, the Florida Conference VBS team, under the direction of Judy Smith, presented a custom, virtual VBS program designed for churches and families during COVID-19 and the post-COVID-19 shutdown. The program was produced via Facebook Live, and using the Open Church format, for five nights in July.
Children love heroes. This summer, instead of talking about superheroes from the comics or movies, this new VBS program from the Adventist Church, Heroes VBS Live, taught them about heroes from the Bible. They learned about Miriam, Samuel, and Rhoda, who made a big difference even though they were kids.
The different characteristics of real heroes were discussed every day. The children were taught that Jesus is with them each day and will help them become heroes by doing little things that make a big difference. Students learned to be brave for Jesus, devoted to Jesus, caring for others, bold in sharing, and generous with others as they each day explored the key verse for the week:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1.
Small churches especially benefited from adopting this program, as all the leg work, planning, and supplies were already organized. There was also a substantial saving in production costs of the VBS, as the program was free. Schools and churches used it as part of their curriculum, and parents used it as a special treat for evening worship.
Children from all across the state of Florida and beyond its boundaries participated in this online VBS. Perhaps not until Heaven will the true results of this venture to such a wide audience be known.
Florida | August 2020
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