VBS Update

 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

This is the memory verse from LifeConnection Northeast’s VBS last week. It is the quintessential verse on apologetics and evangelism. It is a scary and daunting verse to those who desire comfortable living and conflict-free relationships.

However, last week not only did the youth group from Grover Baptist in Warrensburg, MO help children memorize this verse: They lived it out on the streets of Northeast Kansas City. Surveys in hand, they spent an hour and a half each afternoon, walking the neighborhoods of Northeast, knocking on doors, and connecting with LifeCo’s neighbors. Through their evangelistic efforts, we were able to proclaim the Gospel to people searching for truth or struggling in their faith. We prayed with people who are in physical or spiritual pain. We connected with men and women who would love to see a church rooted in the Northeast, for the Northeast.

This week our church gets to water the seeds they planted. We get to contact these families through phone calls, emails, and home visits. It is now our turn to “make a defense…for the hope” in us. It is our turn to pray with people. It is our turn to invite people into our church family, a family that envisions a gospel-centered church in this beautiful neighborhood.

And all of this because a few high school kids planned a week to come to Kansas City and hold a VBS and knock on a few doors. What a wonderful thing it is when the Body of Christ works together!