Reaching Local Internationals with VBS

Vacation Bible School for children has been a staple in American churches since the early 1900s. All local children are invited for games, songs, Bible stories and activities. Local international children are invited, too, of course! But sometimes they don’t attend because their parents don’t know what it is or maybe they don’t hear about it in the first place. But what if the parents are invited, too? 

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That’s what’s happened this summer in two Knoxville churches: Norwood Baptist and NorthStar-west campus. Because many local international adults already attend well-established area English programs, these programs used this connection to extend a special summer invitation. They and their children were invited to VBS for the children to engage in traditional VBS activities, while the parents enjoyed a class of their own - with English learning, art, snacks and friendship.
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And it was a success! With fun VBS activities occupying the children, it was a perfect time for the parents to enjoy some time to themselves. Getting to know others, learning/practicing their English, hearing Bible truth, and participating in age-appropriate art and games, the evenings went quickly.

Gloria, from Mexico, shared, "I just want to thank all the members of your church for such beautiful work!! I was very blessed by each of you who gave your time to us."
If your church would be interested in adding an English component for local international adults to your VBS next year, email Bobbie at [email protected]. It’s not too early to start planning!