By Rossaline Sitompul – Aurora, Colorado …Some 44 community children attended the virtual Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American church August 10 – 15.

The summer of 2020 was not like the one we had planned.  Prior to the pandemic, Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American church was planning to host VBS as an outreach for area children.  Having attended VBS training, church directors were eagerly waiting for this outreach.  Then the world went on pause when the pandemic hit in March and has remained on pause.

After discussing the changes and the restrictions brought about by the pandemic and whether the church could host a VBS this year, the idea of hosting an online VBS came up. Eveline Cornelius, VBS director, thought that they should open registration for all Indonesian churches in Colorado.

In late July, they began planning a virtual VBS zoom meeting, but had no idea if the local community would attend and how to actually host a virtual event.

Work began by building backdrops, rehearsing skits, and preparing craft bags to deliver to participants.

After many hours spent in prayer and discussion with the Rocky Mountain Conference children’s ministry director on how to hold an online event, the virtual gathering was set to begin.

Volunteers dropped off VBS materials at the homes of the preregistered children.

The young adults of the church made sure the technical aspects were covered.  They also served as hosts for the online event and produced the craft videos.

During the week, community children learned about how to be hero in their own way.  They had the opportunity to dive into Bible stories, learn about different types of animals, and enjoy making simple crafts.

A drive-through graduation was held at the church on August 15 to celebrate the children who attended the program. Church members attended to show the children from the community how proud they were of their accomplishment.

—Rossaline Sitompul is children’s ministries director at the Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American church; photos supplied.