When I was a child, I didn’t get to attend VBS (Vacation Bible School) at my church. We only had one car and my church was 10 miles away. The only VBS I can remember was the one my neighbor Dave invited me to. We were in the same grade and he went to a Lutheran church just down the road. I remember learning about King David and talking about faith. I remember being glad Dave invited me to his church.
I never went to church with Dave again. In fact, I don’t know how much Dave ever went to church. But he called me out of the blue one day and we met for the first time in over 50 years. We were back together again talking matters of faith. By then Dave had developed ALS and faced the death sentence that comes with it. He didn’t reach out to me because I was a pastor; he reached out to me because I was a childhood friend who knew Jesus and he felt comfortable talking with me. Just like back in those VBS days.
It’s strange that our faith connection was two brief moments separated by so many years. But you never know how God is working his plans. When Dave died his family asked me to do the funeral. I am glad I was able to be there for Dave in his final years. I am also glad he invited me to VBS those many years ago.
Our own VBS at Resurrection is less than a week away, June 20-24. This might be a great opportunity to invite your neighbor kid or invite your grandkids. You never know where it might lead, but I’m sure they will be glad you did. Register for VBS or volunteer to help at rezumc.org/vbs
Pastor Mark
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28