The Children’s Ministries recently orchestrated a vibrant three-day event, the Vacation Bible Xperience (VBX), from 27 to 29 November 2023 at Balestier Church. This event uniquely combined fun, faith, and community, immersing children in a lively exploration of biblical narratives.
Engaging Stations of Faith and Fun
The VBX presented an array of five interactive stations, each crafted to keep the children actively engaged and far from boredom. As the young participants journeyed from one station to another, they encountered a variety of hands-on activities that were both fun and spiritually enriching.
At the Mazan Oasis, children were greeted with lively opening and closing programs. Moving on to the House of Peace & Yeshua’s Gate, they delved into the captivating stories of Ruth and Naomi, enriching their knowledge and faith through interactive storytelling and prayer.
The excitement continued at the Cabana Shop, where creativity was unleashed as children immersed themselves in crafting activities. This hands-on approach not only fostered their artistic skills but also helped in internalising the day's lessons.
The culinary skills of the young ones were put to the test at the Olive Branch Café, where they actively participated in making their own snacks. This engaging activity not only provided a delightful break but also a sense of accomplishment and independence.
Lastly, the Sand Pit was a zone of energetic games, ensuring the children remained physically active and socially interactive.
This dynamic rotation through various stations ensured that the children's experience at the VBX was continuously vibrant and engaging, with each station bringing its unique flavour of fun and faith.
A Message That Resonates
Central to the event was the theme of God's steadfast faithfulness, beautifully encapsulated in the Bible Promise from Deuteronomy 7:9 GNT: “Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands.” This scripture guided the 'Resting Points' at each station, emphasising messages like
- "When I am sad, God is Faithful."
- “No matter what, God is Faithful”
- “When I am lonely, God is Faithful”
These 'Resting Points' provided a consistent reminder of God's steadfast presence in every aspect of life, reinforcing the spiritual lessons with each activity the children participated in at the VBX.
An Adventure Beyond the Church Walls
A memorable highlight was an exciting excursion to Bird Paradise. Here, children, grouped in 'caravans', completed tasks amidst nature, marvelling at various bird species. This outdoor adventure not only added an element of exploration but also allowed children to appreciate the beauty of God's creation and learn outside the traditional setting, further enriching their VBX experience.
Voices of the VBX
The impact of the VBX was vividly captured in the voices of those who participated. One young attendee excitedly shared, “I like VBX, and I liked the visit to Bird Paradise so much!” This sentiment was echoed by a parent: “Thanks to all who helped out with organising and teaching the kids at VBX! My daughter had so much fun! She said she wants to join again if there’s another VBX next year!” The volunteers, too, reflected on their rewarding experiences. “I would like to help out again next year for VBX after my year-end exams. I enjoyed the time with the kids!” shared one volunteer, while another added, “It's amazing how the kids could memorise the Bible promises and knew all the songs within 3 days. It was tiring for us, but so glad to see the kids having fun and learning about God at the same time.”
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Conclusion
The Vacation Bible Xperience at Balestier Church proved to be more than just an event; it was a transformative journey for children. Through its engaging activities, inspirational stories, and nurturing community spirit, the VBX has left an indelible impression on young hearts and minds, fostering a deeper appreciation of God's enduring faithfulness.
If you're interested in discovering more about other exciting events and programs planned for children, we warmly invite you to contact us. Your involvement and interest are what make our community vibrant and enriching for our young ones. Please feel free to message us for more information and to become a part of our growing family of faith and fun!
By Faith Toh, with additional reporting from Debbie Chan.
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