The little ones enjoy the fun games, exciting Bible stories and lively songs. But most importantly, they're learning about the God who loves them. By the end of the program, they have a Bible in their hands that they can take home to share with their families and continue to grow in the Lord.
You might have fond childhood memories of learning about God and His Word through Sunday school. Perhaps you sent your kids to Vacation Bible School this past summer. You may not know that Sunday school and VBS programs have proven to be powerful ministries in South Asia, too. Through these Christian education programs, Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries provide a fun environment for children to learn spiritual lessons. And reaching out to children often opens doors for adults to hear about the love of Jesus, too.
Aalap Sengupta and two other GFA-supported missionaries traveled to various cities to hold VBS programs and visit Sunday schools. In the first city, they met with Sunday school leaders at the local church to plan a one-day Vacation Bible School program. The program provided food for the children and included a variety of activities, such as group discussions, storytelling and film shows. The children’s engagement and willingness to learn Bible stories and action songs blessed their teachers. And the missionaries gave the children certificates, which excited the kids. By the end of the program, many of the children vowed to regularly attend Sunday school.
The next day, the missionaries visited nearby Sunday schools, where they engaged in prayer and discussion and motivated both teachers and children to be faithful.
Two days later in another city, Aalap’s team visited Sunday schools in the day and conducted a program for children in a leprosy colony in the evening. During this two-hour event, the kids enthusiastically learned Bible stories and songs. They also enjoyed snacks and candy�"a rare treat for sure! The children were not the only ones to benefit from this lively program, though: some elderly people attended as well.
Overall, this VBS tour strengthened and encouraged Sunday school programs in their state. Thankfully, such work goes forth not only there but also in many other parts of South Asia.
GFA-supported missionaries hold Vacation Bible Schools every summer. Children who attend Sunday schools and children who have never heard about Jesus attend VBS. As in the events that Aalap’s team conducted, a typical VBS program includes Bible stories, prayer, action songs and food. Children also receive packets including a New Testament, a comic-style booklet of Bible stories, a Bible-verse poster and a tape containing age-appropriate messages and songs. By the end of the event, many of these precious children choose to follow Jesus, and others promise to regularly attend Sunday school.
Sunday schools like the ones Aalap’s team visited are another important way of sharing God’s love with children throughout South Asia. They exist in a variety of forms: they can be taught by Bible college students or pastors, and they can occur in rural areas or slums. Sunday schools offer children a chance to learn about Jesus through songs, memory verses and Bible stories. God has used these programs to raise children into strong believers in Christ, even when their parents don’t believe. Thankfully, children often end up sharing what they learn with their parents.
In a small Asian border town, a team of staff and students from a local Bible college conducted a Vacation Bible School in a local believer’s home. The children were so happy that team brought VBS to them. The VBS kicked off with prayer and singing. Students who already attended Sunday School were singing along as they learned actions to go with the music.
The 40 children had so much fun, that they invited the team to come back every Sunday.
Rooftop VBS In another village, Vacation Bible School was being held on the roof of Edhas’ house. Edhas is a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary. A Vacation Bible School team taught the children action songs, skits and stories. In addition students preformed songs and stories. About 30 children attended .They promised to come to Sunday school every Sunday so they can learn more about Jesus.
Wali, another GFA-supported missionary hosted a Vacation Bible School program at a local school. These children, like all the others learned lessons about action songs and prayer. They also heard stories about Jesus. Wali taught the students dances and songs, which were preformed at the Vacation Bible School graduation.
About 70 children heard the Good News of Jesus at this program. Most of them are now coming to Sunday school on a regular basis. Please continue to pray for the growth of the Sunday school and that more children may come to know Christ.
Menu
