“Here’s a message to anyone who walks here: God loves you!” These were the words that Rhoda Mapenzi chalked onto the pavement outside of the Peace Center during Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago. The rest of the sidewalk was decorated in a similar fashion by the fifteen other children who participated in the program, a testament to the impact of the lessons of love that were shared with the kids throughout the week.

The theme of the VBS was “Concrete and Cranes”, and it focused on building faith with God as a strong foundation. The materials and curriculum for the program, generously donated to CFNA by Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, were adapted from their virtual format to a three-day, in-person event featuring worship, games, crafts, food, and some fun service projects around the Peace Center!

Each day began with songs and a devotion led by Pastor Mike Schempf. After being introduced to a Bible story, the kids split off into small groups to dive deeper into the message for the day. Volunteer Karen Schempf led the kids in some crafts, including hand-painting “Kindness Sticks”, which the kids later used to decorate the planters outside of the Peace Center. The kids also worked to clean up the streets around the Peace Center, collecting a total of four trash bags full of litter from the sidewalks! In between activities, the kids enjoyed breakfast provided by the food ministry Umetelisha, and were also able to take sack lunches home to enjoy after all the fun.

“It was really cool to see the kids take our theme verse, Philippians 1:6, with them throughout our week of VBS at CFNA,” said summer intern Mariah Spaid. By the end of the week, the kids were able to recite the verse by heart, and even chalked it onto the sidewalk for all passersby to see. As Spaid put it, “It was a great week to bring our lessons of love to the streets.”

By Stephanie Kohm Abiding Savior Lutheran Church

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