Arizona churches suiting up for VBS 2018

By Kay Harms
Photos by N. John Keller

Arizona Southern Baptist churches are gearing up and getting ready for Vacation Bible School 2018 — Game On! This year, LifeWay’s curriculum teaches children that God has given them His ultimate playbook — the Bible –and that He wants them to join His team, train hard, celebrate salvation, and encourage one another along the way.

The solo statewide training was conducted at North Phoenix Baptist Church, April 7. Keith Henry, Arizona Southern Baptist Convention church life facilitator, encouraged the 230 registered attendees and 40 event staffers with memories of his childhood vacation Bible schools in his keynote address.

Participants received training in their specific area of responsibility for VBS, as well as other areas of interest concerning the annual evangelistic children’s outreach event. LifeWay provided a mobile bookstore so churches could purchase the curriculum and materials on site.

As usual, Hispanic training opportunities have been made available as well. The Hispanic VBS training at Royal Palms Baptist Church in Phoenix registered a record 178 trainees from 18 churches. Another clinic will be hosted at Immanuel Baptist Church in Yuma, April 28. Also, for the first time, trainers from Arizona conducted a clinic in Mexicali, Mexico, April 14.

Some Arizona associations are conducting additional training opportunities. Catalina association has already had a VBS clinic and Valley Rim will conduct a clinic May 19.