Bubbles, Laughs, and Jesus
When I told people I was heading to Philly on mission trip I got mixed reactions. Some wondered why I would head to one of the oldest cities in the US to preach the gospel. Wasn’t Pennsylvania founded by a man seeking religious freedom? Yes, but where people are there are hearts and lives God cares about. Even in a city like Philly. As I moved through the city what I saw was God’s grace and love in action. Even amid the trash strewn streets there was hope. Neighborhoods were being revived one heart, one person, and one building at a time.
In the inner city, in a neighborhood called Fish Town laughter was heard up and down the street. In a place where kids grow up too fast — exposed to drugs, violence, and poverty from birth — kids were just being kids.
Bubbles made four-year-olds squeal in delight. A simple sock made bubble beards for Project Leaders and kids alike. A simple hopscotch outline brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
But the real joy was watching these kids learn about the Lord.
They learned God not only saw them where they were, but he loved them and even knew their name. They learned that Jesus cares about individuals and befriends even the worst people. People like Zachias. People like you. People like me.
Led by families from all over the US, kids learned songs, Bible verses, and received some one-on-one attention they desperately needed. It reminded me that though Jesus came to save the world, he loves individuals.
Simply put: VBS was popping!
Philly was a week of bubbles, laughter, and Jesus.
