Tomorrow evening, July 6th, our church will begin a week-long Vacation Bible School. Somewhere around 70 kids will come in and out of our doors during that time, and on Friday night, some of the parents will come also.

What is the rationale for spending two hours of every evening this week with such a large group of kids, not to mention all the preparation that goes on ahead of time, all the expense, all the effort? The answer is simple: Jesus loves kids. He died for them. He wants them to come into a living relationship with him through his atoning work on the cross.

Statistics tell us that nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before the age of 13. That’s why VBS is so important. Many pastors and Christian workers filling places of ministry today can point back to a children’s camp or VBS as the place where they met Jesus Christ as Savior.

Statistics also tell us that 9 out 10 Southern Baptist churches run a VBS. Why? Because they consider it the most effective tool they have to reach boys and girls for Jesus!

Kids love VBS! We’ve had both churched and unchurched kids tell us they wished VBS would last longer than just one week.

VBS allows us to build relationships with kids. It gives parents an opportunity to hear about Jesus in a fun and light-hearted way on program night.

Let me finish where I began: VBS is a big deal because Jesus loves children. You remember the story of how when Jesus was on earth some children gathered around him and the disciples tried to shoo them off; but Jesus said “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Luke 18:16 ESV). This story is told three times in the New Testament for emphasis.

Pray for VBS. Pray for the workers, the volunteer helpers, the kids, and the parents/guardians. It’s our greatest opportunity for outreach this year!