Community outreach successful with summer VBS

In a summer when many public activities, including church services, were curtailed, Living Hope Christian Fellowship of Surrey, B.C., hosted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program from Aug. 9 to 13. Last year, Living Hope’s VBS had only 10 children attending in person, with seven online. By contrast, this year 38 children came, all in person.

Reaching out to the community has always been a priority for Living Hope. The congregation has become increasingly multicultural, reflecting the community of Surrey/North Delta, and has a sizable Karen population. Half of this year’s attendees were community children.

VBS was held in three-hour in-person sessions daily each morning and afternoon, following COVID-19 protocols in place at the time, that did not require the wearing of masks; since then, masks have become mandatory again, following rising COVID-19 numbers in the province.

Living Hope publicized the event by sending registration forms to the local school before the school year ended and putting registration forms on the church’s front door. A sign was put outside the church advertising the day camp’s theme, dates and cost, along with mentioning that it would be hosted in person.

“Wilderness escape—Where God guides and provides” was the theme for VBS this year.

“In this theme of trusting God, we went through the story of God leading the Israelites to the Promised Land and how he was faithful in his promises to his people, and how he is that same God to us today,” says Alyssa Hordyk of the church’s children’s ministry program.

“We had 25 enthusiastic volunteers helping throughout the week,” she says. “It is always a highlight of Living Hope’s summer. People are always so ready to pitch in and be a part of it all. I am so grateful to the Lord for his kindness and provision as we serve him in spreading the good news of Christ.”

Do you have a story idea about Mennonites in B.C.? Send it to Amy Rinner Waddell at bc@canadianmennonite.org.