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Day 4 In The Cave
Today I built a 12 foot tunnel in the Sunday School hallway of our church.
If you've been following my recounting of the past days' events regarding Vacation Bible school, you know what I'm talking about.
It seems like every year, there is one really major story prop that I want to build big. I make it my challenge to create a scene that the kids will get wide-eyed about. At least, that is my hope.
It's the kid in me. I'm the one who built rocket ships out of cardboard boxes for my younger siblings to play in.
One year, we used "Way to Go" VBS program. I turned the classroom into a whale's belly for one evening. Let's just say I used lots of black plastic sheeting, half a roll of duct tape, and a fan to keep it billowing and open. It filled the room wall to wall and the entire story of Jonah was told from inside the "whale's belly" complete with sound effects of indigestion provided by our pastor and a friend.
Last year, I recreated the tomb where Jesus' body had been laid. You could actually see inside the tomb, and see the white grave cloths folded on the stone. Ladders and cloths and lots of cushions provided the materials I needed to make it happen. The kids heard the story of the Resurrection sitting in front of the empty tomb, from Mary's point of view when she spoke to a man she thought was the gardener.
This year it was the tunnel leading into a cave, where friends of Jesus are hiding out because they fear the Roman soldiers will find them. Ari, one of the characters telling the story, works for the Jerusalem Cave Cleaning Company. He guides the kids and their leader (the other storyteller) into the cave, where they will be safe. While they are in there, Ari and the kids hear about Jesus, how he died on the cross then rose from the dead.
Ari thinks it's a nice story, but adds that he doesn't need to be saved because he's a good person. The leader goes on to demonstrate another way for him to look at it.
She tells the children that if they've ever told a lie, to close their eyes. They do this.
If they've ever hurt someone, lean into the middle of their circle. They lean in.
If they ever had taken something that didn't belong to them, link elbows.
At this point, all the kids are linked by elbows, leaning into the middle of their circles, foreheads touching, and their eyes are closed. She asks them if they would like to be stuck bent over like that in a dark cave forever? You can imagine their responses. They're kids!
Then, she asks them what it would be like if someone said 'I forgive you for taking what isn't yours,' and they were told to unlink arms.
'I forgive you for hurting someone,' and they leaned back.
'I forgive you for telling a lie,' and they opened their eyes.
Then she said 'You'd be set free, and that is what Jesus' love does for us. It sets us free.'
Isn't that an amazing way of telling the story? What a great illustration of what that kind of freedom looks and feels like.
Telling the story of the Resurrection in this way allowed them to feel what bondage must feel like. All hunched together, unable to move, unable to see, unable to stand up, and unable to walk away from the discomfort of the dark and crowded cave, they understood the concept of being lost, trapped, or imprisoned. Unlinking arms, sitting up, and opening their eyes, they felt a measure of freedom for that moment, and in that moment, perhaps a spark of understanding and awareness opened their minds.
Now, I did not write the story scripts that our storytellers presented this week. We purchased a Group VBS kit which provided the story scripts. All we had to do was learn the storyscript, set up the props, and tell the story, with as much drama as possible. Having a crew of people who are willing to share their love for Jesus is another ingredient for making VBS a living and loving outreach of Children's Ministry. We have that here.
I think the stories are a great way to teach about God. The kids are never going to forget walking, then crawling through the tunnel to get to the cave. They'll never forget being linked up so close to each other that their foreheads touched, how uncomfortable that was not being able to move freely.
They knew it was a cloth covered tunnel, but don't you remember, when you were a kid, playing under the blanket draped over the table or other furniture pieces? It was like that. Their imaginations were turned on as they heard the story.
(To add to their dark tunnel journey, I had laid a piece of shower curtain on the floor at the point where they would have to get down on their knees and crawl into the cave, and I splashed water on it so they'd get wet as they crawled the last few inches.)
Ari, and the kids, walked out of that cave with a greater understanding than they had when they first crawled into the cave.
That is my hope!
I haven't written as much about the crafts, the snacks, games, or music events because other volunteers are working those areas. Storytelling is only one aspect of a successful VBS, but it is the one I love doing the most. I think you get the idea that children learn best when they are making things, doing something with their hands, dancing, singing, playing a game, moving about, working together, helping each other, and talking about their personal experiences.
This is supported by academic research. This is what drives the Group VBS program. And why I like using them.
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I cant stay on the computer very long, but I had to drop by and tell you how nice it was to hear from you. I wish you had been my teacher when I was going to VBS. I used to love VBS, but having you for a teacher would have been amazing. Pennie
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This has been an exciting week for the kids I know! Bless you dear for all you do, I know you're tired, thanks to God for those like you that care about our wee ones. {{{}}}
Blessings, Sugar -
can I come to your VBS next year???
Becky -
Bea - you wrote such a clear picture that I could imagine being there with the children, experiencing what they experienced. I am sure that this week is going to touch their hearts forever!
7/22/06 5:16 PM
Hugs,
Jackie
http://journals.aol.com/sienn