Vacation Bible School makes a difference

This week, Pastor Garrison Chaffee, his wife, Merilyn, and a team of volunteers have been leading out in our VBS at the Santa Rosa Adventiast church. For me, one thing is clear, VBS changes lives. For many years, I have heard stories of how God used a Vacation Bible School to plant a seed in the life of a child and how that child since has chosen to follow Jesus and made a difference in the world around them.

Here are a few of the comments I have heard this week...

40 year old parent---"I have been attending VBS for many years and have seen many adults who had not been attending for several years are now coming back to the church and bringing their children. They want their children to have what they grew up with, a church home and biblical teaching. Many times when asked why they have come back they answer "because I remember going to VBS and I want my kids to have the same experiences I had growing up."

80 year old woman. "I have taught children at church for many years. I have helped with VBS, and I have taught many of the people in this church when they were younger. What better thing to do than to love our children. You tell me."

26 year old VBS leader. "I am always sad when VBS ends. It is always sad to me to see a wonderful week end, but I know that people are affected by what they learn. Over the last few years, we have had over 120 children at VBS on average and many of those kids do not attend our church. My hope is VBS is something that might get them to come and attend church."

If you have a VBS story, I would love to hear it.

Thanks to all of you who are making a difference with our children! You are awesome!

Pacific Institute of Christan Ministry

Tomorrow, June 23rd, at 11am, I will be teaching a seminar for the Pacific Union and North American Division at the Fairfield SDA church. The Seminar? Practicum in Pastoral Ministry. This is a class for all of you who want to complete certification for the Lay Pastoral Assistant Course. See you there!

Today's message, "The Value of Discipline" was part three of our series on the book of Proverbs, wisdom to live by. Remember that discipline includes recognizing your need, practicing delayed gratification, and making advance decision...Parents talk with your children about what decisions they will make when they face specific situations. They will be better prepared to deal with life with this tool in their toolbelt.

Curt Cloninger coming to Santa Rosa Adventist church on July 7, 11am