BY RACHAEL MA

“When we’re in trouble… Jesus saves!” the excited kids resounded.

The Vine Church in Hong Kong hosted its half-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) programme made possible by the many volunteers who take care of the 50 children. It was so exciting watching the kids dance and knew all the action to the songs declaring that God is there when they felt lonely or in trouble.

The theme was ‘Shipwrecked’ where kids learn about God’s faithfulness through drama, games, and songs.

This year, Viva had the opportunity to partner with the Vine through its VBS programme where children were given the opportunity to bless other children less fortunate than themselves living in the Philippines.

At the ‘Imagination Station’, children were given blank notebooks, markers, glitter and stickers and asked to decorate them and write a note to a child from Basak Elementary School in Marawi City. These Filipino children were displaced by conflict about a year ago.

We saw little children writing notes of encouragement and blessing saying “Jesus loves you” and are reminded of how a simple gesture can be such a testament to Christ’s love for the broken-hearted.

The VBS children decorated nearly 100 notebooks which will be sent as Christmas gifts to the children of the school during a special Christmas Party held by Viva’s partner network PCMN later this year.

Christmas Parties are run by Viva’s partner networks around the world and are a time of great excitement for children who receive a present, good meal and the knowledge that they are loved and valued.

About seven in ten children who to a Viva Christmas Party have never had contact with the church network before. For some children and their families, this will be the first time of hearing the Jesus story!

In the Philippines, PCMN continues to work to counsel traumatised children and families, empower Child Ambassadors and advocate for the strengthening of families.