An Open Letter to VBS Volunteers

I know that VBS was several weeks ago… if you served that week please know that you were appreciated, the amount of time it has taken to post this letter is not a reflection of how grateful we are. That being said we had an awesome VBS in Outer Space and Beyond this year. We had our largest turn out of children, a wonderful group of youth and each adult serving was an integral part of the success of the week. Thank you!

This year we had a few children who needed special attention. It can only be attributed to the working of God that each child was pared up with an adult or youth who knew exactly how to partner with that child for the week. Each and every child felt loved and cared for. God provided the exact volunteer for the exact child. I want to share the following letter with you from a parent who had two children with us this summer.

The boys had a great time at Christ Community Church’s VBS this week. I am impressed by the wonderful directors and volunteers (mostly moms) who gave their time so selflessly to love on children and show them a great time. One volunteer in particular blessed me greatly. She was K’s teacher this week. When I went to pick him up today she told me that she has a daughter like K and that she really enjoyed having him this week. She said that he is really special. I just burst into tears because it was so good to hear encouraging words and for once to not feel judged. I worry about him every time he’s under someone else’s care because all I ever seem to get are negative reports. People just don’t understand him and mistake him for a trouble maker. And often make me feel like I’m doing something wrong or it’s my fault. She had nothing but good things to say about him and understood him well. I thank God that she was his teacher this week. I was even told that usually she is not with that age group. I am so thankful that she was and that she took the time to tell me how wonderful K is. She gave me a big hug. And said he will probably be my hands on child who I am praying for constantly, but that he’s such a blessing too. I can’t tell you how good this was for me. It’s awesome when God uses the church to love on people who are hurting. He knows. So, I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people at CCC for having my big boys this week. It was very nice to have some one on one time with my youngest. And to know that my bigs were in good hands was a relief.

VBS reaches the hearts of children throughout Alachua county every year. It also blesses parents who have come to trust the teachers, trust the curriculum chosen, feel safe with our check in-check out policies and are encouraged by the spiritual growth and friendship developed throughout the week. Thank you to everyone of you who was a part of VBS this year. It takes so many people to pull it off the ground, we appreciate each of you and know your contribution was vital to this year’s VBS. Thank You!!!