We have just completed a 6 day Bi-Lingual VBS at our large clubhouse. The maximum of 200 children was reached just a few short days after pre-registraion opened. So, for three hours each day this week, we've all been way down under.
We even had a real live Aussie helping out :) Seven white foreigners helped teach and one child was American...other than that....everything was done by nationals and all children attending were local.
Each day, the children marched in just like in the States...well almost.
Everyone had worked VERY hard to prepare the facilties for the week's activities. We really appreciated all of the "extra" materials sent by our good friends in MS and WV. We were able to help six of the fifteen classes decorate their rooms. (And, the leftover materials are now on their way to Thailand to help with another week of fun for some of our own company kids.) Recycling VBS materials is very good stewardship.
Since the week was publicized as "bilingual", everything was translated (which by the way, takes twice the time and materials).
After the opening rally, we all headed off to our classrooms for the day's lesson. Again, each classroom had an English speaker and a National speaker. So, the children heard the story and memorized the verses in both languages.
Music time was the only exception. Everything was done in English. Of course, motions are the same in any language.
Our family really enjoyed the Mission Harbor. It was great to hear how others are sharing HIStory around the world. Our VBS children collected money for a special project...purchasing mosquito nets for families in India. Our large clubhouse sponsors two special trips to India each year, so our nationals can share HIStory with children and adults there. The target goal was $2500 USD. One little girl brought her very heavy piggy bank. She said she was giving her "life's savings" to save others. I think she understood the message.
The most exciting part of the week was decision time. Our English shepherd gave an invitation during the opening rally on Wednesday. During the prayer time, two of my fourteen children raised their hands but did not go forward. During class time, we shared the A, B, C's and seven raised their hand to accept. During the closing rally, our English shepherd gave a second invitaon. Twelve of my fourteen children went forward. (Two are from Harmony Home....Jing Jing and Vic...how exciting!) More than half of the 200 children made a commitment on some level! We are excited for the national SS and Awana teachers to follow-up.
Another exciting part of the week was the VBS leader's annoucement that next year she hopes our large clubhouse will host two weeks of VBS. When she asked how many would be willing to work two weeks, almost everyone in the room raised their hands! We were completely overwhelmed! From the beginning when our family learned that the VBS was limited to 200 children and had a very long waiting list, we had been hoping that the leaders would choose to do a second week next year. Our thoughts have been answered. Of course, that means, we'll be even more busy next summer :) But, it's definitely worth it! Perhaps, you'll consider coming over to assist us. The greatest joy in all the world is working alongside these nationals and seeing these precious little ones come to HIM.
We even had a real live Aussie helping out :) Seven white foreigners helped teach and one child was American...other than that....everything was done by nationals and all children attending were local.
Each day, the children marched in just like in the States...well almost.
Everyone had worked VERY hard to prepare the facilties for the week's activities. We really appreciated all of the "extra" materials sent by our good friends in MS and WV. We were able to help six of the fifteen classes decorate their rooms. (And, the leftover materials are now on their way to Thailand to help with another week of fun for some of our own company kids.) Recycling VBS materials is very good stewardship.
Since the week was publicized as "bilingual", everything was translated (which by the way, takes twice the time and materials).
After the opening rally, we all headed off to our classrooms for the day's lesson. Again, each classroom had an English speaker and a National speaker. So, the children heard the story and memorized the verses in both languages.
Music time was the only exception. Everything was done in English. Of course, motions are the same in any language.
Our family really enjoyed the Mission Harbor. It was great to hear how others are sharing HIStory around the world. Our VBS children collected money for a special project...purchasing mosquito nets for families in India. Our large clubhouse sponsors two special trips to India each year, so our nationals can share HIStory with children and adults there. The target goal was $2500 USD. One little girl brought her very heavy piggy bank. She said she was giving her "life's savings" to save others. I think she understood the message.
The most exciting part of the week was decision time. Our English shepherd gave an invitation during the opening rally on Wednesday. During the prayer time, two of my fourteen children raised their hands but did not go forward. During class time, we shared the A, B, C's and seven raised their hand to accept. During the closing rally, our English shepherd gave a second invitaon. Twelve of my fourteen children went forward. (Two are from Harmony Home....Jing Jing and Vic...how exciting!) More than half of the 200 children made a commitment on some level! We are excited for the national SS and Awana teachers to follow-up.
Another exciting part of the week was the VBS leader's annoucement that next year she hopes our large clubhouse will host two weeks of VBS. When she asked how many would be willing to work two weeks, almost everyone in the room raised their hands! We were completely overwhelmed! From the beginning when our family learned that the VBS was limited to 200 children and had a very long waiting list, we had been hoping that the leaders would choose to do a second week next year. Our thoughts have been answered. Of course, that means, we'll be even more busy next summer :) But, it's definitely worth it! Perhaps, you'll consider coming over to assist us. The greatest joy in all the world is working alongside these nationals and seeing these precious little ones come to HIM.
