Life on Mission

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

This past month, our church had the privilege of hosting the largest attended VBS we have ever had to date sitting at around 500 children. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with VBS, it stands for “Vacation Bible School” and is an event a mass of churches hosts every summer for the kids in their community. The purpose is for young kids to come and have fun with the opportunity to hear the Gospel. As a child, I recall attending VBS in Florida at my grandparent’s church and still remembering what was taught there to this day. VBS is unique because it presents ideas and themes about the Bible in an interactive and engaging way that captivates the kid’s attention.

This year’s theme was Rainforest Falls and each night focused on a foundational truth about God:

• God is our Creator.

• God knows everything.

• God is our safe place.

• God is love.

• God is forever.

When I listened to these truths being taught, I was struck by how simple they are, yet how desperately our world needs to hear them. We live in a culture filled with confusion about identity, purpose, truth, and hope. If God is our Creator, then we are not accidents. We were intentionally made by Him and for Him. If God knows everything, then nothing in our lives is hidden from Him. He sees our struggles, our fears, and our deepest needs. If God is our safe place, then we can run to Him in every circumstance rather than looking to the world for security. If God is love, then the cross becomes the greatest demonstration of that love, where Christ gave His life to rescue sinners. And if God is forever, then His promises, His Word, and the hope we have in Christ will outlast every earthly circumstance. Even though these truths may be simple for children to comprehend, they are truths every person needs to hear.

As I watched hundreds of children gather to learn about Jesus I couldn’t help but think about the people God has placed in our own lives who need to hear these truths and most importantly, the Gospel message.

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus’ final command to His followers was not simply to attend church to gain more knowledge. He called us to go and make disciples. That is why there is such an urgency to share the truth with people of every age.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Romans 10:14

Sometimes we can feel unqualified to share our faith. We may think we don't know enough or that someone else could do it better. Yet God has always used ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The volunteers who served during VBS may never fully know the impact of a conversation, a Bible lesson, a prayer, or being a smiling face.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Though we may not experience the fruit, every invitation, every Gospel conversation, every interaction, every prayer the Spirit is at work. Friends, an unbeliever will read a Christian before they read a Bible. How are you living SET APART in your day to day life. With the same motivation that we look at the week of VBS, how can you be living on mission in your day to day life? Who has God placed in your life that needs to hear about Jesus? Who can you encourage in their faith? Who are you praying for consistently? How are you using the gifts and opportunities God has given you to point others to Him?

The good news of the Gospel does not stop with you. May we live with the same wonder and simplicity that we desire for our children; to know God, love God, and make Him known.

Prayer Tip:

Ask God to open your eyes to the people around you who need hope in Christ. Pray for boldness to share your faith and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Points:

• Thank God for every child, volunteer, and family impacted through VBS.

• Pray that the seeds planted in the hearts of the children would take deep root and produce lasting fruit.

•  Ask God to give you a greater burden for those who do not know Him.

• Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

• Ask God to help you live intentionally and faithfully on mission wherever He has placed you.

• Pray for boldness, wisdom, and love as you represent Christ to the world around you.

Father, thank You for allowing us to participate in Your work of reaching people with the Gospel. Thank You for the lives touched through VBS and for every seed that was planted. Remind us that Your mission did not end when VBS ended. Open our eyes to see the people around us the way You see them. Give us hearts that are burdened for the lost and willing to step out in faith when opportunities arise. Help us to live each day with eternity in mind. May our words, actions, and lives point others to Jesus. Use us as Your ambassadors, and may we be faithful to share the hope we have found in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Kalli Hodges

Flourish Women’s Ministry  

Mid-Way Baptist Church