The summer months are typically the time when many of our branches and missions hold Vacation Bible School. This year, though, like many other activities, VBS (in person) was a casualty of the pandemic.

But as we have witnessed over the last six months, the Lord has continued to inspire His people with new ways to meet via the technology that we’ve been blessed with. How fitting it was when a virtual VBS was suggested. Children’s Sunday School had gone virtual since the branch closed, so why not VBS? The ministry agreed, and a committee formed.

In about a month’s time, everything was set up and ready to go. The entire Church was invited to attend. Children from across the country participated, from Pennsylvania to Florida to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Over 30 attended throughout the week. They had five evenings of music, lessons, skits, videos, and games.

Crafts, a VBS staple, had to be incorporated somehow. So, each child got a packet of craft supplies in the mail, and how-to videos were posted on the branch website for help. The kids’ homework was to complete the craft and show it the next day.

At the end of the week, a virtual talent show was held. Some displayed their talents live on Zoom, while the others sent in videos that were compiled into a montage.

The theme of the week was Jesus Leads the Way, and the theme song was “Jesus Is Our Treasure,” all with a rainforest twist. The leaders and teachers all dressed in their best jungle garb, positioned on Zoom with rainforest backdrops behind them.

The kids got to learn about Noah, Moses and the 10 Commandments, Jesus calling the 12 disciples, Jesus healing the 10 lepers, and Jesus visiting the disciples after His resurrection while they were fishing. We even experienced a modern-day version of this last story!

In John 21, Jesus called out to the disciples while they were in their fishing boats and asked if they had caught anything. When they responded no, He told them to cast on the right side of the ship, and their net was so full they needed another boat to bring it back to shore. Our brother, who was assisting for the lesson, videoed himself and another brother out fishing. They ventured out onto a lake and prayed that Jesus would be with them. They demonstrated how a net gets thrown, but no fish were caught. However, when our brothers cast their rods, they immediately began catching fish.

One caught a fish on his first cast! In just a few hours — and 105-degree heat — they had caught close to 40 fish! I asked them later if they’d ever gone fishing on the same lake and what happened in the past. One said that the last two times he had been to that lake, he caught nothing. Yet, when videoing for the children, Jesus blessed our brothers and showed His power just as He did with His disciples so long ago! The Lord demonstrated to the children that He will go with them wherever they are. All they have to do is pray and invite Him.

There were many blessings throughout the week, and we thank all the brothers and sisters who helped coordinate the week. Whether it was leading the effort, being a teacher for a day, helping with crafts and skits, or praying that the Lord would bless the children, it couldn’t have been done without you. And we thank our Lord for the blessings and inspiration He gave for this cause. Jesus leads the way, and He will always be with us when we invite Him in.

Enjoy this video recap of the Virtual Vacation Bible School.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.