Let the Children Come
It was the summer of 1938, and Lula Tyree sat on her porch and pondered the spiritual situation of her neighbors. The nearest churches were a long drive either direction, so how would they learn about Jesus? Who would reach them? She looked out across the winding country road that passed by her house, seeing the sprawling farm that sat serenely in front of her, and she commented to her neighbor there with her, “I believe God is calling us to start a Sunday School.” And so it was that Lula’s little step of faith, and her burden for children, eventually became Valley View Church. What started 88 years ago, the intentional investing in children, is still at the heart of our church today.
This is a big part of the reason we give so much time and attention to Vacation Bible School. God has used this week in our church to touch the lives of thousands of children over the decades, myself included. I wasn’t at the very first VBS (contrary to what some might believe), but I’m sure it was amazing, and it keeps getting better every year. We have a team of people who start planning in December, because of their deep commitment to minister to the children of the South End of Louisville.
Keep praying for our kids this week! You never know how God might use VBS as a major turning point in a child’s life. I’ve often prayed for my own kids, and all the children of this church, that they would come to know Christ at a young age and walk faithfully with Him for a lifetime. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers, in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Our kids are never too young to hear from God. Pray for them, and be praying for their parents as well. Tonight is our Family Fun Night, and one of the best ways for their families to connect with our church. Pray for the parents that have been out of church, that tonight would be the turning point for them to set a new spiritual direction for their family.