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VBS children walk a mile in someone else’s shoes
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Children were excited to walk through the garden rainforest pathway during Austintown Highway Tabernacle Church Vacation Bible School June 29.
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Hannah Arduini (left) and Mathew Martin sang songs on stage during VBS at Austintown Tabernacle Church June 29.
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Evan Daniels (left) and Natalie Nuttall dressed up as biblical characters for children during VBS at Austintown Tabernacle Church June 29.
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Kaylee Cerbus (left), Emily Aikers (cemter) and Michelle Cerbus enjoyed the many activities of Vacation Bible School at Austintown Tabernacle Church June 29.
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Anthony Cerbus tried to hit a home run while playing baseball during Vacation Bible School at Austintown Tabernacle Church June 29.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Children gained a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and became philanthropists during Vacation Bible School at Austintown Tabernacle Church June 25-29.
After VBS director Cyndi Martin and her husband, Joe, became missionaries in Ethiopia, they felt the need to spread awareness of the impoverished conditions that plague the country.
“My husband and I just became missionaries for Ethiopia this summer and our hearts have been particularly burdened for them. The children have been collecting an offering for Ethiopia for shoes. They have been tremendously
excited to raise over $500 this week. They just bring in change and they have done an excellent job. So many kids over there go barefoot that it makes us appreciate what we have,” Martin said.
The theme of charity was also reinforced through games where children tried to make sandals out of household items in an attempt to help kids learn and understand what it’s like for Ethiopians, who may have to make shoes out of primitive supplies, according to Martin.
Every aspect of camp from songs to games was an opportunity for children to grasp the concept of helping others.
“I learned about the Bible verse John 3:16, and I got to pray over the microphone,” said Connell Tyler.
Parents were also encouraged to participate in VBS during family night, which gave children a chance to highlight all the new things they learned throughout the week.
“We enjoy the evening because we know parents work. We’ve seen the numbers steadily grow. Last year, we went from 100 to 130. Family night couldn’t happen if it wasn’t in the evening,” Martin said.