“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14
Summer in the Philippines is hot, dry, and clear. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is everywhere throughout the nation, including Olongapo, around Subic Bay, and out in Zambales Province. Kids love it. It’s free, it’s fun, and there is food. VBS is an effective way to teach Bible truths, reach significant numbers of unchurched children, and foster community bonding in a fun Christian environment. The Way of Jesus is exciting, challenging, and fun for the kids.
Our scholars, Caleb, Kaella, and Kelsey (new to our program) had a full week of good weather and good fun. They made new friends and learned more about Jesus and the Scriptures. Their VBS week ended with an award ceremony and lots of good memories.
Out in Rabanes, San Marcelino, Zambales, two small congregations combined resources to offer the kids of Rabanes a full-featured VBS. Over 200 kids and VBS workers had a great week together.
Through the generous gift of one of our supporters, we were able to finance a hearty meal, including snacks, for the children, the workers, and some of the kids’ families at the Closing Day Awards Ceremonies. 200+ full stomachs!
One of the most significant blessings that VBS produces is acknowledgment, or validation. The VBS workers (mostly volunteers) make a point of making each child feel special, because they are. The kind of poverty most of these kids live in is isolating, lonely, and soul-damaging. The VBS workers spend the week building into the children’s lives. By the end of the week, the kids are full of love and food…two things they absolutely need. VBS is more than “another” church program.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14
VBS has been part of Filipino church life for a century now — what began as an American import in the 1920s grew into something the churches here made their own, open to any child, regardless of background. That’s still true today: at Rabanes, and at OCCS, kids showed up who’d never set foot in a church before, and left knowing they were welcome. For Kelsey, new to our Scholarship Outreach and to first grade this year, that welcome came all at once.
That’s the real harvest of VBS — not just Bible stories learned, but a week where a child who is often overlooked gets to feel seen.
