JUPITER, FLORIDA – The month of June is most definitely a highlight for the children of Grace Immanuel Bible Church. This year, for the week of June 23-27, the church building was transformed into “Kiddom,” as Senior Pastor Jerry Wragg put it, in preparation for the church’s annual Vacation Bible School.

VBS at GIBC is unique in that the entire ministry and its curriculum were developed in-house. GIBC has no shortage of faithful Bible teachers, so it was truly a labor of love to develop this program which includes a three-year rotation of teaching themes. This year’s theme was entitled “Strong Against the Gates” and brought to life Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18: “…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (BSB). Designed to teach children the central role of the church in God’s plan, the week focused on five vivid illustrations from Scripture that helped students understand what the church is and how Christ is actively building and preserving it.

The outpouring of volunteer help for the week was overwhelming, with every need being met. Campus pastors, longtime children’s ministry workers, and even older kids all played their part in bringing the ministry to life. The entire program was led with excellence by Dave Atwell, a veteran GIBC children’s ministry leader and recent new member to the official church staff. Atwell set the tone for each day by leading the volunteers in an exposition of James 1. By the time he was finished, hearts were well prepared for the ministry ahead.

The students began arriving each day around 8:45 and were quickly sorted into their homerooms under a group of dedicated guides. GIBC’s VBS program welcomes children in both preschool and elementary grades – and even toddlers are welcomed into certain preschool activities.

Around 9:00 each day, the official ministry started with an engaging drama production, recounting the lives of courageous Christians who defended the truth, some even at the cost of their lives. Children learned about Athanasius of Alexandria, who stood virtually alone for the deity of Christ in the fourth century; John Wycliffe, who translated the Bible into English during the spiritual darkness of the Middle Ages; Martin Luther, whose bold stand ignited the Protestant Reformation; William Tyndale, whose passion for God’s Word ultimately led to his execution; and finally Jonathan Edwards who faithfully taught the word of God at all costs – even being rejected by his own congregation. These dramatized historical reenactments reinforced the week’s lessons from Scripture, helping students understand that the church is the flock of God, the light of the world, the pillar of the truth, the temple of God, and ultimately the body of Christ.

Through in-depth Bible teaching and hands-on illustrations, students were encouraged to see the church not as a building, but as the people God has called out of darkness to proclaim His excellencies. Lessons from John 10 taught that Christ is the Good Shepherd who leads, provides for, and protects His people. In Matthew 5, students learned that the church is to shine brightly in a dark world through lives marked by holiness and good works. From 1 Timothy 3 and 1 Peter 2, children came to understand that the church is God’s chosen means to uphold the truth and to serve as His dwelling place on earth.

Adding to the excitement of the week was a friendly and energetic competition between the boys and girls to raise funds for missionaries supported by the church. This year, the highlighted missionaries were Peter and Kathlyn Scarborough whose ministry trains pastors in Beruit, Lebanon. Each day, the children brought in donations, eagerly placing their gifts in collection buckets labeled “Boys” and “Girls.” As the totals rose throughout the week, so did the anticipation. The contest served not only to generate excitement, but also to teach the children about the importance of supporting Gospel work around the world. In the end, the girls raised $1,638.59 and the boys raised $1,905.17 (plus two baseball cards) – making the boys the champions and a total of $3,543.76 raised for the Scarborough’s ministry!

Grace Immanuel Bible Church’s VBS program continues to be a highlight of the summer, bringing together children, volunteers, and families in a week of learning, worship, and joyful service. This year’s theme served as a reminder to all that the church is Christ’s chosen instrument for His work on the earth, and that believers of all ages have a role to play in building and preserving it. Through the sound teaching of Scripture, engaging activities, and the unifying goal of missions support, the children of Grace Immanuel Bible Church were strengthened in their faith and reminded that, in Christ, they too can be Strong Against the Gates!

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References

• Disclaimer: Grace Immanuel Bible Church is not affiliated with The Believer’s Byline (save in the fact that this reporter attends there). GIBC did not sponsor this article and is not responsible for its content.
• To learn more about the Scarborough family, including how to financially support their ministry, please visit https://gracechurch.org/pks  (Please note their profile is private and additional access will need to be requested).
• Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is a project of Bible Hub. Used with permission. The Berean Standard Bible has been released into the public domain.