A Practical Walk

When I was around16 and living in Paraguay, a friend asked if I’d start helping her with Saturday kids clubs. Neighborhood kids would come and hear a Bible story and do fun activities. Then later they asked me to help them with a Vacation Bible School (VBS). I was assigned with my friend’s older brother to lead the youngest group of kids around as they heard stories, made crafts, and watched a puppet show, of which I was a part of.

Then another year, we had another VBS, same thing, me and her brother were over the youngest kids. On top of that, the puppet gig grew and we ended up doing puppet shows other times and places.

Those kids clubs, VBSs, and puppet shows were a highlight of my teen years. Not only did I enjoy it, but I saw meaningful purpose in it, as kids got to hear the most important message there is.

That guy I did VBS and puppet shows with later asked to marry me. And this year we’ll hit our 20 year anniversary!

Our life’s taken twists, turns, and many moves. We’ve been to Africa and back. It’s taken us a while feel ready for much ministry since returning from Africa. Then a few months ago, we were approached with a question, “Will you two do the Bible story time in VBS?”

Guys….this week of teachig the stories to the kids, has been amazing on so many levels. This how Cameron and I got to know each other in the first place, doing VBS ministry side by side, and here we were doing it again! We even brought out one of the puppets Cameron’s mom made in Paraguay. Alley Cat showed up each evening of VBS this week!

Meet Alley Cat

We’ve loved having a chance to teach the most important story of all to these little listeners. We’ve had our clunky moments mind you, as we tried to collaborate in how we’d teach the lessons, but both of us hold this teaching as highly important, so we worked through the annoyances.

It’s also been a breath of fresh air for us as a couple, doing something together that we both enjoy and see purpose in. Having tired voices from proclaiming the truth, and getting to do it together. Who would’ve thought back when I was a teen, this guy and I would be doing VBS again, even with one of the same puppets the year of our 20th anniversary? Teaching God’s story alongside my husband is an enormous privilege that I cherish deeply.