Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Sun Sets on Another VBS

Another VBS is history. What a week it's been! During our time in Egypt, we have learned how God blesses us in so many ways: with hope, special abilities, wisdom, forgiveness and a family.

God has definitely blessed this VBS. From the generosity of children giving to Tumaini to the selflessness of our volunteers giving their time and talents, it's easy to see that God is at work in this place.
Thank You, Lord, for loving us. Please let all of our efforts this week be to Your glory. May the memories made during this VBS remind us all how much You've blessed us. In Your Son's name, Amen.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Day 5: God Gives Us a Family

Bible story: Joseph settles his family in Egypt. (Genesis 45:16-47:27)
Bible verse: "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26)



After Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he didn't just forgive them; he gave them a new life. At the palace tonight we heard about how Joseph wanted to provide for his family since they were suffering because of the massive famine. Joseph's brothers ended up in Goshen, an area that was among the finest land in Egypt. There the brothers thrived, living as shepherds, enjoying Pharoah's good graces and being closer to Joseph.

Just like Joseph wanted to have a relationship with his family after their reunion, God wants a relationship with us! That's why he sent his son, Jesus. We can become God's children, which means we are a part of His family.

Hope for Africa

As we have heard all week, Tumaini means "hope." Tumaini Ministries International brings hope to thousands of AIDS orphans in Africa. Our goal for this VBS was to raise enough money to provide a VBS for those children in Kenya. We hoped to collect $700 to fund the program to share God's love with others.

After five days of donations, we have collected more than $900!

Praise God! What a blessing this money will be for this important ministry, and what a blessing it has been to see such cheerful givers all week!

Scenes from the Marketplace: Animal Courtyard and Food Shop

All week our guests have toured the Egyptian marketplace. Tonight we review what the tourists have seen in the animal courtyard and the food shop.

Animal Courtyard











Food Shop













The Indoor Pyramid Playground

Tonight our guests tried out Egyptian modes of transportation by having wheelbarrow races and "Nile River Races." With the Nile race, kids substituted balls for boats and propelled them down the "river."




Rainy weather moved our Pyramid Playground into the Great Hall, but that didn't keep our tourists from having plenty of fun!

Super Servants

It takes a bunch of people to make our VBS happen. We thank God for all the volunteers who so willingly gave their time, energy and talents to help make this tour of Egypt possible.

Here are just some of our many volunteers:
















































To all who helped make this week such a wonderful one for our children: May the Lord bless and keep you!