A Summer to Remember
GFA teams held around 500 programs across India and Nepal —and reached more than 60,000 kids. God worked powerfully: 10,000 children surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ!
"I know that Jesus does not like what I do," sobbed the girl dressed in maroon and white. The crowd of children was hushed as she expressed how sorry she was for treating her parents with disrespect—talking back, arguing, and using bad language. "What I do is wrong," she said, "and I will never do this again."
Helping children meet God in a transforming way, as this girl did, was the aim of Gospel for Asia's 2003 Vacation Bible School campaign. Working with local churches, 15 itinerant teams held three-day outreaches across India and Nepal from April through June.
It was the first time Gospel for Asia sponsored a summer childrens' outreach of this magnitude. Organizers estimate that teams held 500 programs in 20 states—and reached more than 60,000 kids. "The purpose," said a senior children's ministry leader, "is to see our younger generation reached with the love of Christ."
God worked powerfully: 10,000 children surrendered their lives to Christ!
Each 10-person team included students and staff from GFA Bible schools, native missionaries, and two trained team leaders. Designed around the theme, "Let Your Light Shine," the curriculum followed by all teams engaged the children in singing, Bible teaching, skits, a David Livingstone missionary story and more. In a culture less jaded by entertainment, such activities are highly enjoyable.
Just as special was the spirit of love and unconditional acceptance that surrounded the children. "That kind of love," said a GFA leader, "is new to many of them, and it attracts them to the message of Christ."
On the final day of each VBS, children took part in an open-air rally, performing a short program of songs for passersby. Each child also received a New Testament to take home, bringing the Scriptures into tens of thousands of homes.
Beyond the immediate impact they have on children and their families, VBS programs fortify the year-round Sunday schools of local churche. And by conducting on-the-spot training for pastors and staff in some states, the teams also equipped churches to hold their own summer programs for kids.
The campaign was organized by a core team of six Gospel for Asia leaders who wrote curriculum, translated songs, prepared skits, and mobilized prayer support. Their hope and prayer is that in summers to come, teams will reach 500,000 children and teens—and that for each one it will be a summer to remember.
Watch for further results from VBS 2003 in an upcoming issue of SEND!.
Pray:
- For the salvation of children who heard the Gospel for the first time, and for believing children to become rooted in the love of Christ
- For those native missionaries now following up the children who came to faith in Christ, and that they can build rapport with parents
- That parents and siblings will be curious to read the New Testament brought home
- For next summer's needs to be met: additional workers and leaders, finances, and a team to develop and write curriculum.
Transformations
More than 600 teens and preteens attended a VBS youth camp in Assam, India, from April 9 to 11. They learned about their identity in Christ, how to overcome temptation and win the battle for the mind, and how to spend time alone with God in the Word. They also looked at 1 Corinthians 13 for wisdom on friendships and relationships.
There were 73 salvation commitments, and two campers sensed God's leading to missions work. Here's what else the Lord did:
"Before I came to this camp I thought my sinful life will never change. But I learned from your Bible teaching that God can change me. His grace is sufficient for me in all my weakness."
"I have decided to walk with Jesus on an everyday basis."
"From the session on friendship and relationships, I took a decision that I should love my neighbor. I think that is the only way I can reflect Christ in my life."
"I have an uncle who drinks and beats me and my aunty every day. The answer you [the camp leader] gave was really a blessing. Now I know that the Lord is faithful to care for me even through the bad times in my life."
"Before I came to camp I did not have joy or peace of mind. But when I gave my life to Jesus, I found abounding joy and peace filling my heart. I thank my friend who brought me here."