AMERICUS — Ask members of the Americus Southern Baptist Church how their Vacation Bible School program went from six children total to an average of 48 children a night and they’ll say it’s because of diligence.
Americus residents Heaven Arb and Angel Stewart as well as Carla Felipe hit the streets and went door to door. It worked — on July 20, the closing day of the Bible school, the small town’s church sanctuary was down to standing room only during opening exercises.
“It’s been a little overwhelming for us because we’re a small church and all the sudden we had all these extra kids,” said Leroy Pritchard, deacon.
Through the week, Bible school students were broken down into several groups: 2 to 3-year-olds; 4 to 5-year-olds; 6-7 year olds; 8, 9 and 10-year-olds; and 11, 12 and 13-year olds. Bible classes were held for all students, and the evening was complete with snacks and crafts.
This year’s theme was “Game Day Central, Where Heroes are Made.” Games were incorporated into the curriculum to highlight the heroes of the Bible. Among the crafts were key chains made out of beads and picture frames.
The groups also did a mission project, which included raising money for Shiloh House, which is an outreach for mothers and their babies. A total of more than $37 was raised.
“That’s pretty good for the kids,” said Mildred Brown of the church. “That makes them feel so good.”
During the opening exercises, the room was packed with children who attended Bible school and their parents. They all were gathered for family night and a barbecue. Kids had the chance to show their parents what they learned through the week, including Bible songs. Church leaders said this year’s numbers is the most the Bible school has seen in 20 years.
The last night’s activities featured a barbecue with all the fixings. Tables that were set up outside were packed full and many people ended up eating on the grass or sidewalk. But it didn’t affect the mood as laughter and fellowship took place over dinner. Kids were eager to finish their dinner as cotton candy was being made by Arb and Stewart and a inflatable moon walk owned by Connie and Stan Stewart of Americus was put up in front of the church.
Kids who attended the Bible school had only good things to say about their experience. Kelsi Gadino, 12, of Americus said she liked all the learning and the moon walk.
“I learned about Jesus,” she said. “And how Jesus got crucified and saved us.”
Desirae Cherry, 12, of Americus enjoyed fellowship with other people.
“We got to play with the little kids,” Desirae said. “We did games to help them learn. We learned about the time period between when Jesus was born and his crucifixion.”
Chantel Clark, 11, of Wichita, is staying with her grandmother for the summer. She enjoyed the arts and crafts.
“I learned that there is only one way to get saved and go to Heaven,” she said, while her friends nodded in agreement.
Justice Cherry, 10, of Americus also was a fan of the arts and crafts and the moon walk. She also liked the cookies, she admitted, with a smile.
“I learned how Jesus got hung up on the cross,” she said.
Lily Alvarez, 10, of Americus had a hard time deciding what she liked the most because she liked everything, she said. Lily said she learned lots of new songs and about the crucifixion.
All in all, this year’s Vacation Bible School was a great one for Americus Southern Baptist Church and a success they will remember.
“This has been a really exciting time for me,” Brown said, beaming.