Kimberly I really know where you were coming from, for we are going through the same thing right now at our church. We have a total of 12 members, and 5 kids, which 2 of those 5 kids are mine. I am so hoping that we are able to pull some of the neighborhood kids in as well as others. I know my fingers will do a lot of walking in the phone book for address of homes I know who have kids and especially for the ones who don't come to church.

I recieved this piece of encouragement a few minutes ago from a friend and thought I would share it with everyone. Enjoy.

Malachi 3:3 says:
"He will sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver."  

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this
statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get
back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch
him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest
beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.    

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and
let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the
silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn
away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought
again about the verse that says:  "He sits as a refiner and purifier of
silver."  She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there
in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.  

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but
he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If
the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do
you know when the silver is fully  refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in
it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye
on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is
watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better
person in the end.

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it
once."

Hang in there girl, it will work out. I can relate with you on the help. I have posted needing voulunteers in our church bulletin and not one person has offered yet. Of course we only have 12 members left after a recent loss of several members, and I really don't expect a lot of help from the ones who are there. I may have to pull in recruits of family and friends.

But in support, I want to pass along a piece of advice a wise person on this forum told me not to long ago. "It is God who is taking notes"

It will work out for you for I know he will make it happen for you. Good luck and I will be praying for you.

                                 Donna in Ky.

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Donna,

He looks wonderful!! 

I am proud to share Jesus, VBS our avatar and the name Donna with you 

I am so grateful to all of you, we do need to be here for each other through our Wild Ride's!

 Wah-Hoo & Amen,

 

Donna in NH <><

Terri, that is one of the main reasons we are here. To encourage and pray for one another. Working for the Lord, especailly in VBS, creates much opposition. The enemy of our souls will do anyting and use anyone to discourage us, but we need to be faithful to what God has called us. For it is He who has called us and not man. No matter what may come our way we must press on.

I have noticed more participation, encouragement and contributions to the board this year than in previous ones. Even people who had been on the sidelines for sometime have decided to join. A few have even joined the oldies in their fun threads! Best of all, I am blessed by the numerous posts I've read and private e-mails I have received thanking us for all the ideas and encouragement this board provides. Oh, and for the bursts of laughs we cause every now and then as well. That is what a community is all about. Inevitably we will come across some things we may not totally agree with, but that too is part of being a family. We do however, have the Love of Christ which compels us to be forgiving and tolerant of each other. Why shouldn't we? God has much more to put up with.

Welcome to our community! You have come to the right place for prayer, encouragement and support. That is one of the main reasons why this baord exists. We all started where you are today and believe me after 15+ years of doing vbs I still get butterflies in my stomach every now and then.

Let me remind you that in agreeing to do VBS you have said "YES" to the Lord himself. Because of your obedience he will bless you and equip you to do what needs to be done. Continue to put your trust and focus on him. I am more than certain that with our prayers and your willingness to serve you will do GREAT! If you have any particular question or concern just let it out. We have 100's of years in combined experience here and will do our best to help you have an unforgettable time at VBS. Be encouraged, be blessed and thank you for allowing God to use you in blessing the little ones!