I have a confession to make. I have been a VBS-hopper this summer. Two churches near our new house hosted free camps for kids and I took them both up on their offer to send my kids for two weeks of fun and frivolity. This week – we spent time with the Lutherans.
As a sales rep for Gospel Light’s VBS programs and having worked as either a VBS director or VBS classroom leader for 7 years running, I am well aware of the enormous amount of energy preparing for church camp requires. Not only that, but the actual camp week itself will render even those of us with Energizer Bunny stamina pooped out by the time Friday rolls around.
The reason I point this out is because I was blown away this week by the commitment of the small church that cared for not only mine – but nearly 50 kids this week. Why was it amazing? Because every single one of the volunteers at this camp was near retirement age or older. As us “young” moms dropped off our kids last Monday morning, I couldn’t help but notice that each kindly woman and man reminded me of my grandparents. And they were decked out in sequined hats and colorful bandanas. They hugged, clapped, sang, told stories, played games, led crafts and taught Biblical truth to the little ones who came. Here is a picture of Cooper’s group acting out the story of Peter’s miraculous rescue from prison:

They are living out their belief that sharing the good news of Jesus’ love is a call on our entire lives. There is no retirement from discipleship. I learned today that they have a mere 6 children who attend their little church. Just 6. And yet… for the third year in a row, this church of mature believers spent a chunk of their summer loving anyone who came.
They even took it one step further… they not only offered a week long camp; they closed off camp week with a celebration tonight. A swimming party and barbeque at a local retreat center, complete with games and even a pinata!

The lesson I have learned is that you are never too old to speak into the life of another. I pray that when I am double the age I am right now, I will take my example from Ruby, Beth, Fred and the other great people I met this week and will remember this lesson well. Thank you Westbank Redeemer Lutheran Church!
Peace.









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