Day 3: VBS Lesson 1 - God Sees Us

VBS: Lesson 1 - "God Sees Us"

Making binoculars to remind students that God sees us. (We saved toilet paper rolls for over 2 months for this project!)

Konbanwa (Good evening!)! Today was a full day of fun as we had our first day of VBS. The morning started off with a delicious breakfast from Fresh Market. Mr. Yu shared encouragement from Matthew 21 where Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem. He reminded us to treat God’s home as better than our own, and to have respect for everything.

With our morning off to a great start, we began Day 1 of VBS. We were blessed to have 24 kids in attendance. We began with fun worship led by our talented worship team (Bennett, Rachel T, Cynthia, Tico, Victoria, and Rachel Q). The kids were jumping along to the beat and eagerly copying the hand motions. Anjali and Josh followed the exciting worship time with the Bible story of Zacchaeus, emphasizing the point that God sees us and introducing the concept of sin. The kids then broke up into three groups that rotated through three delightful stations.  Daniel led the craft with his faithful translator, Kenneth, and the kids enjoyed making binoculars. They added washi tape, glitter, stickers, and beads to personalize their binoculars and remember that God sees them. Bennett and the game team (Alex, Nathan, Nghi, Lucas) led the Four-Corners and Zap games as the children’s laughter filled the air. Jenny, one of the missionary hosts, led the Bible verse memorization station. Our hearts were filled with joy to see the ease with which the children memorized scripture and their excitement to hide God’s Word in their hearts. 

After a delicious lunch, the VBS continued with afternoon activities. The baking team led by Victoria baked delicious sugar cookies for the children to shape and decorate. Upstairs the fun continued with the games and craft group. Crafts turned into science as Kenneth taught the kids how to make their own kazoos and Anjali showed the kids how to make their own simple circuits. The games group played several games that left the kids enthusiastic and eager to play more. After this, the kids went home and the team debriefed. 

For dinner, a couple of local teens joined us to enjoy the delicious meal. The worship team, once again, blessed us with their talents and we enjoyed worshiping the Lord together. Anjali and Josh also shared the story of Zacchaeus again and Jenny led us into a time of reflection. We ended the day with a fun time of games where we got to know the teens better. From Brawl Stars to Monopoly Deal, the room was filled with laughter as the team bonded with one another and the Japanese teens. 

Cynthia (keyboard), Rachel Q (vocals) & Victoria (guitar & vocals) lead evening worship for our team and local teens for session 3 of the day

The day came to an end with a dual birthday celebration for Yunosuke and Mrs. Park. Alex, Estella, and Rachel L. made the day special with a heart pancake, strawberry hearts, and a frosting “Happy Birthday." Ms. Jenny baked a cake, and others brought snacks to share. It was truly a full birthday celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

Thank you for all the prayers regarding our VBS and our trip in general. Here are some items to continue to keep in your prayers:

• We are tired, please pray for strength
• Relationship with students attending to be strengthened
• Our love for one another and for the Lord will be a light to the kids
• Safety and health especially as we are tired

In Christ’s service,

Anjali Chandra (on behalf of the Japan Team)