YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --
More than 150 children participated in Yokota’s Annual
Vacation Bible School June 19 to 24.
Every summer, the chapel hosts VBS during the week after
school releases, Monday through Friday for three hours each morning.
This year’s theme was “Cave Quest: Following Jesus, the
light of the world.” Children traveled in groups between five different cave-themed
stations doing activities such as sports, snack time and science experiments.
“For each activity the volunteers use hands-on
communication to engage kids in song, movement, and team work to reinforce the
Bible lesson,” said Gwyn Poock, VBS director’s assistant. “We try to reach kids
with every learning style, whether they love to be active or they love science
or crafts, we try to help each kid internalize the Bible point in a way that
works for their style.”
The activities are designed to be fun and entertaining
while teaching spiritual lessons.
“We’re been learning about how God helps us and how he
gives us hope and courage,” said Kiera Cash, one of the participating children.
“My favorite part has been getting to be closer to God. I’ve also made a lot of
friends here. The most fun part is dancing and singing.”
According to Poock, the benefits of VBS don’t reach just
the participants. More than 60 volunteers assisted in set up and running the
program, including a team of five volunteers who spent at least 40 hours
transforming the main base chapel into a crystal-encrusted cave.
“Getting together
with the community builds those relationships that help us thrive while living
in a foreign country,” Poock added.
Tammy McBride, VBS director, also commented on the
community aspect of VBS.
“There’s so much unity in it,” McBride said. “It’s
wonderful to see. The younger kids, especially the ones taking on the assistant
group-leader roles, love helping out and being in charge. They love seeing how
they’re having a positive influence on the younger kids.”
The VBS team and participants are also looking to make a
positive impact on the community as well by accepting food donations for
charitable ministries. McBride and Poock invite anyone to bring donations to
the main chapel. They also asked any parent sending a child to VBS consider
volunteering since the program is growing by 20 to 25 children every year.
“Our hope is that at the end of the five days, every kid
and every volunteer and their families get the message that Jesus loves them,
he’s with them every day and he gives them hope, courage, direction, love and
power,” McBride said.
For more information about VBS, volunteering or what items
to donate, contact the main base chapel at 225-7009.