VBS is as much a tradition in the Nueva Vida village churches as it is for many churches in the U.S. In the past our teams from Calvary Free Church in Rochester, Minnesota would run a VBSwith help from Dominican translators and teenagers from the main church.
Last year the Montana church co-led a few days of VBS with our team and then finished after they left. This year we planned a VBS using Spanish materials on the life of Daniel. We held the club each Monday afternoon. Faith Community Church's VBS in Ohio bought the craft supplies and sent some money to buy snacks. Ingrid and Lumi led storytime. Rovian and Carla led games. Ramona and AnaMaria, with help from others, were the craft teachers. Rick and I were all-arounders, keeping things moving and subbing where needed.
We had a smaller turn out than expected, but 20-25 kids were enough for us to handle. The volunteers learned new skills in teaching and managing children. They also learned the importance of prayer as we had one session that was particularly difficult due to misbehavior. We regrouped, changed our strategy and prayed all week. The next session went smoothly and we all praised God for answered prayers.
The Christians in Montaña are now talking seriously about learning to be "Sunday School" teachers. This is encouraging since in the past they have expressed a desire to have a children's program during worship time, but wanted "someone else" to come and do it for them. We have an experienced Dominican Sunday School teacher from one of the other churches who is willing to train them. Securing materials and curriculum will be another step in the process. But we are excited to see the Christians taking this on as their responsibility to the many children who attend services in Montaña.
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