This week was VBS at McKinney Fellowship. Our theme for the week – in case you hadn’t already guessed – was Cokesbury’s Galactic Blast, a week of learning about the universe, the cosmos, and the God who created and rules over all of it.
As you might suspect, I was privileged to be on the worship team for the evening VBS for the elementary school-age children. Although I technically wasn’t “in charge”, I was able to lead each evening’s worship set at the opening and closing ceremonies and helped teach the songs during the rotations. We had approximately 800 children throughout the week, excited to learn and be a part of each day’s activities.
Quite honestly, this year’s music didn’t really speak to me. I just wasn’t “feeling it.” As much as I enjoy being onstage, I just didn’t connect with the songs we were teaching this year. Frankly there were times I put on a happy face and forced myself to be enthusiastic and energetic, all the while praying continuously that God would speak to the children in spite of me.
As He always does, God honored that prayer.
During one evening’s worship rotation, I felt a strong leading to share the gospel as I was teaching the words and motions to one of our songs. Even though it wasn’t the “official” night to have a gospel presentation, I knew God was asking me to do it. As I spoke, particularly to one group of older children, I could feel the Holy Spirit burning passionately inside me. The words spilled out uncontrollably – I can’t even remember what I said – but I know I said more than I intended. I was actually a little embarrassed that I had gotten so carried away with “preaching” when we were supposed to be worshiping.
After that rotation, our children’s pastor came up to me with an odd look on his face, one that I couldn’t quite place. I was afraid I’d said too much, said the wrong thing, that someone had complained about something I’d said or done…and in a low voice he looked at me and said, “Don’t say anything when I tell you this.” Instantly I turned off my microphone, certain I was going to get a mild chastising. “That girl in the back row behind me…she’s NOT a Christian. She’s unchurched. You just gave a totally clear presentation of the gospel…and she was here for every word. I don’t know how God is going to use that, but I just wanted you to know.” As he spoke, a huge smile spread over his face and his eyes brightened. “Keep it up.” And he turned and walked away.
I sat there, humbled. To think that God would use me – despite all my inner complaining – to share His message of love and forgiveness and sow the seed that will hopefully one day reap a great harvest was an amazing thought. And as I watched the children on our final night give themselves over with complete abandon to joyous, exuberant worship, I realized that it *is* really all about Him.
HE is the true Galactic Blast. He just lets me tune the spaceship’s radio every once in awhile.
If you’re interested, a video montage of VBS is available here.