Vacation Bible School is just five days away, and the anticipation for Camp Firelight is building! We are thrilled to have a wonderful group of children and volunteers participating, and we are grateful for the generous friends who have stepped up to share supplies and donations. Without your support, VBS would not be possible!
As we prepare Camp Firelight, I've been reflecting on how the light of a campfire represents safety and guidance for the campers. Imagine sitting around a campfire on your first night at an unfamiliar campground with a group of fellow campers you don't know all that well, yet. You're homesick, and the night is dark and full of unusual sounds. You wonder if any critters may try to raid your food supply or if a thunderstorm will make sleeping in a tent a miserable and soggy experience. Camping in a new place for the first time can be a little frightening. But when you look into a campfire's warm glow, suddenly the unfamiliar darkness doesn't feel so overwhelming. The light from the campfire dispels the shadows and brings a comforting presence.
Likewise, when we feel unsure and afraid on the journey of faith, God dispels the shadows and offers us the guiding light of his comforting presence. We might be scared of trying something new or worried about taking a big leap of faith to follow God into uncharted territory. We may be dealing with a difficult challenge and need some light to see how to navigate the trail up ahead. We may be stuck and unable to move forward, afraid of taking a wrong turn that would cause us to lose our way. In moments of fear and uncertainty, our theme verse for this year's VBS speaks clearly: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3). Indeed, we can trust God to disperse the shadows and light the way, providing the safety and guidance of his love.
During VBS week, the children will learn about how God offered the guiding light of his presence to people like Jacob, Ruth, and the disciples in uncertain and frightening times. These Bible stories remind us that when we are unsure and afraid, God is always there to light the way and strengthen us. That's a great reminder, not just for our VBS children, but for all God's children, no matter our age or stage!
This year, let us unite in prayer for the children who will be part of VBS. May they trust in Jesus to provide love, guidance, and the light of life. Let's also pray for our volunteers, that they may be filled with strength and wisdom as they share the Good News of Jesus’ love. Finally, in all the ups and downs of life, may we, as a church, continue to trust in God's guiding light, even in the shadows of challenge or uncertainty. May Psalm 56:3 be our heartfelt prayer and proclamation, 'When I am afraid, I put my trust in you!'