RMCNews – Aurora, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Indonesian American Adventist Church had much to celebrate this year June 12-17 running their first Vacation Bible School (VBS) since the Pandemic. The theme of this year’s program was “Fiercely Faithful,” which was shown by the whole church working together to put on the program.

The program was led by Melva Tobing, the church’s VBS and children’s ministry director. She had a lot of support from her husband, Peter Tobing, Pastor Purasa Marpaung, and church elders Mangapul Sianipar and Grace Supriyanto. Twelve teens acted as crew leaders for each participant team.

It was also supported by a host of volunteers including 11 young adults as station leaders and 18 adults participating at the stations and coordinating the closing VBS dinner. They even had over 12 volunteers assist with preparations for the event.

Patty Rivera, the RMC Hispanic women’s ministries director and volunteer for children’s ministries, attended the event and commented, “Melva and Peter moved from California last year and were eager to do something for their new church home. Melva showed the spirit of commitment by organizing the VBS program and it was contagious!”

She continued, “The whole church was involved, and it was a feast filled with joy. The elders all had smiles. Melva directed and so many were involved, including great support from her husband.”

The program had five stations: Yeshua Gate, House of Peace, Cabana Shop, Olive Branch Cafe, Sand Pit, and the Mazan Oasis for opening and closing of the VBS. It was enjoyed by the church’s youth, 11 children from another Indonesian Adventist church, and even two non-Adventist children. Each team received a VBS t-shirt that they wore each day.

One child participant commented, “I love VBS! I made a lot of friends, and I loved going to the Olive Branch Cafe to eat healthy snacks, playing in the sand pit, and watching a movie while eating a snack in the House of Peace. I also enjoyed Yeshua’s Gate where I was able to play and pray a lot.”

A church member remarked on the day, “I love this program. It brings the whole church together working for this ministry.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Marheppy Simbolon.