“Could we use the J127 curriculum for Vacation Bible School?” this was the question on Timothy’s mind. He is a 16 year old who wants to bring the children from his slum to Christ.
We had never done it before, but Sajayan our Program Coordinator in Bangalore took it up as a challenge.
The Vacation Bible School took place at the end of May. There were about 200 children that met at the LR Nagar Methodist Church for five days. Each day began with Praise and worship followed by a lesson from the J127 (now called Life on Life) curriculum. After this the children were divided into 10 classes based on their age groups.
Sajayan anchored the combined sessions and was helpful in motivating the children. Sajayan says, “The first few days were difficult for me. Children were crammed in the small church. They would come as they were and their body odor filled the entire place. They were unruly and difficult to manage. At the end of the day two, I started seeing changes. The children began to have a bath, change their clothes and came prepared with a clean face and a smile. They were more attentive and happily followed instructions”
On the fifth day, after I finished the session, I took a glass of clean water and put a drop of black ink into it. I demonstrated how we defile ourselves by doing the wrong things. I asked them to give me examples of a few issues that they struggled with daily. Each child shouted a different answer. I was taken aback by the number of bad influences in these tender lives. I then poured more water and the black liquid turned clear again. I wanted the children to understand that by being part of the J127 clubs their lives could change, just like the glass of water. All the children raised their hands to show their willingness to come daily to learn more about Jesus.”
As a result of this VBS program, a group of volunteers were trained. Subsequently we have 4 clubs in this slum. Praise the Lord for raising volunteer and using the J127 (now called Life on Life Project) to reach hurting children.
Update: In 2018, David C Cook transferred oversight of the J127 clubs to an in-country partner which continues to shepherd and grow this program. By supporting David C Cook’s Life on Life curriculum, you will be helping support this program as well.
