Diane Hooker
My first impression to lead Vacation Bible School (VBS) was at the previous year’s program,” said Ana Duvall, Jasper, Tenn., VBS director. Leaving it with God, she said in her heart that if the Lord wants it to happen, He will open the door. And open it, He did!
For Duvall, it was a difficult time to take on such an endeavor, as her family was moving “off grid.” Despite there always being a mountain of work to do at the new property, God miraculously provided her the necessary time, energy, means, and supportive family to accomplish each detail. “I saw God’s hand through the whole thing, and that encouraged me every day,” said Duvall.
God also provided through the church members by bringing exactly who was needed each day to volunteer. The talents of the church shined from greeters, decorators, teachers, craft leaders, game directors, food providers, and four “soldier” presenters — Rob Snider, pastor; Wyatt Tracy, intern pastor; Seth Ferrell, head elder; and Bill Wyatt, elder.
But, what was most important to Duvall was ministering to the right families during this opportunity to do children’s evangelism. One specific community family’s eldest son saw the advertisement in the mail, and begged his parents to take him. During VBS it was discovered that the boy’s father had grown up in the Adventist Church, but had since stopped attending. Returning to the church of his childhood and this program was an answer to the grandparents’ prayers for this precious family to come back to God.
Under the theme “Armor of God,” during every craft or activity, spiritual lessons were taught. In the light meals served, the health message was presented. The soldiers were visual reminders of what each piece of armor represented. The entire VBS lifted God up, and it was evident that He was leading it all.
It wasn’t just the children, though, who grew closer to God during the VBS, “Truly God provides,” Duvall rejoiced. “My relationship with Him has strengthened through seeing all the miracles He worked.”
Georgia-Cumberland | September 2024
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