On June 22, 2023, our church will be hosting a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the first time in a long while. I am filled with gratitude towards God, our dedicated teachers, and everyone who has contributed to creating this precious opportunity. I also want to express my appreciation to the parents who have supported us and the volunteers who have joyfully offered their help. While there may be some shortcomings, I am thankful that we have the chance to hold the summer VBS in my spacious backyard. As the person in charge of lunch, I am excited to serve homemade hamburgers and barbecue.

In 2004, during my second year in the United States, Evergreen Church in Austin, Texas organized a summer VBS. It was a hot summer, but we had a group of passionate teachers and volunteers who participated with great enthusiasm. Since both the children from my family and those from <Mokjang> were attending, I volunteered with the intention of taking care of the kids. Even though it has been nearly 20 years, I still vividly remember the time when we created a balloon arch-shaped entrance by blowing up countless balloons. The hallway filled with balloons brought so much joy to the children as they entered and exited the place. The teachers' dedication to the children and the love shown by parents and church members left a lasting impression. We became a close-knit community, supporting and praying for one another.

Reflecting on my own experiences of going to church as a child and adolescent, there are many precious memories. One of the most significant aspects was how the word of God gradually took root in our hearts and lives through worship services and Bible study time. While everyone's experiences may vary, what stands out to me the most is the warmth and service of the teachers. In my youth, there was a high school senior at the church I attended who was about to graduate. As a graduation trip, we went to Gyeryongsan Mountain, which, although not very high, presented challenges with its snowy trails. Some students were unprepared for winter hiking, lacking suitable clothes and shoes. However, two church teachers, one of whom was a young member of the congregation, led us and provided much-needed assistance to struggling students. When we reached the summit after a difficult climb of one or two hours, the young teacher, who had other commitments, decided to leave promptly to keep his appointment. I can still vividly recall his hurried departure and the gratefulness I felt towards him.

As we look forward to the VBS in 2023, we pray for God's blessings upon our children, teachers, volunteers, and parents. May everyone involved find joy in serving and may the event be a source of blessings for all. We ask for prayers for the children's safety and good weather throughout the remaining period. Furthermore, we hope that the preparations go smoothly, allowing not only our children but also their friends to participate and benefit from the VBS experience. Thank you for joining us in prayer and support.

- Pastor Choi