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It's been a great week at VBS. It's hard to put into words what we saw God do and how He was working, but it’s been evident that He is doing something in us and in our community.  

One of the themes of the VBS was the idea of giving God a shout out with each of the nightly themes. Whenever the phrase of the night was shared, the kids and leaders would shout out... WOW, GOD! It was an affirmation that God is wonderful and amazing and so involved in every aspect of His creation.  

The themes... 

God knows everything! WOW, GOD!  

God is love! WOW, GOD!  

God is our safe place! WOW, GOD!  

God is forever! WOW, GOD!  

This idea of celebrating God for all He is and has done is worth continuing here...  

You could see God at work in His perfect timing. Laura Mason came on staff in Children’s Ministry at just the right time with just the right heart and enthusiasm. This was her first ever time leading a VBS, and God was with her. Her whole family, husband Nick and daughters, Mira and Hallie were right there with her, every night. You could see God at work in their family together. VBS Co-Director, Stacey Norris put in countless hours in effort and thought into every aspect of the week. Her experience and wisdom were invaluable. She and Laura made a great team. WOW, GOD! 

You could see God at work in how other churches got involved as part of the larger body of Christ. College Park Baptist and Winston Salem First both donated their props, decorations, and supplies after doing the same VBS earlier in the summer. New Church donated the use of several key pieces of equipment and sent teams to help as counselors, worship leaders, station leaders, and even to provide meals for the volunteers and their families so they could be ready in time. One staff member of New Church, in talking about this kind of cooperation between churches, said, “This is something to be celebrated. It doesn’t always happen this way.” WOW, GOD! 

You could see God at work in how people donated supplies through our Amazon Wish List, saving us hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Almost every day leading up to the VBS, an Amazon package would arrive with something new from anonymous donors. It was a lot like Christmas every day. WOW, GOD! 

You could see God at work in the children and their families, some from Bridges, some from the Inspiring Hope Learning Center, and some from our community. Around 50 different children came over the course of the week, and it was so encouraging to see their smiles, hear their responses, listen to them worship, and experience our time together. Seeds of the Gospel were planted that will grow and grow in those little lives leading to real fruit that will last forever. When Jesus walked the earth, He loved children and directed them to come to Him. He still does today. That is what we saw at VBS. WOW, GOD!  

You could see God at work in all the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours of time preparing, decorating, cleaning, teaching, leading, loving, and being the church. They came early, stayed late, stepped up, tried new things, and through it all demonstrated a “will and can do for Jesus” attitude. I am so proud of our volunteers and leaders from Bridges! You gave your all, and you honored God with your lives this week. Words cannot express all you did. You are amazing. WOW, GOD!  

God is at work. Never doubt it. It might be behind the scenes. It might be right in front of you. It might take a while to fully unfold, but He is at work. He is always at work, and we have experienced the joy of His presence at work at VBS. It was an amazing week.  

WOW, GOD!