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Day 5: Ananias helps Saul
One of my favorite stories is about Saul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. You know that story from Paul's point of view, but have you heard Ananias tell it?
In the photo, our pastor (Saul) is sitting in the hallway with his back to the door. Inside the classroom are the storyteller and the kids. We didn't want the kids to see him until Ananias goes to him.
Ananias explains his dilemma, about the dream he had, about Saul's wicked reputation, and how afraid he is to do what the Lord has asked him to do. He finally tells the kids that he will go find Saul, then he opens the door, and there in the spotlight (held by me and another lady) sits our Saul, only he wore a head piece to hide his identity. The kids never saw who played Saul. They only needed to see that Saul was there, that he was praying and crying, and that he was blind.
He found poor Saul, wounded in pride and spirit, blinded by the Light of God, waiting for the man he was told to seek, Ananias, and waiting for the Lord's will.
Saul was waiting on the Lord!!
He was crying and repentant at the feet of Jesus, when Ananias laid his hands on Saul's eyes. The scales fell away, and Saul could see again.
To illustrate this, our pastor was holding some confetti I had punched from paper, and he tossed them over his shoulder, into the classroom. The 'scales' landed on the floor and on his shoulder. The kids were startled, I was told by those in the room, when the scales came toward them.
Even Saul was called!
Even Saul, responsible for the torture and deaths of possibly thousands of early Christians, was transformed (find the account in Acts 9:1-19) to a new life in Christ, and Christ in him. Viva!!
The point the kids learned Thursday was that Jesus is our helper... he helps us to do the things he asks us todo, even ifwe don't want to do them, or are afraid to do them. He is there with us when the job is difficult, dangerous, or daring.
The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. Hebrews 13:6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.
It has been a week of changing rooms, changing roles, changing minds, and changing hearts. I am touched by the dedication of the leaders in our church who took their roles seriously, who showed up each day, many after working all day. Some had to eat a quick bite in the car on their way to VBS, others didn't eat dinner at all finding their nourishment in the light snack that was provided. Several had small children to take care of when they got home, and had to get up early for work the next day... I am so grateful that they gave so much this week. They didn't just talk the talk... they walked the walk this week.
I thank all of them from the depths of my heart for making it happen, for making it real, and for sharing their love of God with 22 highly energetic kids who have been home for the summer! God bless you all!
I know some churches have stopped doing VBS because their congregation doesn't want to do all that work, or because it costs so much (in dollars and effort), or because not enough people volunteer to make it happen.
There may be other reasons, but I can say that to truly recognize the value of all the work, effort, time, and money that goes into this mission, one must be actively involved in the planning of it, and the event itself... watch the kids, spend time with the kids as they hear the stories, sing and dance with them when they learn the songs, help them make the crafts, join them in the games, share a snack with them, and listen to their talk all the while.
They will tell you what they know about Jesus. It will put you to shame what they will tell you about Jesus, and you will wonder how can they understand that so easily?
My most favorite time of each evening was when Alan called for one child to come forward to say a closing prayer. A few hands would fly up right away, but most of the kids were too shy to pray out loud. Still, there were the few, and each day a different child was called to come forward and lead us in prayer.
I was humbled to the core hearing their voices bold and clear, without hesitation, thanking the Lord, praising the Lord, and asking Him to help this person or these people... for I knew they didn't plan for this. Each one uttered his or her prayer with closed eyes and an open heart.
No wonder Jesus said we had to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Yesterday was Day 5 of our VBS week, but it was so late by the time I sat down at the computer, and my mind just wanted to let it go for a little while. So I wrote it on Friday instead.
Unfortunately, I have no photo of the storyteller who played the role of Ananias. Thank you, Jean for your interpretation of Ananias. And thank you, Alan, for Saul... you looked like you were really sobbing. Brought tears to my eyes.
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Bea,
AWESOME!!!! You and your team did VERY well!!! I could see these kids with such an interest in the bible because of how you are telling the stories to them, bringing it all to life... WOW!!!! Great journaling!!!! Hey thanks for visiting my journal, I appreciate your comment!!
http://journals.aol.com/preciousone25/JoannsWeightLossJourn ey/
God Bless You!!!
Joann -
So glad to know you had a wonderful and successful VBS! - Barbara
http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/ -
Bea - what a wonderful week you have had. You have put an excitement into me for our VBS which starts tomorrow. I have never been involved in this at all, and have volunteered to do whatever they need me to do. When I see all that you have done, I am nervous for our leaders as they have to prepare for 300 children that have signed up! It is going to be an awesome week. Just in case no one has said anything to you, thank you for all that you have done for those children. I am sure that this week couldn't have been done the way it was without everything you put into it. You are a blessing!
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I noticed tonight that many of my pictures have disappeared from previous entries and are not available. I don't know if that is temporary or not. I'm waiting to hear from the journals editor... I hope you can see them. Bea
7/23/06 12:33 PM
I just LOVE the way these stories are being told from a different perspective than they are originally presented. And I want to thank you for taking the time to post the pictures, tell the stories and take us through your VBS experience without actually being there.
Our church is one who, sadly, has been unable to find the necessary volunteers to do VBS for the past couple of years. We used to team up with a couple of area churches, but even that has fizzled out. There are a few churches in town, though, who still do VBS without fail, so at least the children in our area have access to a good program each summer.
Hugs,
Gwynn