Scenes of the African savanna greeted youngsters at Vacation Bible School in Pendleton, Ore., the week of June 20–24, making the church an exciting learning environment. Of 67 total children registered, 27 had some kind of Adventist affiliation. Attendance averaged 55.
Leader Suzette McCrary, with assistants Sandra Hendrickson and Dana Martin, used the “Serengeti Trek” program materials. Andrew McCrary, Pendleton pastor, dressed in safari attire as "Serengeti Eddie," the goofy world-class wildlife photographer, provided skits with important lessons. Altogether, more than 30 helpers worked on various aspects of the program throughout the week.
On Sabbath, June 25, leaders invited the kids and their families to the Serengeti Trek open house, followed by a grand finale program. For the open house the kids took their parents on tours through the prison where Paul and Silas were in jail, the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus’ tomb in it, the Critter Craft room, and the Watering Hole where each day’s tasty snacks were made.
Approximately 245 attended the open house/grand finale program. Parents saw the daily lessons their children had learned, sang their songs, and watched a skit, featuring "Serengeti Eddie," who wanted to pet the wild animals. Andrew McCrary concluded the program with a short talk, including a story about Herbert the Hippo, telling how wonderful heaven will be.
VBS kids carefully assemble their projects in the Critter Craft room during the Segengeti Trek program. (Cliff Freese)
Pendleton children play African safari games during the VBS. (Cliff Freese)
no caption (Cliff Freese)
