VBS 2016 - gratitude

I shared these sentiments about VBS on facebook and want to share them here too.

I am so thankful for this opportunity and so grateful to have served the kids along side two beautifully humble people (Elder John Sheckler and Nissa Glover). They live each moment exuding a culture of honor, and the joy and confidence of the Lord. I am better having been more closely connected to them throughout VBS and it's preparation.  

I genuinely care about our kids. It was incredibly fulfilling to dive into bible adventures with them each day, to apply the truths of God to our lives, and to see and hear from their hearts. 

At times it was messy, crazy, a bit chaotic, (and at times so was I). It was defiantly a sacrifice of time and energy, but oh how worth it to witness and be a part of pouring God's love into them. 💜 

We had fun!! And we witnessed and partook in divine moments. Through the support of our Pastors and leadership staff, and Pastor Lisa's leadership and mentorship we are building a bridge of hope - building His Kingdom. 

My sincere prayer is that God continues to reveal Himself to the kids and their families and that the kids grow strong in faith and truth. I am also praying for workers to faithfully and passionately tend the fields. Just imagine how deep and strong their roots will grow, when we do. These aren't just little kids we entertain, they are God people, deeply loved, and uniquely created with skills and purpose. The kingdom of God belongs to them.

❤️

I truly feel honored and blessed to serve in Children's Ministry. God has truly surrounded me with talented dedicated joyful delightful beautiful people! 

I am especially thankful for Elders John Sheckler and Nissa Glover.  I am thankful for their willingness and commitment to serve the kids at VBS.  I am confident that our investment in the kids lives made a difference.  I am so thankful for John and Nissa supporting me, balancing me, and filling in my gaps. Thankful for their encouragements, prayers, time, their hearts, talents, creativity, and dedication. 

I keep thinking about the Power Light demonstration, how the light, glory, goodness and power of God are revealed when we are connected to God and to each other. 

Yes indeed! I am so very thankful to God for having the chance to serve more closely with them during VBS.

My heart is full.💛

https://www.facebook.com/S.A.M.Toney.01/videos/10210128359628652/

Below I have copied Pastor Lisa Messner FB post.  She express so well some of what we are feeling a VBS comes to a close. 

"What a wonderful, exciting, blessed week we had at Cave Quest VBS. Our children raised over 379.00 this week in offering to purchase water for WV flood victims, then raised close to 200.00 for Homes For Families, a project that builds homes or make repairs for families in need. Even small people can do great things.

We had 24 children receive Jesus into their hearts this week.

As Sam toney and I were talking before I left, we were talking about being tired, and that this was a good tired. I remembered going to my grandparents for a week in the summer as a child and all my family there had gardens, and we would work in the fields, and pull weeds, pick the harvest each day and it was tiring work. I remember watching my grandpa come in from the fields tired. Myself and the volunteers this week have been working in the fields. We have toiled the soil, we have planted the seeds, and have watered the plants. 

Now they need to be nurtured and taken care of. 

What a privilege it has been to love and serve these children this week. My heart is full this week. I have watched children build new friendships, I have seen children ask hard questions about God and His word, I have seen them weep, laugh, dance, and smile.

I have seen our volunteers, work along side people they never have before, and they have gleamed from each other's talents and abilities, each bringing something to the table .  That has only built greater relationships , it has build family.........thank you from the bottom of my heart to each volunteer, I love you so much, and am so thankful for you . To my husband and grandkids , thank you for being understanding with my crazy schedule, all the late evenings, work nights and meetings to make all this happen you guys are my heart.....my prayer is that if you are not connected to a church where your child can flourish, and grow, we invite you to ours.....we have a great children's ministry team! ..."