VBS 2024

Although I'm waaayyy behind on updates, I figured this year's vacation Bible school deserved its own post.

This year, Javon, and Caleb and Courtney came to help with VBS. We got busy planning lessons and songs for each day, centered around the theme, Proverbs 3:5-6. I thought it was a very fitting reminder, since it was those same verses that initially convicted me to start praying about Japan two years prior!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

These verses are just as meaningful now as they were back then, and looking back at the last year, I'm so glad I didn't have only my experiences to rely on. God is faithful!

For the first time, we got together with some of the girls who have come to VBS, but are starting to "age out" of the VBS activities. It was so good to try this new way to keep them involved, and we pray that God will continue to work in their hearts! We had a wonderful evening of snacks, crafts, songs, and encouragement from the Bible. I hope to see this idea continue to grow as we look for more ways to connect with some of the older kids.

VBS was such a blessing. Studying different characters in the Bible, singing songs of hope and trust, playing games, and doing crafts made the week fly by! I was touched by all the students who came. This year was even more special, seeing students that I have taught in English classes coming to learn about the Bible. What a joy!! It was sweet for me to actually know the students and their personalities. Jesus sees and knows each one by name too! We pray that He can work in their lives to mold them for His kingdom!

I also enjoyed spending some time with the VBS team, and showing them some of my favorite places in Japan, now that I've had a whole year to learn my way around! We enjoyed several different restaurants, gardens, skyscraper views, and even Japan's own "Niagara Falls"!

After a wonderful week of VBS, I headed back to the US for my summer furlough. I enjoyed spending sweet time with family and friends, doing all of my favorite Midwest things. (This is also a big part of the reason I have been behind on posting!) God is good!

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth... Ecclesiastes 12:1