Connecting kids cross-culturally

This summer churches in North America had the opportunity to partner with Covenant churches in Colombia in their efforts to help children grow in faith in Jesus Christ. Covenant World Mission put together a very helpful resource for churches to use during their VBS, summer camps, summer children’s church, etc. Children in churches like Rice Creek Covenant in Lino Lakes, Minnesota and Life Community Church in Roseville, California were able to hear stories of faith and life from children in Colombia. They were introduced to Colombian traditions, games, songs, and foods and had the opportunity to give offerings to help equip churches with Bibles and other resources for children who are learning about Jesus. Their giving impacted the lives of children in Colombia.

A child learning about Colombia at Life Community Church

At Hillcrest Covenant Church in Kansas, there were 150 kids in grades K-5 who participated in the Vacation Bible School. According to VBS volunteer and former short-term missionary to Colombia, Kassie Posladek, each day they heard stories of children in Colombia, made a small craft, tried Colombian foods, and learned about the culture and geography of the country. They also had the opportunity every day to visit the missions “store” where they donated money towards the purchase of supplies and materials for children’s ministry programs in new Colombian churches. The kids could choose to give their money to the purchase of smaller items such as Bibles, scissors, glue, and paper, or to give towards the group goal of purchasing tents. The goal for VBS was to raise $1200 to purchase 6 tents. Throughout the week they talked about why these supplies and materials were important for the kids in Colombia. The kids were so excited to give and many of them raised money by doing extra chores at home and putting out lemonade stands in their neighborhoods. In the end, they reached their goal of 6 tents and raised a total of $1,634.