What better way to learn about the Bible, introduce unchurched children to Jesus, and have fun than through summer Vacation Bible School!  A permanent summer fixture for most churches across our nation, VBS is always a fun-filled and exciting way to accomplish such a goal. 

Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas, is one of those faithful churches reaching out to children in their neighborhood and community through VBS.  Their theme for 2010 was learning about Paul and his experiences with Jesus set in a camping environment.  A big part of their VBS program is getting the children involved in a mission project fund through a tradition of coin collecting.  This year's VBS chair, Kelly Kahlden, said,  "Lakeview was the obvious choice as far as donating the money.  The collecting of the money is a tradition that we do at our VBS - each year we decide something different to donate to.  The kids get a real sense of giving and how important that is." 

Kelly and the other church volunteers were extremely creative in making a camp-style setting for VBS.  Bible stories were told in a camp circle, snacks were camp-type foods, and they played camp games.  The closing ceremony on the last night was held outside around a real campfire.  Kelly went on to say, "I had hoped that this experience would open the eyes of some of our children that learning about Jesus and nature all with a camp theme would be fun.  I also wanted them to realize that there is a place where they can do all those things called Lakeview.  Hopefully we have planted some seeds....."

Through their efforts, the church VBS program presented Lakeview with a check for over $1,100 to be used toward facilities for camp.  The Board of Directors and Staff of Lakeview are grateful to Kelly, Rev. David Brasher, and the generous folks at Perritte Memorial UMC for their gracious gift.