Shield Squad 2021: FFC Holds First Satellite Vacation Bible School

By: Claire Gaurana - Content Writer | May 26, 2021
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Faith Family Church’s Kids Ministry, in partnership with the Faith Family Foundation, recently held its first ever satellite Vacation Bible School (VBS) from May 19-21 2021. Operating within IATF guidelines, the Kids Ministry set up satellite VBS classrooms in 6 different communities, Ligaya, Martinez, Manalo, Fatima, Lote, and Silang. A total of 101 children attended the 3-day VBS under the theme Shield Squad, learning about both stories in the Bible and disaster risk reduction and management.

Similar to last year’s theme, Shield Squad 2021 sought to teach children about how to protect themselves from disaster by teaching children about how to stay safe during calamities. This year’s VBS incorporated relevant lessons about COVID-19 to ensure that students were well-informed about the new normal. The lessons were connected with stories in the Bible—the story of Noah and the ark was used in teaching the students about floods and typhoons. The relation of Bible stories and practical knowledge about natural disasters worked together to remind children that they were capable of becoming more than just victims. Throughout the 3-day VBS, the children displayed remarkable knowledge and absorbed the practical advice that was taught to them.

During the graduation ceremonies conducted on 22 May 2021, some students were selected to share some of their experiences during the VBS. The students shared heartfelt stories about what the lessons personally meant to them.

Valerie, age 12 from Ligaya, said, “Masaya po ako na nakasama ko yung mga kaibigan ko na makilala si Jesus at saba-sabay kaming humingi ng tawad sa Diyos.” (I’m happy that I was able to learn about Jesus with my friends and we asked for forgiveness from the Lord.)

Another student, Samantha, from the Fatima community shared, “Alam niyo po, masaya ako kapag andito ako kasi lagi akong may natututunang bago.” (You know, I’m always happy to be here because I learn something new every time.)

Joshua, age 9 from Manalo, talked about the preventive measures he learned and said, “Salamat po kay Jesus dahil meron kaming VBS at marami akong natutunan.” (Thank you, Jesus, because we were able to have VBS and learn a lot.)

Despite the limitations of the current pandemic, Faith Family Foundation and FFC’s Kids Ministry endeavored to hold the Vacation Bible School so that these children could have access to information about disaster risk reduction and management, helping them face the world with confidence in both practical and spiritual knowledge.

 

Claire Gaurana - Content Writer

Claire GauranaClaire Buensuceso Gaurana is currently a graduate student in the University of the Philippines. She graduated cum laude from De La Salle University with a degree in International Studies. Her interests include reading and learning new languages. Claire is part of FFC’s Children Ministry as a teacher and the Youth Ministry as a junior core leader