Every year, in the heart of summer, lies an energy-draining week called, VBS (Vacation Bible School). This year's theme is called, "The Incredible Race." It was a serendipitous occurrence that Disney/Pixar's, Cars, came out this summer, as a lot of the pictures, props, and crafts are akin to the movie. Fresh off the excitement of seeing this flick, most of the kids are amped to have anything to do with cars. If you recall, my entry back on April 24 (The One With Summer (but not the girl)...) referenced my contemplation on teaching or working during the week of VBS. As I got closer to the date of this wondrous event, God really laid it on my heart to put my faith into works.
Howard and I have been doing a bible study since February called, "The Essential Bible Guide: 100 Readings Through the World's Most Important Book." Bruce had told me about this particular book since his church had, at one point, considered doing the corporate version of this study. It was quite intriguing because I'm always leery of anything claiming that it's the "best of," "most important," or in this case, "essential." We thought it would be cool to welcome the concept of knowing the bible from a general standpoint and check out the validity of this claim. Without going into any details of the study (I may do so in the future), I'll just go ahead and say that the experience has really changed, matured, and rooted me and Howard deeper on a spiritual level. For me, personally, it has really been the cornerstone of my spiritual life being on the up-and-up these past few months. Everything in life these days seems so burden-free and so much easier to absorb...without any of the stresses that life can often hand you. One of the biggest things that has hit me with this particular study has been the "faith without works" equals a not-so-good thing (pardon my ghetto translation of James 2). Instead of being dormant and lazy during VBS this year, I felt it was a clear opportunity to act out my ever-growing faith in God. If just one kid, who didn't have a relationship with Jesus or know about Him prior to VBS, grows and learns more about Jesus, or decides to one day invite Him into his or her heart, then my humble attempts of being a servant would be realized in a very new and real way.
When I initially signed up to be a helper for VBS, I checked multiple areas to which I would help out at - a utility/all-purpose guy if you like. I was originally assigned to help out with crafts, but yesterday, during our last workers meeting, Susan (Director of Children's Ministry) said she needed a Team Leader for the Primary Kids (First and Second Graders). Yup, you guessed it...I was the "Chosen One" to lead this said-group of rowdy and rambunctious kids. I didn't really know what to expect. I had taught VBS back in 2002. It was quite the eye-opening experience. I was taken back at how much I focused on the babysitting aspects of such an event. Instead of trying to channel the love of Jesus to these children, I allowed myself to fall into this default role of being "dad" to all of them. It's not a horrible thing I suppose as most children need some form of discipline at one time or another - some need the physical contact kind. I just felt bogged down because I didn't get much out of it. It seemed to be more of a chore than anything. I set out this time to be really used by God. Whatever He wanted me to do, I was going to do it with all of my "Asian Persuasianess" in order to be seen as His loving light to these kids.
Yesterday was the first night. Amid the non-air-conditioned sanctuary, everyone in attendance - kids and adults - worked so amazingly well together. There were numerous times where I found myself smitten with heaven-sent joy as I led the kids from site to site; and as I watched them participate in each activity. I don't know how many times I wanted to just jump in with the kids and be in the midst of this abundant joy and happiness. Perhaps I'll do so tonight. There were nine kids in my group. I hope they all invite a friend for tonight's session. If not, I hope at least all nine will show up again. These kids, each beautifully and wonderfully made, have already etched a special place in me. I'm already saddened that Wednesday will be the last night I'll get to spend time with them in this type of capacity. I feel so incredibly blessed right now that Susan picked me to be in charge of these kids. I can't wait to see them tonight!!!
Howard and I have been doing a bible study since February called, "The Essential Bible Guide: 100 Readings Through the World's Most Important Book." Bruce had told me about this particular book since his church had, at one point, considered doing the corporate version of this study. It was quite intriguing because I'm always leery of anything claiming that it's the "best of," "most important," or in this case, "essential." We thought it would be cool to welcome the concept of knowing the bible from a general standpoint and check out the validity of this claim. Without going into any details of the study (I may do so in the future), I'll just go ahead and say that the experience has really changed, matured, and rooted me and Howard deeper on a spiritual level. For me, personally, it has really been the cornerstone of my spiritual life being on the up-and-up these past few months. Everything in life these days seems so burden-free and so much easier to absorb...without any of the stresses that life can often hand you. One of the biggest things that has hit me with this particular study has been the "faith without works" equals a not-so-good thing (pardon my ghetto translation of James 2). Instead of being dormant and lazy during VBS this year, I felt it was a clear opportunity to act out my ever-growing faith in God. If just one kid, who didn't have a relationship with Jesus or know about Him prior to VBS, grows and learns more about Jesus, or decides to one day invite Him into his or her heart, then my humble attempts of being a servant would be realized in a very new and real way.
When I initially signed up to be a helper for VBS, I checked multiple areas to which I would help out at - a utility/all-purpose guy if you like. I was originally assigned to help out with crafts, but yesterday, during our last workers meeting, Susan (Director of Children's Ministry) said she needed a Team Leader for the Primary Kids (First and Second Graders). Yup, you guessed it...I was the "Chosen One" to lead this said-group of rowdy and rambunctious kids. I didn't really know what to expect. I had taught VBS back in 2002. It was quite the eye-opening experience. I was taken back at how much I focused on the babysitting aspects of such an event. Instead of trying to channel the love of Jesus to these children, I allowed myself to fall into this default role of being "dad" to all of them. It's not a horrible thing I suppose as most children need some form of discipline at one time or another - some need the physical contact kind. I just felt bogged down because I didn't get much out of it. It seemed to be more of a chore than anything. I set out this time to be really used by God. Whatever He wanted me to do, I was going to do it with all of my "Asian Persuasianess" in order to be seen as His loving light to these kids.
Yesterday was the first night. Amid the non-air-conditioned sanctuary, everyone in attendance - kids and adults - worked so amazingly well together. There were numerous times where I found myself smitten with heaven-sent joy as I led the kids from site to site; and as I watched them participate in each activity. I don't know how many times I wanted to just jump in with the kids and be in the midst of this abundant joy and happiness. Perhaps I'll do so tonight. There were nine kids in my group. I hope they all invite a friend for tonight's session. If not, I hope at least all nine will show up again. These kids, each beautifully and wonderfully made, have already etched a special place in me. I'm already saddened that Wednesday will be the last night I'll get to spend time with them in this type of capacity. I feel so incredibly blessed right now that Susan picked me to be in charge of these kids. I can't wait to see them tonight!!!
God tells us to treasure things in Heaven. These moments that I have with my kids, I will do just that. Lord, may you bless each child tonight. Sustain them, grow them in the image of Christ, and lead them to your everlasting love and peace...
For Holly, Olivia, Ceara, Jade, Kelsey 1, Kelsey 2, Richard, Ramon, and Steven
~KH
Their eyes wide-open and ears perked,
As a biblical story of His love was told.
Laughter echoed through the halls,
Beneath the ardor His will unfolds.
And the piercing innocence of each child His love,
Always abundant and never yielding,
Moves placidly 'til each soul was released to His hold.
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