Vacation Bible School in Texarkana
TEXARKANA, TEX. – What could be better at creating wonderful, happy memories of church life in a child’s mind than Vacation Bible School (VBS)? This year, the children of Texarkana experienced all the wonders of “Rocky Railway: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through.” Stacy Sowers, VBS leader, shared that they averaged 24 children each evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The goal was to teach the children how to trust Jesus in every situation.
The children joined the passengers on the Rocky Railway each night and had a new, immersive experience with different Bible stories. They got to meet with Ananias, they sailed on a ship with prisoner Paul, and they learned through it all that they are stronger when they stay connected to Jesus. The kids watched videos of other young ones their age making a difference in the part of the world where they live, starting with one single act of kindness.
At the “Imagination Station,” the little Train Riders were able to build or create items that helped them to remember and share the daily Bible lesson. One of the favorite activities was heading to the fellowship hall where they sat at tables resembling train engines to enjoy the nightly snack.
Each evening began and ended with the children gathering together in the sanctuary where that day’s Bible focus was presented in a marked and meaningful way, keeping with the railway theme. They all sang together and learned the most important lesson–how Jesus can pull us through anything, like the engine pulls the train cars.
The highlight of the week was when the children saw “Jesus” come down from the cross, connecting the railroad tracks to show them that He is the only way to stay on the right track to Heaven.
Like any good leader, Stacy is fully aware that the week-long program could not have become a reality without the support of her many VBS partners. She wants to express a heartfelt “thank you” to all who helped her each evening, as well as the entire church family who supported her in many and various ways.
By Loretta Johnson
