THE PULPIT HAND BUILT
(In honor of each and every VBS around the world.)
It had been one bursting week of energy which came at the close of Vacation Bible School. Great group of kiddos, committed families who’d made sure campers came, while faith in action brought lots of action. Cleaning up the remnants offered therapeutic closure as several hands made the load lighter. Going from room to room, I took note.
The saints who’d gone before us were everywhere. The pulpit, the wooden cross watching over, the table which greeted the campers all had been hand hewn long ago. The carpet upon which we trod had been laid and paid for by who knows whom—but one thing for sure, they are long gone. They’d prepared a place for us and now; we marched in and out of the building like we owned the joint. The evidence was Rock solid. Like those who’ve gone before us, volunteers not only gave of themselves, but many donated financially in order to complete VBS. The monies brought in to pay for such a time as this were from puppies sold, lemonade stands quenching thirst, fund raisers and out right offerings from parishioners.
Did I mention the quilt ladies from a church up the road? They made one for each counselor who traveled from afar. They’d stitched them the winter before and freely gave away their labors of love. Did I tell you of the pastors who spent their week mingling with the crowds and of the lunch ladies who not only prepped but served and clean up? They were sheer heroes— each one. The kids craft volunteer served faithfully in not only teaching but creating hospitality by extending her gifts into the kitchen and clean up team as well. Not to forget those who gave lessons which reinforced the Bible verse each day. Their time was key. The family who opened their home for the counselors to rest was sheer gift. As the counselors poured out daily, they needed pouring into in the evening and having a safe space to land was hospitality at its finest…and so it goes.
Volunteers cooked meals to feed or donated gift cards which brought reassurance that the sustenance needed would be met.
The curriculum written by those from afar who trained the counselors who gave of their time this week were nowhere to be seen but without them, there would be no curriculum from which to launch.
The decorating crew held fast and prepared the way for the little eyes to enjoy festively their ambience all week long. It was no small feat as it energized each and every one who entered in. The Sunday School treasurer kept us all on track by giving sweet assurance that all is well as we moved full speed ahead.
And thus, the week came and went. We know not the miracles of protection given from each prayer prayed on behalf of all who attended and all who volunteered.
“Be yea doers of the Word and not only hearers of it” (James 1:22). Why?
Because “I came that you might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
And the moral of the story? When asked to serve in some capacity, your tiny whisper of “yes” means the world. And if what is asked of you, you would rather not do—then by all means extend an honest “I’d rather not do that…but I can do…” awakens the one asking and encourages by bringing hope. Thank you ahead of time for giving in any capacity that will tag team the next generation of saints among us. Thank you! Amen.
