VBS Kids Move "Mountains"

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:1-4

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 18:20b

 

A "mountain" was moved this week. And, it was moved by a group of kids who gathered for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Westport Community Church. As they came to learn about God's "untamed nature" through songs, stories, skits, crafts and more, they also gave of themselves in a special way. On Friday evening, during the concluding program, I had the incredible privilege of being the recipient of their "faith in action." Each day during VBS an offering was collected, with the boys and girls facing off daily to see who could raise the most. (The boys won overall, having gathered the most on three of the five days. Way to go, guys!) About 20 kids also memorized Scripture verses during a "verse-a-thon" in which they were encouraged to collect pledges for each verse they memorized. The money raised during the week was for the designated VBS mission project, which this year was the ministry in Uganda, including helping to send me back. 

On Friday, I was presented with a large "check" representing the total from the week - more than $2200! I began crying as I received the check as I was so blessed by these kids (and the adults who gave too) for giving so sacrificially. 

I am so very blessed by their faith. They gave what they could and God multiplied it. Just like our "mustard seeds" of faith, with which God can do the impossible, like moving mountains in our lives. But, is it not true that it is not the measure of our faith, but Who our faith is in, that really matters? I hope the kids learned an incredible lesson this week - that we serve an unforgettable, unchangeable, unpredictable and uncontainable God - just like one of their songs said so well. 

Thanks, kids, for being vessels of blessings and for exercising your faith!!