by Diane McGee
This article was originally published in PCJH’s Fall 2024 Pinnacle, “Faith Like a Child”

What a blessing it is to teach young children. Through my preschool, PCJH activities like Vacation Bible Adventure (VBA), Sunday School, and the Christmas Pageant, and also coaching tennis, I have the opportunity to impact young lives. I am a witness to how they can thrive in an environment where they feel seen and loved. Jesus did this, and I aspire to do likewise. 

There is so much that is captivating in being with children – be it through silliness, connection through play, providing loving boundaries, reading books, exploring and adventuring in the outdoors, and learning about Jesus. I get transported into their world and enjoy the moments of becoming like them by being with them. Together, we notice and experience the small stuff, traveling at their pace, and soaking so much in.

If you’ve seen “The Chosen” (season 1, episode 3), there are a handful of children who are spying on and peeking at Jesus, who’s hanging out at his camping spot before he begins his ministry. Of course, he knows they are there and welcomes them to join him and learn from him. 

Following Jesus’ example, PCJH welcomes the little children and provides opportunities for seeds of faith to be planted. This past July, children and their families were invited into our church to experience STELLAR Vacation Bible Adventure. Our resident astronaut (aka Pastor Ben), welcomed participants outside the building and helpful teens and adults welcomed them into different “crews”: Cosmo, Sol, Astro, Luna, Halley, and Ringo. The sanctuary was transformed into an extraterrestrial setting with one of the most beautiful images of us standing on the moon, looking back on the earth. 

A total of 57 kids – ages 3 through 5th grade – rotated between stations, where they laughed and learned from the Mickey Way skits; danced and sang songs, including “Shine His Light;” enjoyed All-Star Games, Imagination Station, and Galactic Snacks. Most importantly, they learned about Jesus and prayer through the engaging Stellar Bible Adventures. We learned a new phrase each day based on a Bible story and Bible verse. 

For example, the first day was the story of Jesus’ birth, and the verse was “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Our phrase was “When life feels dark, shine Jesus’ light!” We wrapped up the morning with more singing, praying, and sharing “God Sightings” at the Cosmic Closing. Then, 36 children were offered afternoon adventures, which got them out into God’s great outdoors of Jackson Hole and blessed working parents. Many seeds of faith were planted by 35 dedicated leaders, eight of whom were rising 6th-10th graders. What a joy to behold how they were all engaged in childlike ways through their roles shining Jesus’ light! Facts and stats are the visible Milky Way, but all of the ways God was working in and through every experience took us to “infinity and beyond!”

When I reflect on the STELLAR VBA experience, I am so proud to have been a part of this outreach, and that we powerfully served our community through it. All praise and thanks to God! Did you know that 68% of the kids do not call PCJH their church home? Contrasted and expected, 69% of leaders were part of the PCJH congregation. Though the memories of VBA 2024 are fading, the impacts on these future generations are in the hands of the Holy Spirit – the seeds of faith have been planted. I trust in God’s plan for these kids and am grateful for Jesus as our role model and encourager to become more like children in order to enter into his Kingdom. What a joy!

Today, while walking with my preschool kiddos, I encouraged them to be friendly as we passed others. One of my preschool boys, who attended VBA this July, is especially friendly, and I remarked how kind he was with his words to others. He said, “Shine Jesus’ Light!” “Yes, Shine Jesus’ Light,” I responded, and I thanked God for that glimpse into how the seeds that were planted during VBA are taking root and actively growing. 

What a blessing it is to learn from and teach young children, especially about Jesus.