VBS kids learn about poverty

By Amy Jordan

I was very touched by my experiences in organizing the missions piece for VBS this year. In partnership with Dan and Cindy Macha from the Building Hope ministry, our mission this year focused on feeding the children in Wachara, Africa and taking steps in ending hunger. 

We demonstrated how much a typical American family eats compared to a family in Wachara. Wow, was that an eye-opener! Dan and Cindy developed a short role play which reflected a family of 5 from Wachara. A few of the VBS kids participated in the role play which we carried out about mid-week. This live demonstration seemed to have a big impact on the kids and really touched their hearts. And, we had a very special visit from Julie Campbell who shared with the children about being a missionary and answered their questions about life in Wachara. We learned a lot! Through it all, the VBS kids responded very generously. They truly gave from their hearts. Many of them came with their spare change and others kept coming back night after night. They gave with genuine, loving spirits.

It was such a blessing to see their kindness and compassion which demonstrated the way Jesus loves each of us. Every child left VBS with a brown paper bag. In that bag was dry cornmeal – about enough to feed a family of 4. Attached to the front of the bag was a picture of a child from Wachara. We asked the VBS kids to pray for this child. On the back of the picture was a recipe to make “Ugali” which is a cornmeal dish typical of Wachara. We invited the kids to experience “Ugali” and if they were so inclined, they could make it their only meal for the day to experience what hunger feels like for those living in poverty! This is my second year in coordinating the missions part of VBS and I have been amazed both years at the kids’ hearts and their compassion to reach out and help others. It’s a blessing to be involved in the whole experience!