VBS: Justice begins with me

Nearly 170 children caught a vision for integrity and brought compassion to their own community.

Standing for justice and fighting corruption aren’t common themes for VBS.

But this was no ordinary Vacation Bible School.

"What does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?"
– Micah 6:8

Our journey began by looking to the book of Proverbs for wisdom in living ethical lives and building a just society. The children (and teachers) were challenged to live out the message personally and to make it a reality in our nation. And because the foundation of wise and moral living is a relationship with Jesus Christ, we invited everyone to begin a new life with Him.

Kids and teachers also received a valuable gift: their own Bible (in French) donated by The Gideons of Kentucky. For many children, this is the first book – let alone the first Bible – they’ve ever owned.

Because we wanted to model the principles we taught, we arranged a special field trip to illustrate the truth of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

To do this, we took VBS on the road and visited an impoverished part of Bukavu. When we arrived, 200 children were eagerly waiting. We prayed and sang with them and, through a play, shared how God values justice and integrity. Our children had the joy of delivering gifts of clothing and food to families and widows through a partnering church. The local pastor was overwhelmed with gratitude for everything. He had been praying for the help of local Christians and here was the answer.

We ended VBS with a bus ride to a playground – a luxury few of the children ever partake of.

Thank you for your support of Future Hope Africa and Vacation Bible School. Your prayers and financial gifts are making a real difference in the lives of children, families and the nation.