June 26, 2023
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2023 VBS Recap

Written by: Lauren Shivers, VBS Director

We welcomed 476 preschool and elementary children through the doors of Gateway Church for VBS in June! We had around 250 volunteers, eager to help and teach the children the good news about Jesus. Of those volunteers, 48 were middle school and high school students who willingly gave up time in their summer break to hang out with younger kids and be a role model for them. Thank you to all who served and made VBS such a success!

Our theme this year was “Twists and Turns – Following Jesus Changes the Game.” This message is so applicable to our lives. In the last few years alone, we all had many twists and turns in our lives and God has been the one constant. Our verse for the week was Psalm 25:4 which says, “Make your ways known to me Lord, teach me your paths.” When we don’t know the future, we can lean on the one who does. When we are unsure and questioning, we can go to the one with all the answers. When we can’t do it on our own, we can go to Jesus, the one who has already done everything for us!

As the children heard the truth and love of God during the week, many were left eager for more and brought their parents back on Sunday! We had 9 new families return the Sunday following VBS and some didn't have a home church! We are noticing growth at VBS in recent years as well as at church. The twists and turns that the pandemic threw at us didn’t stop God’s plans! He uses all things for his glory and we have the opportunity to be a part of teaching the next generation of his goodness and love! Thank you for a great week of VBS!