The best part of VBS

(This is a little write up that I did for the church newsletter.)

During VBS this year, the children learned about one of the missionaries that our church supports, Shannon Johnston, who also happens to be my sister. Shannon has been in Australia, working with MTW, since March. Part of Shannon’s ministry will take her to Japan to work with an MTW team there, helping communities rebuild after the earthquake and tsunami. Part of what the team in Japan is doing is to encourage hope and healing by bringing the arts into areas hardest hit by the tsunami. Shannon will be going as a visual arts partner in this effort. She is also in the process of making a huge scarf to symbolically wrap the church in Japan in love and warmth. To learn more about Shannon's work, or to further support her, visit her blog: http://www.shannonjohnston.blogspot.com/

During the week of VBS, children brought in change to help raise money for Shannon as she prepares to go to Japan. The class that raised the most money for Shannon was able to pie Pastor Jon on the last day of VBS. With the help of teachers and parents, the children raised $550 for Shannon!! The class who raised the most was the Kindergarten class, raising just over $98. The 2nd and 3rd graders raised almost $91 and the PreK1 class raised just over $90. All the money raised will be donated to MTW to help Shannon get to Japan.

While it was fun and exciting to watch Pastor Jon be pied, it was more exciting to see God work in the hearts of the children as they became more mission minded. As we Skyped with Shannon during the morning assembly, I could see missions become real to many children. Thank you to all the parents, teachers and staff who encouraged the children in their efforts. And thank you Pastor Jon for being such a good sport!