Extremely favorable reports have filtered back from the great success of the April Sound Church’s Vacation Bible School which was held the week of June 19. The theme this year was “Twists and Turns”, and 116 young people came together for fun, fellowship and worship. Now, we all know that you cannot put that many kids in one place for several hours without much planning and many helpers to facilitate all the goings on. There were over fifty adult and teen volunteers who worked every day to ensure a great event. As the week progressed, participants enjoyed Wild Card Crafts, Skip Ahead Snacks at the Hungry Hippo Café, and Ready-Set-Rec. The pictures look so fun – with fancy bubbles, a group of girls leading music, and everyone watching fabulous videos. The idea is that you have to create fun, have interesting programs, and make it so the kids WANT to come! It must have been a success because 56 young people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the week! All this was directed by Children’s Ministry Director Kathy Collins and Youth Pastor Robert Harris.
I love the Mission Statement for the April Sound Church’s Youth Program: “To help students rest in the work of Christ so they might have the confidence to do the work of the Kingdom knowing that they know they are the Church here and now.” Now that they have a place of their own with the newly renovated Youth Building, the youth gather for breakfast and the Bible from 9 to 10:15 on Sundays mornings, then on Wednesday evenings they meet at the Youth Building, or at a neighborhood home with a pool where they have dinner from 6-6:30, then from 6:30 to 8, they play, learn, and pray together. For more information visit
www.soundchurchtx.com
or call 936-588-2832. You do not need to live within the gates of April Sound. All are welcome!
Then, the week after VBS, five leaders and eighteen youth left for a Christian camp called BigStuf in Panama City, Florida. The theme of this event, open to youth from all over the southern states, was “Build It”. Their website says, “We exist to inspire students to live life with Jesus. BigStuf is a ministry full of gifted people who love to share their skills, talents and faith to make a difference in the lives of students.” Youth Pastor Robert Harris reports that “God moved to grow our youth closer to Himself and to each other, and two had incredible moments of faith where they saw the truth about Jesus and decided for the first time that they would build their life on Him and his gospel.” It was a long drive, but well worth it for all who went on the trip!
Gathering with like-minded young people is so helpful for the formation of faith for the rest of life. I salute all those who participated in any way in making this summer special for so many of our April Sound and area youth! It is truly blessed work!
– Ann Marie Ricci
Send April Sound news to jamricci@consolidated.net.
