Next week's VBS will be a unique gathering of kids, youth helpers and adult helpers from Westside, Montagnard churches, a Swahili speaking church and Renova (a Spanish speaking church). The theme will be trusting God. Participants will hear stories from the book of Daniel in the Bible, sing and dance to worship songs, play games, do crafts, and have a lot of fun. Pray that all those who God wants to be there would be able to attend and that God would provide transportation for those who need it.
Daniel in the Bible was only a teenager when he was first taken as an exile to Babylon. He showed amazing faith even at a young age. Pray that all the kids and youth who participate in VBS would know God like Daniel did. Pray that all those who attend would encounter God in such a way that it leads them to make him both their forgiver (Savior) and leader (Lord). Pray that kids, youth and adults would find their joy in Jesus and make him the center of their lives.
Jesus spent 3 years discipling (mentoring) 12 men. Then he told them to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Pray that VBS would play a role in making disciples of the kids and youth helpers. The leaders of our various stations will have the opportunity to disciple/mentor their youth helpers. These leaders will have a lot on their mind and tasks to get done--pray that they would also be able to build relationships with the kids and helpers and provide spiritual influence.
After the Bible teaching, the kids will spend some time in small groups. Pray that God would use these times to help the kids know God and not just about him. Pray that God would cause the hearts of the kids to be attentive and spiritually hungry.
Pray for wisdom for the helpers to know how to deal with distractions and behavior challenges.
Daniel in the Bible deals with spiritual forces. Ephesians 6 tells us that there are spiritual forces that are battling for hearts and souls--but God is stronger. Pray for protection from any attack the devil would want to bring. May we stand firm in God's power with the helmet of salvation, shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, the footwear of the gospel of peace, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) (Ephesians 6).
At VBS there will be kids from various cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Our vision as a church is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all the nations that God has gathered in Greensboro and the Triad. Pray that God would deepen our commitment and calling to live as missionaries to our neighbors, work colleagues, classmates, and friends. May many put their faith in Jesus and become disciples in the coming years through the ministry of Westside.