This video was made to thank all those who've helped in one way or the other... named or unnamed, recorded or unrecorded, listed or unlisted! Thank you!!!
May God return the blessings a thousand folds as thou hast been a blessing to those whom thou hast ministered. Indeed your labor will not be in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
With the help of the Loakan Baptist Church, The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church, Gumatdang Christian Fellowship, even by individuals and sister churches, there were 4 places that a Vacation Bible School was held.. Namely at Beckel, Cobabeng, Guisset and Gumatdang... all sites within the Benguet Province.
Three of these places have already had their VBS experience last year, whereas Cobabeng, had a refresher of what VBS is all about. We've heard there were past VBS held at Cobabeng but it was probably almost 5 years or so that it never had a VBS.
VBS for the outreaches started with Beckel, held last April 28-30, a three-day VBS with morning and afternoon sessions. From last year's experience, the population of kids jumped from the highest number of 43 to almost 48 kids. Whereas the average number of kids was from 33 going to the average of 40 kids. Indeed Praise the Lord for the number of kids He has given and it is our prayer that indeed the gospel of Christ was planted amongst their hearts.
The next VBS was held from May 6-8 at Cobabeng. The VBS there was un-expected nor explicitly planned or I mean had a detailed plan. We went their by faith expecting a number of 50 kids and allotting extra 10 kids as emergency plan but alas! God has provided us almost 70+ kids. It started about almost 50+ kids which grew then up to the maximum of 78 kids.. It averaged to about 70 kids or ended with 72 kids. Through it all God was amazing and all knowing! Even with our failures and inconsistency still God has sustained us and enabled us to fulfil our tasks of teaching and sharing the gospel of Christ. It is indeed our desire that once again the seed of the gospel of Christ was planted in the hearts of the kids even with their parents. For we believe once the seed of the gospel of Christ was planted, it will be still God's ways or provision that it shall grow according to His will and purpose. We also pray that soon, believers here (Cobabeng) would be strengthened and established in their Faith in Christ and that soon they shall learn, know and obey the Will of God... The Will of the Father....
The next VBS was held from May 12-15 where two places simultaneously started and held their VBS having of different date of graduation. Guisset had a VBS from May 12-14 only, whereas Gumatdang VBS was held from May 12-15. This posed a different challenge and a different means of ministering. We had to form two groups to cater to the teaching force for each place. Guisset VBS was blessed with enough teaching force but the challenge was to teach the teachers be a better teacher and be a blessing to the kids. Young people from the place were coordinated to be of help in teaching while teachers from Loakan B.C. became critical observers and trainers as well for these new teachers to be. Two goals have to be met, primarily to teach the young people in Guisset to be effective and productive teacher of the Word of God. As instructed and taught in 2 Timothy 2:2... teaching others who are able to teach others also. And, of course to teach kids and share to them the Gospel of Christ, as well as for their parents. Kids from the place have somewhat been almost the same as last year, though God has increased it having an average of 35 kids from last year to 40 kids now... I believe the highest number of kids reached to 43 kids.
Gumatdang somewhat had their own struggles as well. For they lacked teachers and volunteers to help teaching the kids. But praise God, He gives strength, endurance, courage, and even provides additional helpers to help if in need. The blessing perhaps is that the number of kids also increased from last year's consistent number of 27-28 to 40+... The VBS ended having 42 kids as well. Indeed challenges to build and help even the teachers to grow from, while they help other kids to grow as well. Still the desire that salvation be upon the kids as well as their parents continue to be a burden.
Therefore all these VBS is done and finished by faith and by His grace. Having been also helped by people who gave their open hands and arms in whatever help they could give or provide, and therefore they too become a blessing.
With all these things... To God be the Glory!!!