Kool Aid , Cookies, and a Billfold

Do you remember your first Vacation Bible School? Can you remember how you anticipated that cup of kool aid and two cookies each night. Mom and dad kept in their garage for a long time, the frog I made out of busted up tile pieces.

I can still recall my young days at North Dayton Baptist Church with the pastor's wife, Lois as my teacher. I loved her. She had a heart for kids and taught us with a tender compassion. One of my more memorable events took place when she shared, that the first one to quote the books of the New Testament would receive a prize. I went home, and went though the books over and over, determined to be the first.

The moment of truth came, and by the Lord's grace, I raced through the New Testament successfully. The next day I received the gift. A billfold! I was so proud to receive the gift. I think it was her way of saying that all we have belongs to the Lord, so don't forget to tithe.

Another memory took place years earlier at the Northridge Baptist Church as we were allowed to fish in the baptistry. Not really, but if you brought a visitor, you could cast into the baptistry and reel in a prize. Your guest also could go fishing.

My prize. A wiffle ball! I loved it.

While many believe that innovation is a new thing in trying to reach kids with the gospel, I am grateful for those who taught me, and tried new things to motivate and encourage me as a young boy in church. Whether to learn a Scripture, quote the books, or simply to make a craft.

Pray for our teachers this week as we learn about Jesus at the Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School. It takes special people to serve in this ministry, and I thank the Lord for a church full of special people.