by Abram Kim, Joshua Lee, and David Jung

As we look forward to a historic summer in the life of our church, I asked two of our Sonlight ministry members to write about their perspectives on perhaps two of the most exciting events happing this summer: the Vacation Bible School (VBS), from June 28 to July 2, and the Lighthouse Bible Church San Jose, which we will officially send off on July 11. Please feel free to contact Abram Kim if you have any questions about Sonlight. God bless!

Joshua Lee on VBS from the Sonlight Ministry Perspective

When I think back on my experience with VBS last year, I recall one of the most fun weeks of my life. Serving on VBS staff included intense days and nights decorating the church and a wild week of musical praise, lessons, staff meetings, games, small groups, snacks, more games, field trips, activities, skits, a talent show, and even more games. These action-packed days left staff and kids alike exhausted and satisfied. As VBS 2010 quickly approaches, I will attempt to explain a little of the purpose behind VBS, and what kids and staff can expect.

The philosophy behind VBS and children’s ministry in general is no different from any other ministry at LBC. It is to exalt God, edify the saints, and evangelize the lost. We do not serve primarily to entertain kids or to give parents a break. Children’s ministry is real ministry; it is intended to glorify God by building up believers in Christ-likeness and by sharing the gospel to unbelievers.

We must remember that the goal of VBS is the same as Children’s Ministry in general, to make little disciples of Christ. However, practically, VBS is different from other Children’s Ministry. I thought of three unique benefits of VBS:

1. VBS gives LBC an opportunity to reach the community. A significant number of kids who don’t attend LBC come to our VBS every year. Although most of these kids attend other churches, we have the chance to bring the gospel to children and their families. Because of the quality and value of our VBS, word spreads quickly among parents.
2. VBS also gives members another avenue to minister to children. LBC members who do not have the time, or do not feel ready to commit to Children’s Ministry full-time can still invest in the next generation and gain valuable experience working with kids.
3. In addition, VBS gives the rest of the church exposure to Children’s Ministry. Because children are separated from adults for Sunday school and Bible studies, it is easy for collegians and singles to be unaware of what is happening with the little ones.

In terms of what kids and staff experience, VBS is similar to both a retreat and a short-term mission trip. VBS is like a retreat for kids. Like a retreat, VBS takes what we experience at church (musical praise, lessons, skits, small groups), packs lots of it into a few days, and adds games, team competitions, and activities.

For a staff member, VBS is similar to short-term missions. Anyone who has been on short-term missions knows the unique joy of being able to devote all their energy to ministry without having to worry about school or work or what to do for lunch. VBS offers the same experience. And like missions, VBS can make the staff tired and sleep-deprived, which may lead to hilarious moments of delirium.

This year’s theme for VBS is “Wisdom Calls Aloud.” We will be studying the book of Proverbs. For kids and parents who have attended our VBS in the past, you can expect more of the same. There will be tired but happy kids and staff, lots of fun, and good Bible teaching. What could be better?

David Jung on the San Jose Church Plant from the Sonlight Ministry Perspective

Hello, my name is David Jung and I’ve been in the Sonlight ministry for 2 and ¾ years. The more I serve in this ministry, the more I realize that this truly is a ministry that glorifies God by testifying the love of God and passing on the greatness of God to the next generation (Psalm 145:4). This ministry strives to make the one true God known to the children, and through the discussion times, I’ve been very blessed to share with the children and further develop their knowledge of God and share the gospel with them.

One perspective that I have about Sonlight is that this ministry is definitely fun. Pastor Kurt Gebhards, who was a former children pastor of Grace Community Church, told some of us that the language the children speak are fun, and we are to use this to bring the gospel to them. I truly believe that the Sonlight ministry tries to have fun with the kids as much as possible, not so that they could stay awake and not be bored, but so that we may share with them the great work that Jesus Christ had done on the cross, where He bore our sins and paid the penalty of God’s wrath that we deserve so that we may be justified before holy and righteous God.

This ministry has not only been fun for me, but God used this ministry to grow me tremendously. He has revealed to me not only the joys of serving the children and the parents, but He also showed me what happens when I fail to love Him and His people. To my utmost shame, there are times when I fail horrendously to show the love of God to the children and act in ways which are not the most kind, but God used those times as opportunities to make me realize what a horrible sinner I am and what a perfect God He is.

He also humbles me greatly every time I do Children’s Ministry. Every time the kids show love towards me by even wanting to be near me despite my shortcomings, I realize more and more of how much I don’t deserve such love. Lastly, God has given me the opportunity to live out His Word. As Pastor John shared numerous times, the Word of God needs to fill the mind, bring conviction to the heart, and will us to live it out. Time and time again, I see God doing that with me through this ministry, and I’m so thankful for His work in my life.

Currently, God is using this ministry to prepare me for the San Jose church plant. More than anything else, because of the uncertainties that the San Jose church plant bring, God is helping me develop a solid foundation in His Word and teaching me to constantly rely on Him and not on my own strength. There are times when I get worried about finding jobs and whatnot, which shows my lack of reliance on Him, so I’m thankful that He is teaching me how to rely on Him even to this day. I plan to do Children’s Ministry up in San Jose as well, for I truly believe that God has given me this ministry to glorify Him here on this earth. I also believe that Sonlight plays a vital role in the church plant because the ages that Sonlight ministers to are ages that are very impressionable. If God should bring more children to our church, I believe there needs to be a ministry like Sonlight in San Jose so that we can deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ to the children and make disciples.