I loved vacation Bible school as a child. I remember one particular year they said, “Whoever memorizes the most verses, brings friends, and comes each day receives extra points, and whoever earns these points can win prizes.” Now, I’ve always been a bit competitive, and I won the “top prize” that year which was a Bible. Not just a paperback Bible, but a leather one.
My Bible came in its own special box. I remember loving the feel of the book in my hands with the unique binding and the feel of the pages in my hands. I loved the crinkling sound the pages made as I turned them. The paper seemed so delicate in my hands, unlike the school books that I was used to. I even liked the smell of it! This book felt different, alive almost, as I experienced it with more than one of my senses. It seemed so very different from any other book that I had. It was my first real Bible and I remember treating it with special care. This scripture says it IS a very different book.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
In our Bible Adventure classes, we know the Bible is alive for our students. During our classes we take the time to help the children locate the verses of scripture that they are memorizing in their Bible. We teach them how to locate each verse: first by learning the books of the Bible by song, then showing them the table of contents. Then we help them locate the book of the Bible, the chapter of the Bible and then the verse.
We also help the scripture come alive by giving each of our students a mentor that we call a “listener.” A listener is there each week discipling the same 2 or 3 students. They help their students to understand that the Bible is really one redemptive story. We teach this by using the 4 Chapter gospel approach. The Chapters are Creation, Fall, Rescue, and Restoration which help the students navigate the questions they have as they learn, memorize, look up, explain and apply this Biblical knowledge.
It is wonderful how God intertwines our faith walk and our ministry. My faith journey began at a camp! When our Bible Adventure students earn 300 points they can come to a week of Joy El’s summer camp for free. Nationwide, 60% of the children who attend released time programs like Bible Adventure do not attend a church. I am privileged to serve in the largest mission field in our nation—the public schools. Thanks for partnering with us.
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