The Gift of Presence

I think most of us have a innate desire to be helpful. We want to do something. We want to contribute, and for the most part, that desire is a good thing. However, there are times when we don't know what to do. Usually, that lack of knowing what to do leaves us feeling worthless and useless.I have had this experience on numerous occasions. Often, I feel this way when visiting the funeral home. I want to be able to ease the pain of the grieving family with some word of wisdom, but I am painfully aware that at such times words are usually forgotten. I realize that very little can ease the initial shock and pain of the bereft. Just being there is one of the most effective ways to comfort someone.

In a "do something" kind of world the ministry of presence is often undervalued and avoided. We want to be there as long as we can do something, or say something, yet we feel awkward or useless just standing there. When my mind replays the events surrounding Ellie's funeral, I rarely remember the words spoken, but I do remember the faces. I remember the people who came. I remember thinking that they really cared for us, because they were there. I didn't need them to say anything or do anything. We often think about the ministry of presence in relation to grief. We go in a time of need to be with one we love. However, we need to see that the ministry of presence was meant to be practiced more widely.

For this reason, I encourage our adults to come out to VBS. Each welcoming smile drives the gospel further home. It gives us the opportunity to establish relationships with the children that may some day by used of God to draw them into the kingdom and the community of faith. Everyone's presence is important. Sometimes, our presence is more important than our words. They may not remember what we said, but they will remember that we made them feel loved and welcome. In that way, we reflect Christ's love.

Presence also provides further opportunity to share the gospel. When children that don't attend church regularily, but who come to VBS make connections with workers, helpers, and other church members it often has lasting effects. Former VBS attenders may approach a teacher or helper in a store and introduce them to their parents. Some children are so impressed with their experience they go home and pursade their parents to visit the church. The reality is that everyone counts. You never know how the Lord will use something as simple as a smile or a pat on the back. But, we have to be there to be used of God.

I want to thank everyone for their hard work and prayers. I also want to thank you all for the gift of your presence. May God work mightly through this VBS.

More VBS

We are blessed at Monticello with very creative, hard working members. The church really gets behind VBS. We desire to make VBS a memorable experience. We pray that the lessons the children learn during this week will remain with them the rest of their lives. The first priority of Vaction Bible School is to exalt Jesus. The second is to teach children that they can truly enjoy life through Christ. By pursuing the glory of God, through an obedient trust relationship with Christ brings true and lasting joy (even in the midst of great difficulty and tribulation, which often occurs when we follow Christ). I just wanted to thank all the VBS workers and helpers (who also work very hard). As you seek to teach the Word of God and display His love, your labor is not in vain. May God bless our efforts this week.

Cutie

My daughter has become frighteningly aware of her cuteness. She used to hate it when someone pointed a camera at her. Now when someone pulls out a camera she poses and says, "smile." I snapped this shot while we were getting ready for VBS kickoff. She is wearing kangaroo ears in honor of our VBS which has an Australian theme.

Vacation Bible School

Every year around this time we enter into a period of intense, but joyful labor. It is analogous to the planting season that farmers have. They prepare their fields, plant their crops, maybe even put out a little fertilizer, and then they wait for the rain. Monticello will spend this week preparing fields, planting seeds, and praying that God brings the increase. It's Vacation Bible School (VBS) time already. Every laborer plays a vital role in the work. Each prayer, every "How do you do?," every friendly smile builds a bridge to sharing the gospel with children and their families.

But VBS isn't just work, it's warfare. We are wrestling spiritual forces in dark places as we proclaim Jesus is the light. Every teacher is a warrior. Every student a potential causality. We prepare our hearts and mind, not for self-glorification, but for glory of Christ. We endure children's songs, learn dance moves, and study our lessons, not because it's cool or fun, but because we want to be instruments ready for use by the Redeemer.

Don't get me wrong, I have a blast a VBS. I love the songs (usually), and the dance moves. I love getting the kids stirred up. The reason I love VBS is because it presents us, as a church, with an extended and intense opportunity to lift us Jesus before the children. It allows us to shine a light in otherwise dark places. VBS is sometimes the only chance some children will have to hear about Jesus in their life time. And Jesus allows us the privilege of sharing in this glorious event.

If you're in the Morgantown area we invite you to come out and join our VBS. We have kickoff Sunday, June 7th, at 6:00 pm. There will be a water slide and a dunking booth. Then Monday through Friday will have VBS from 6:00-8:00 pm. Friday night we conclude with a commencement ceremony and a pizza fellowship.