Before we could start, we had to train all of the time leaders and time cadets in order to prepare for the mission. We learned the routes the teams would be taking, became familiar with each time era, and sung songs. We also saw the craft, played the games, and taste-tested some food. All went well and we were ready for time travelers to board the mission.
This year, we centered our theme around time traveling. Mark Lindsted did chalk talks for the lesson each night. These along with singing, the skit, and handing out rewards all took place in the time machine. Mark took our time travelers to different times as he taught them about sin, death, and salvation.
The time travelers first had to register with mission control so we knew who was present for traveling through time that night. We also made sure each team leader had their necessary information and destination plans. We had teams of astronauts, cowboys, gladiators, and knights. We also had the mighty midgets/minions who weren't quite old enough to join the other time travelers. There was also a new group: time cadets. They were leaders in training, learning the ropes of the different areas and helping out when needed.
When stepping out of the time machine, the time travelers would then travel through the time warp. They could end up playing games in the coliseum or making a craft somewhere in the future. Later, they went to the library of time and learned a Bible verse. They also got to sit in the Garden of Eden and enjoyed a delicious snack.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.
After traveling to each time, the time travelers then traveled back through the time warp to the time machine where they could watch the skit.
The skit was called Your Time, My Time, No Time. Dr. Horace Perrin and his assistant Dr. Macy Saniya invented a time machine. However, before they could test it out, their childhood friend, Zaman Early stopped by, pushed a couple buttons, and several people from different times appeared in the lab.
Throughout the week, the scientists and Zaman talked to Adam and Eve, Synclair Brede who was a passenger on the Titanic, Ellema Ham who owns the barn in which the Great Chicago Fire started, Dmitri Fonda who was an astronaut from the future on his way to Mars, Serina Norris who was a nurse at Pearl Harbor, Saul the Pharisee who would later become known as Paul the Apostle, Albert Einstein, Rahab, Samantha Simon who was a missionary from the future, the Roman Soldier at the cross of Jesus, Mary the mother of Jesus, John the writer of 5 books of the Bible, and Deirdre Townsend who was a Christian living during the Tribulation period. Oh, they also saw younger versions of themselves who they tried to avoid as this was a delicate time paradox.
Due to a family emergency, the astronaut could not be here so we found a quick replacement who learned his lines and fit in his costume! The Lord provides! From what I heard, people really enjoyed the skit. We had at least 70 children in total attend, averaging between 55 and 60 kids each night! There were also a few parents and other family members who came Friday for family night. Praise the Lord!!!
Even though I'm incredibly busy during VBS season, I love it. I get to see how God uses various members of the body of Christ to come together and serve Him and bring His good news to others. We continue to pray that the many seeds that were planted will grow and souls will be saved.
