VBS and the Great Commission

For as long as Grace Family Church has existed, we have sought to live out the Great Commission given in Matthew 28. More specifically, we have prioritized making disciples as described in Acts 1:8, beginning in Jerusalem, at home where we live, and continuing to the ends of the earth through overseas missions.

Among the many ministries and events we hold throughout the year that serve this purpose, one stands out each summer: Vacation Bible School, VBS.

The main reason for VBS is the Gospel. There is nothing more important than proclaiming that our greatest need is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

As we heard this past Sunday from Pastor Dmitry through the Romans Road, we proclaim that:

• All have sinned. Romans 3:23
• The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
• God showed His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
• The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
• Everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in their heart will be saved. Romans 10:9

To pass this truth on to the next generation, VBS will take children through five lessons covering the life of Jesus Christ, from His birth to His second coming. Each lesson is designed so that the Gospel is clearly presented every day during Bible hour. Every child will be encouraged to put their trust in Jesus and invited to follow Him. This way, if a child comes from a non-church going family, he or she will still hear the full Gospel.

If you have read this far, you may be asking one question: how can I be involved? I am glad you are asking, because every member of GFC can and should participate, regardless of age, abilities, or language preference.

First, we can all pray. Prayer is our expression of dependence on God. It is also a way of calling on Him to act according to His promises. In Matthew 28:18, before Jesus commands us to make disciples, He reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Our Lord who went to the cross to save us is also the sovereign King over our evangelism here in the Sacramento area this June. We can pray that He would work in us and through us to make disciples through the teaching of the Gospel. Jesus also promised to be with us in this mission. Matthew 28:20. We can turn to our Shepherd, trusting Him to bring salvation and revival to those who come to VBS.

Here are specific ways to pray:

1. Pray for our own hearts, that we would have compassion for perishing sinners. Matthew 9:35–38
2. Pray for families and friends whose children could attend VBS, that God would produce hunger for the Bread of Life. John 6:44
3. Pray that all who serve would have boldness to proclaim the Gospel, not only in Bible lessons but in every part of VBS. Ephesians 6:19

Go ahead and pause here. Take a moment right now to pray for VBS. Do not wait until later.

Second, think about who you can invite. Almost everyone knows a friend, family member, coworker, boss, or neighbor who is not yet a follower of Christ and has children who could attend VBS. There are more unbelievers in the Sacramento area than believers. We meet them every day.

Do not wait until May to begin building those relationships. Start now. Pray first. Then begin conversations. Share how good God is. Tell them about VBS and how their children can hear about Jesus. Ask if the dates work. Offer transportation if needed. If finances are a concern, contact our admin team about a scholarship. Begin praying and thinking now about who you will invite.

Lastly, we invite you to join the VBS team this year. We are planning two weeks of VBS, serving up to 200 children each week. God has gifted many people in our church. If He is stirring your heart to serve, respond to that call. Serving at VBS will impact children and our community as you share Christ’s love. But do not miss this: it will also shape you. As you sacrifice one week of your summer to serve, God will use it to grow your faith and deepen your love for others.

We invite everyone interested in serving to join us for the VBS Open House this Sunday, March 1.
When: Right after both Russian and English services
Where: Youth Room
Come ask questions, sign up to serve, or simply stop by and tell us you are praying.

Grace Family VBS Dates:
Week 1: June 6 to 10
Week 2: June 13 to 17

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Irina Avitisov or Andrey Kobzar.

The time of the Communion. In light of the fact that a baptism is planned for March 8, and accordingly, we will partake of the Lord’s Table then, there will be no Communion this Sunday.

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."
1 Corinthians 13:1-8