God sparked a fire that led to flames and spread like wildfire. It’s been 26 years since Vacation Bible School happened at the Clarkston Church in Washington. That longtime tradition was broken June 26, 2017, when VBS opened at 5:30 p.m. Cactusville was up and ready for business.
The journey was a long one, but it was led by God. It started out two years ago, with a few attending the Upper Columbia Conference's Sabbath School and VBS conference. A year later more members attended the conference. This is when the idea became reality and brought members together in ways they would have never known.
The children’s ministry was lacking in their church, but Clarkston Church pulled together. With God’s help, members created a Cactusville that was fun and inviting.
The volunteering consisted of giving time, providing funds and raising prayers. A total of 36 children come through Cactusville over the course of five evenings, with an average per night of 24. Children from the church as well as from the community attended.
God brought the children to hear the campfire stories, do crafts at the trading post, learn about praying at Sunset Canyon, playing games to help remember the stories at Wildhorse Corral and, last but not least, eating a great snack at the chuck wagon.
Matthew Vixie, Clarkston Church pastor, had a surprise for the children on the last day. He brought a horse, and all the children were given the opportunity to ride. Some of the children commented that they had never been on a horse and this just made the whole week. Smiles were everywhere.
The closing ceremony was during church service on Sabbath. The children sang songs, recited the memory verse and were awarded a certificate, a sheriff’s badge and a small Bible. After church, the group enjoyed a fellowship meal. When the children were asked if they enjoyed the Vacation Bible School and if they would like to come back next year, there was a big yes.
God was so good. He kept His promise of sending children as Clarkston Church asked Him. What a wonderful God we have. This just shows what can happen in a church even after 26 years, once the fire is sparked by God.
