COOKIES, KOOL-AID AND A BIG THANK YOU

By Randy C. Davis
President and executive director, TBMB

You know it well if you are a Vacation Bible School alumnus.

“I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.”

I remember like it was yesterday the day I was chosen to lead the Vacation Bible School processional into Shiloh Baptist Church. I carried the Bible and would present it with great attention when it was time for that pledge.

I remember Mrs. Bishop and the lessons she taught. She took great care and made those stories about Jesus come alive. I hung on every word. I remember the dozens of other VBS volunteers who were a part of that incredible ministry team. I didn’t know then, but I know now the effort they put into serving us children. They all passionately shared one goal: teach children about Jesus.

Some of the very best pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders I have ever known came to know the Lord through Vacation Bible School. Add to that the countless number of lay leaders in churches I pastored who also came to know the Lord in VBS and you begin to see its influence multiplied through the generations.

Randy Davis

It’s why your Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff is so passionate about VBS. So many of us were impacted for eternity by VBS workers. I can easily say VBS workers are my heroes.

Lifeway Christian Resources VBS specialist Melita Thomas makes this pointed observation: “For many churches it is the single most evangelistic outreach event of the year. VBS opens the doors of your church to the community and reaches children and their families like nothing else.”

TBMB specialist Steve Pearson has reminded us in the past that 25 percent of everyone baptized in the Southern Baptist Convention were the result of VBS and that’s not the only impressive statistic that emphasizes the Kingdom importance of VBS in churches of all sizes and in all types of communities. The importance is seen not only in the call to salvation, but thousands of children every year commit their lives to some form of church-related vocation. They are literally the future generation of church leaders.

Attending Vacation Bible School at Allardt First Baptist Church, children gather at the tables for an activity.

Only eternity can measure the full impact of VBS Week in thousands of churches just across our state, and those weeks don’t happen without the support of VBS volunteer workers.

What they do – what you do if you are one of them — is nothing short of Great Commission work.

There is a 10-year-old boy in my grown man’s body who misses the days of cookies, Kool-Aid, children’s focused worship, crafts and teachers like Mrs. Bishop who taught me about Jesus.

So, to all of you who do anything to make Vacation Bible School happen this summer in your church, little Randy Davis and grown-up Dr. Randy C. Davis, thank you.

It is a joy to be with you on this journey!

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