Aug 23, 2010
Vacation Bible School
This summer HBC had the privilege of hosting vacation Bible School in an urban area of Owensboro. As you may know, we initiated an ongoing min
istry in that part of our city two and a half years ago. In July, one of our families “incarnated” themselves into this neighborhood for the purpose of ministry. Their large yard next to their house provided the locale for VBS. We utilized Ken Ham’s teaching material, called The Egypt File. The curriculum provided the theme for instruction, along with ideas for crafts and recreation. In order to clarify the Gospel we supplemented the teaching material.
The fruits that emerged from this endeavor were numerous. First, and most importantly, it served as a medium for the Gospel. (A different 
facet of the Good News was emphasized each night.) Second, it presented another occasion to express our commitment to Jesus and to the people of that community. Third, VBS provided an opportunity for more HBC members to see and interact with the people they are praying for. The Bible tells us that Jesus saw crowds and had compassion on them. To a lesser degree, the same thing happened to us. We felt a new compassion for these dear souls. Finally, VBS created a context for HBC parents to live out the Gospel alongside their children.
God has been faithful the last two and a half years to continually open doors in this part of our city. We engage kids from ages 4 to 17 in a weekly Bible study where we labor to help them understand the Gospel. We also conduct monthly Saturday cookouts where we provide hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and cookies along with face painting, games and balloons for the kids. This outreach creates a context where we can continue to engage people, build relationships and proclaim the Gospel.
We praise God for all that He has done. While we are thankful, we are not satisfied. Ultimately, we desire to see a church planted in this community where radical grace may be proclaimed and worshippers created. Our prayer is that God would raise up a man from the neighborhood that could eventually serve as their first pastor. We would be only too happy to freely educate him at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies.
In summary, Tim Keller said, “After you have given yourself to laboring for the Gospel in the city, you may discover that you needed the city more than it needed you.” This has proven true for us at HBC. The city continually reminds us that moralism must die and sovereign grace must live. The city keeps Jesus’ words ringing in our ears, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the Kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)
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