By the grace of God, we were able to start our physical Vacation Bible School (VBS) once again after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Around 181 students are attending the VBS this year which has taken the theme 'Gems of God' (Zech. 9:16b). Rev. Bijin John Varghese (Missionary in charge, Mysore Mission) is the Director of our VBS, this year.
Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas, inaugurated the VBS 2023 on Saturday, 25th March at the Holy Trinity Church, Dubai. In his inaugural address, Achen quoted Matthew 13:45-46 (“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.") and mentioned that the kingdom of God is the costliest pearl which one can get and each one of us is the costliest gem in the eyes of God. Hence, we should never think that we are inferior to anyone.
Rev. Bijin John Varghese led the common session on the day of inauguration, where he gave an introduction to the theme of this year viz.'Gems of God'. With the anecdote of the Australian South Sea Pearl Oyster, Achen gave an insightful description of how the presence of a foreign particle can ultimately be tranformed into a precious gem through a rigorous process. Likewise, God can change the sinful elements in our lives and transform us to conform to His divine will, if we just surrender ourselves in His hands. Gems are really precious and are placed on top of crowns worn by a dignified person. Gems are products of the earth and are not that attractive in its original form. It has to go through a process of refinement to achieve its beautiful appearance. Similary, we are the handiwork of God and need to be continuously cleansed from all impurities to shine and glorify His name. We can become "GEMS" of God by "G"iving "E"very "M"oment "S"ubmissive to God.
The children had a great time singing and doing actions along with the singing team and Bijin Achen.
Around 38 teachers, 13 singing team members and 20 volunteers are working together to make the VBS 2023, a real blessing for our kids.
VBS 2023 Photo Gallery : http://www.csidubai.com/gallery/43/vbs-2023
Inaugural day video link : http://www.facebook.com/597535850/videos/154216364232564/