Voice of Seeni from Volgograd, Russia.....: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2009- JESUS MY HOPE

The first day started with many joy and gladness. At 7.30am, children already began to register themselves at the registration counters. The teachers gathered at the prayer room for their morning devotion, which was conducted by the pastor. At 8.00am, the praise and worship session began. Ms. Nancy Laurence, started with a few songs begin the day. Shortly after that, I was called in front to teach the Theme Song. I was really grateful to my God as he has given such a great talent. Me, with my guitar and 11 people whom I taught them the Theme Song beforehand (so that it would be easier for the children to learn the song) came in front to teach the new song for them. Not bad, the children were able to catch the song up very fast. The theme song lyrics are as such:-

Chorus

Yesuveh naan ummai nambuvein

Yesuveh naan ummai nesippen

Yesuveh naan ummil vaaluvein

Yenthan yesuveh nambuvein

Rap

Yesuveh naan ini nambuvein

Ini yentha kavalaiyum illaiyeh

Yesuveh naan ini nesippen

Avar ennai endrum nesippar

Yen yesu, Naan ini NAMBUVEIN!

After that it was the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was carried out outside the church. There was the balloon cutting ceremony. Aftermath, breakfast was served. Lessons began after breakfast. About 361 children attended VBS the first day (3 years-18 years). Lesson 1 and 2 was conducted on the first day. I had a great time going from class to class and helping the classes that were in need. After the lessons were carried out, it was time for department’s devotion. Rev. David Rasaphandy took charge on the primary children, Pas. Paul Mani the juniors and Rev. Steven Abbarow conducted the devotion for the intermediate and senior children. The session was carried out for about 1 hour and the lunch was given and the program ends for that day.

The second days program begins at 8.00am. This time the praise and worship session was carried out by Bro. Dennis Johnson. It has been quite a long time he had conducted praise and worship for the children in Sunday school. At first he really didn’t want to conduct praise and worship as he has lost touch for many years, but I insisted that he should conduct it. He really conducted well. I’m sure all the children would have enjoyed praising God especially through the song “I Love you Jesus”. He began calling all those who did not do the action to the front and this made everyone to do action for the song.

Then later on it was the photography session. This year all those who participated VBS gets a t-shirt. A big group photo was taken. There should be around 430 people in the photograph. As usual, breakfast was served after the photography session and then lessons begin as usual. Today there will be 2 lessons carried out. I was given a special responsibility on that day which is to go around each and every class and take the class attendance. I calculated and said that on that days total was 380, but the number does not tele with the actual account taken by each department heads which totals up to 382. But I was sure of my answer. I told the VBS coordinator that I am sure of my answer and I will go and take account again for the primary department as that department was the one which had shortage. Finally, my calculations were the right one.

After the 2 lessons was the departments devotion and then lunch was served. Another special thing for this years VBS was that the committee found some sponsors and managed to call up Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to come to our church and conduct games for the children. The program was carried out at the church car park. Everyone enjoyed the games. After the program, I had to rush for tuition as I am a temporary teacher now; I cannot skip class a student does. I had to rush in the tiredness too….

Although I really felt so tired, but there is a satisfaction and joy in the tiredness too. The next day (final day) is where we had to wrap up many things. The final lesson was carried out. This lesson was about Salvation and the teachers were urged to pray for their children in order to bring them into Salvation during class hours. After that the devotion was carried out in church. This time all the children were called up to the church and the devotion was carried out by Rev. Herbert John (Perak District Superintendent). He is really a great pastor. He managed to capture the attention of all the children who were present there. He is really a cool pastor. The song “One Way” really made those who do not sing to sing, dance and praise God amazingly. Another special item was done on the last day. They ordered a large cake and made all the non Christians who came for the VBS to cut the cake. It was a really great acknowledgment for them. And pastors laid hands on them and prayed for each and every non- Christian who came on that day. It was really special for them as the were honored on that day. At last we sang the theme song and dismissed. It was really a wonderful 3 day experience that I got before leaving to Indonesia.