Blog

Both my husband and I grew up in Christian homes going to church every Sunday. Especially after COVID lockdowns, and then with the birth of our first and second kids, we struggled to get ourselves going to church. It was so easy to stay at home, but we didn't realize how much we missed and needed a church community. 

Then when our daughter was about three, we felt a strong calling to find her a bible class, like my husband and I grew up in.

Within a week, Mountain Christian Church advertised their Vacation Bible School program, and we couldn't ignore the obvious and literal sign. 

So that summer our daughter attended VBS at MCC, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for our entire family. She came home each day filled with excitement, sharing the songs, Bible stories, and crafts she had learned. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and we were deeply moved by the joy and spiritual growth she experienced during that week.

Inspired by the positive impact VBS had on our daughter, we decided to attend a Sunday service. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted with open arms and sincere hospitality. The sense of belonging and the strong emphasis on family values resonated with us deeply. As a result, we have become regular attendees and participants in the church community.

VBS not only provided our daughter with a memorable and enriching experience, but also led our family to discover a supportive and loving Christian community. 

* * * 

Lauren's story is a beautiful testimony of what the Lord does through VBS. Would you consider joining in His work for the Kingdom, right here in Cedar Crest? Talk to Cruz Talamantes today about how you can be involved. 

You will be blessed, and will also be a blessing. God may even use you to change a family's life forever. 

Thank you for supporting “The Great Jungle Journey” VBS!

We had 93 children attend at least once during the week. Half of the kids were not from MCC, and 8% didn't list a home church. The Gideons handed out 106 Testaments, and at least one girl had never read the Bible before. They were loved on by 115 volunteers. And raised over $1,562 for hearing aids for 11-year-old Dayana in Bolivia!

The pictures from the week are precious. The sweet faces of the children and of the volunteers brought tears to my eyes. I am SO PROUD of our volunteers.

We started each day with corny jokes and learned new songs and dances. We watched live drama productions and ate fun and colorful snacks that supported the daily lesson. We got our wiggles out in games before using our hands to reinforce the lesson in crafts. We even saw volcanos explode! We learned that sharing the Good News can be done far away as well as in our own community, and we heard our daily lessons from a new guest teacher each day. We had 15 tour guides, plus a multitude of helpers leading the kids and building relationships with them.

At our closing ceremony Friday evening, many families joined us to sing and dance, enjoy the drama team one more time, watch the slideshow from the week, and hear the gospel from “Jungle Jim”.  Then we had cookies and talked. So many people just enjoyed visiting with one another. It was beautiful to see the community created by a week of VBS.

The Sunday after VBS my heart was filled as I looked around the sanctuary and saw the familiar faces of the volunteers that worked together all week. Memories were made, friendships were formed, and relationships grew stronger.

The week of Vacation Bible School is so much more than construction paper and chaos. I have heard many stories about people who attended church for the first time because of VBS. And many accepted Christ because of VBS. 

Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

I am proud of the VBS program that we have built up over the years, but not because it’s our program. The VBS program at MCC is God’s VBS and it is meant to teach kids about Him.  

I will be stepping down from the co-coordinator role next year because Micah and I plan to enjoy his retirement next summer. The VBS team will need administrative assistance. If you enjoy spreadsheets or completing To Do lists or thinking ahead logistically, then let Cruz know that you might like to join the VBS Team. (Actually working with the kids is optional; so don’t let that scare you off.) You will have an eternal impact. 

We wanted to hear about VBS from those who participate - our kids! As you can see, VBS is not only tons of fun, but it also opens their eyes to what the Lord is doing in their own hearts and around the world.

Grayson: 

My name is Grayson and I am in 6th grade. I like to hunt, fish, shoot and play football. My parents are Chandler and Becca and I have a sister Bryce, along with two wonderful dogs and eight chickens.

I have been going to MCC for 11 years and it is a great church. I have been going to VBS for five years now and it is really fun. I also have helped set up the rooms to get ready for VBS.

I have never had a favorite theme but they were all great. I really like having games in the morning and a lesson.

I learned that God never leaves us and always forgives us. I have also invited friends to VBS. VBS is a great way to come closer to God and get new friendships.

Ava:

I’m Ava and I'm in third grade. My parents are Nathan and Shannon and my siblings are Cache and Hannah. We’ve been going to MCC since I was about two years old. I like hanging out with my cat for fun.