SEND! magazine Second Quarter 2005: Bearing Fruit Among the Children of Asia
Bearing Fruit Among the Children of Asia
Last summer, more than 75,000 kids met in Believers Churches all across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka for a six-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. With the theme "Bearing Fruit That Will Last," children and young people alike heard the Gospel and learned about following Jesus. And the VBS programs themselves have proven to be very fruitful.
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| The cost of a VBS packet for a child is just $1*. $1 Canada 6p United Kingdom, $1.70 New Zealand. |
In one area of Central India, Pastor Simon held a VBS program for 132 children, most of whom were from non-Christian homes. The children received New Testaments and picture booklets on the life of Jesus in their VBS packets. They were given breakfast each morning-courtesy of Simon's church members. By the end of the week, 75 boys and girls had given their hearts to Jesus. In the weeks and months that followed, Pastor Simon visited the family of each child, helping spread the Good News of Jesus even farther.
GFA's program takes place during the summer months of the Asian school schedule—typically April, May and June. A Believers Church pastor will supervise the VBS program for his area, using either the church facilities or a rented hall. GFA Bible college students doing outreach on their summer break get involved too, performing skits and puppet shows, teaching Bible songs and verses, and instructing the children from God's Word.
But the outreach efforts of Vacation Bible School go far beyond just the children themselves. GFA missionaries and pastors focus on ministering to the parents as well. Children are given Gospel literature to take home, and Gospel workers visit the families of each child who comes to Christ during the program.
More than 30,000 children gave their lives to Jesus during VBS last year, some of them teenagers who want to enter full-time ministry when they finish school.
The Lord is using the creativity of our brothers and sisters to win many precious souls for Him. The theme for VBS 2005 is "My Special Friend," and Believers Churches all across Asia have set a goal to share Jesus' love with 100,000 children. Please pray that thousands of children—and their families—will discover Jesus as their dearest Friend this summer.
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