This past weekend the church inside my orphanage had a VBS camp for the elementary kids here. On Saturday night the kids had to go through Pilgrim’s Progress. The members of the church (community people) set up 9 stations for the kids to go through. Each station taught something about Christ, about fellowship, and/or about overcoming the Enemy. There were punishments at each station if the kids failed. I pray these pictures and descriptions minister to you…
The first station was a simple, “Memory Verse” station. The team of kids would have to memorize specific verses (which they had been learning during the VBS camp) and speak them perfectly. If they failed, they were punished. If we lack the Word, we are vulnerable to the Enemy. We have to be trained…
Here is one of the teams of kids (4 teams in all) at station 2. The kids were precious to watch through all this.
For the second station the kids had to learn teamwork and all fit on a piece of cardboard. It was easy at first, but then the counselor kept folding the cardboard. The kids had limited time to do the activity and if they failed, they would be punished.
Here the kids accomplish the activity… that is teamwork 
The third station was by far the toughest station. The counselor was from the army and acted just like a drill sergeant. He was relentless with the kids, even the 1st graders, but they were obedient and kept strong. He made them do all sorts of punishments until they were in perfect order and silent. Here are kids doing push ups
For this punishment the kids had to have their arms around each other and fall on their back, get up and fall forward, crawl forward… all sorts of stuff together… it was nearly pitch black at this point, you can only see because of the flash from my camera
For the actual activity at the station, the counselor had dug a small ditch in the shape an uncurved S. He set up cords and ropes just above the ditch with little pieces of paper hanging from the cords with things written on them that represent things of this world that Christians cannot get wrapped up in. The kids were instructed to get on their back and crawl forward. They could not touch the cords. The counselor had some of the older kids here at the home pour water in the ditch and directly on the children if the children cried, complained, or touched the cords. This was really intense.
I had to hold back tears as I watched the kids struggle. Some cried. Some had to do it again because they failed. These are just kids and the activity was really difficult. But the kids kept strong. They didn’t complain or get mad at each other if one of them failed. Sadly, many adult Christians would never submit to such an activity. But God is looking for those who are willing, even little children.
This team lost focus at the end of the activity and did not remain in pefect order
After the activity… rather than cry or complain, the kids kept strong. They seemed to bond the most through this activity. There was a great sense of accomplishment/victory as a team from making it through this station.
The next station I failed to get any pictures of. It was choosing the “Wide Path” or the “Narrow Path.” We were up on a small mountain by the orphanage with different trails. The kids had to choose which path they wanted to take. Most did not know the Scripture about the narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). Those that chose the wide path had to go through a lot more struggles to finish it.
The fifth station emphasized “receiving God’s Word.” The counselor had a platter hanging from a tree with pieces of paper with words of God on them set on the platter. He first had the kids try and “receive” the word of God “without God’s help” by using chopsticks to try and catch the falling pieces of paper.
After they failed, he taught them how we must ask for God’s help to receive the Word of God (the Holy Spirit!). He had them all pray and ask God for help. Then he had them do the activity again but thise time gave them baskets to catch the paper.
And the kids succeeded
At the 6th station the kids had to write a “final letter,” what they would want to say if they knew they were about to die. The pastor of the church led this station and emphasized forgiving others and seeking forgiveness. For some kids they wrote simple things, but I saw other kids really pouring out their heart as they wrote their letter.
Next, for the older kids or the younger ones who were willing, they experienced the burial of Christ. The counselors had made a “coffin” and buried half of it in the ground. Each willing child would get into the coffin…
Experience hearing it being sealed…
And then the pastor would share with the others the power of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. Then the kids would pray like Jesus did before Lazarus’ tomb and the person in the tomb would be released.
The next station was foot washing done by the counselors to the children. The counselor leading the station reviewed what the kids had experienced, shared the love of the counselors for the kids and the love of God for the kids, and how Jesus demonstrated His love by washing His disciples’ feet. This was a blessed time.
For the last station the children entered the church to find this banner blocking their way. The word means “Curtain.”
The counselor explained how before Jesus there was a curtain that blocked believers from coming near to the presence of God. But because of Christ’s death and sacrifice, the curtain was torn in two. To demonstrate that there is no curtain, the counselor had the children walk through it.
After walking through it the kids came to a table where the pastor explained the symbols of Communion to them and led them in taking it.
Last, a counselor came to them and asked them, “Now that we are done, what is the first thing you all want to do?” All of the kids responded in unison, “Take a shower!!!” The counselor then explained to them how before we knew Christ we were covered in the filth of sin… but that when we confess our sins and accept Christ into our hearts we are cleansed from all the filth. He told them to remember this as they would wash and clean themselves. I was blessed to watch the kids pay attention and understand.
After all the kids cleaned up, the counselors set out chicken, soda, and other snacks for the kids to have (a table for each team). It was a happy time, like a little feast. The kids were all exhausted but joyful. By this time it was really late and the first graders were half asleep as they ate. Cute kids.
I didn’t take pictures of the eating time because I was busy helping serve the kids and talking with them. I know that during this VBS camp a lot of seeds were planted in these children. I pray for the Holy Spirit (the Living Water) to come and water these seeds and make these children grow into “oaks of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3). God is good!
I’m gone for the next few weeks to England, Italy, and then the Philippines. Take care everyone. Please lift up a prayer for me, especially for the Philippines mission trip. May God’s power be at work through our mission team!
Hillsong – In Your Freedom
). She came with her camera and took a gajillion pictures so I’ll be featuring some of them for my next couple posts.
