What a wonderful week of VBS this turned out to be. It's so awesome to know and feel what it's like when you just let God work through things in life. No personal agendas; just doing what He calls us to do in the first place: Serve.
Well, Kelsey 2 (K2) didn't make it tonight, unfortunately. Her Ring Pop (a lighted one at that) will be saved and hopefully she'll get it one day soon. However, in addition to all of my kids getting one, there was another deserving girl named, Miranda (top left pic in this entry). She was in the next age group up from the Primary bunch (Juniors if I'm not mistaken) and was probably up there with K2 as one of the most well-behaved kids there all week. Her silent kindness overshadowed her shyness...and her smile spoke loudly over her quiet demeanor. Both these gals were quiet individuals. I suppose there's a bias towards the quiet and shy ones. That was totally me when I was little; and still to this day if I'm in a social setting with unfamiliar people. In any case, these types of kids are hard to come by in society these days. Their gentle and fragile souls are led down a kind-hearted path which speaks volumes for Christ in a soft and sweet manner. Almost sounds too good to be true, but this was way apparent in these two. It hit me hard at times because I see myself that way a lot of times. Aside from my sarcasm, ghetto wit, obnoxiousness, and attempts at humor (those by the way can all take up a lot of energy), there lies this shy soul for Christ's commission.
These two reminded me of how a quiet demeanor can sometimes be so powerful and affect someone in such a profound and amazing way. I'm utterly amazed and grateful to God for allowing me to see glimpses of Him through Kelsey and Miranda. This was just the icing on the top for me this week. All of the other kids that I had interaction with were so wonderful, too. There was Ramon and Richard - two little boys pictured below Miranda - who were always so attentive when I spoke to them - and not to mention so smart and funny. Steven, the cross-eyed blond boy in all of the pics I posted this week (he does have normal eyes), who was so full of vigor and obedient (much thanks to how his mom and pop are raising him). I mean I could go down the list and bore you to death with stories from each kid that tugged on my heartstrings this week, but they would all eventually lead to God's character and His undying love for me. Every VBS that I've been a part of has been a life-changing experience for me. I travel down this path that I never would've imagined myself taking in my pursuit of Christ.
There's no mistake that life gets tougher as you grow old. But your passion for God doesn't have to reside in the mundane and cyclical routines of life. I don't know what my impressions will be for VBS next year. It doesn't matter much at this point. All I know is that I'll often visit these VBS entries because the pics and memories will always bring me home to God.
I owe BIG thanks to the following:
Susan for picking me to lead the Primary kids and for the obvious things you do in putting this massive production together. Howard for helping me realize that faith without works really does mean nothing. Wolfgang for always being so cool and encouraging. Chris, Janna, and Tammy Hornbaker, Steve, Rae, and Jessie for teaching my kids this week at each site - you guys did an amazing job!!! The people behind the scenes (craft workers and cooks/snack people - Mary, Stephanie, Janet, Beth, Rene, Athena, Gayle, and Kelly). And for everyone else that I forgot...I'm sorry if I didn't include your name. It's because I either don't know how to spell your name or my mind is shutting down after this entire week. And lastly, each kid that called me Mr. Henry or Chinese Man. All of you are adored because not only have you brought this wretched little boy closer to God, but you have all shown me how to live life so much more abundantly. Lord Jesus, I'm free in You. Forever and ever...
~KH
P.S. The water slide was way more impressive than I had imagined it to be. I was astounded and smiled the entire time I was outside watching the kids go down time after time. Susan, Don, and Linda were covered by the kids in oil (chocolate syrup) after raising enough money to send Don and Linda to Africa in September for missionary work. I heard someone say there were ten bottles used. It was absolutely insane!!! And you'll see below the cardboard car that Howard and I built for the kids. It worked out great as the prize bin.
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