Local church brings in missionaries to help with Vacation Bible School

By Desiree Joseph

A group of eight adults and eight teenagers made up the 16 missionaries that traveled from Ohio and West Virginia, to partnership with the Grace Communion International Church, formerly the Worldwide Church of God.

The partnership began a few months ago between pastor Calvin Parker and pastor Dave out of the United States.

Parker also joined up with Victoria Wright, Principal of Hugh Campbell Primary School so that the school can be used as the venue for the Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Every day beginning from last Monday, 52 children crowded the hallways and classrooms at the school participating in a number of activities such as basketball, singing, drama, craft and storytelling.

Then after the free lunch that is provided is served, the kids experienced a special activity known as "soaking."

Parker described soaking as a quiet time set aside for the children to meditate, concentrate and soak in the word of God.

"We really want them to learn and be taught about the saving grace of God," he said.

The Vacation Bible School plans to run for only one week and it is held free of charge for the parents.

There will be a brief closing ceremony on Friday so that the visitors are able to tour the island, do some sightseeing and possibly scuba dive.

Robert O'quinn from the West Virginia Senior Leadership team of Grace Community Church is one of the adult missionaries who said this experience has touched his heart and soul.

"This is my first missionary trip and it's amazing to see God moving through the kids. The joy in them is unbelievable, they jump up and give you a hug and they play, dance and sing with you so freely," he said.

O'quinn said that each day is exciting for him, as well as the others because its radically different.

"We have a team of young and old missionaries and this trip has turned into a multi-generational mission that will kind of unite us all and touch people from a different nation," he added.

Seventeen-year-old, Brandon Badst is preparing to enter his senior year come September but said after hearing and praying about the trip, he felt coming on it was the right thing to do.

"Its been an amazing experience, I feel like I've been called by God to come here and I've met such wonderful kids. Its uplifting to see that they're always so ready and willing to learn and everybody here is so nice."

Michelle Greider, a sixteen- year-old, missionary said that she is enjoying her time here in The Bahamas very much and although at first she was scared, she now considers this is a second home to her.

"It's awesome, this is my first mission trip but after my experience it certainly won't be my last. The little kids are so sweet and I love them," she added.

All of the missionaries, both young and old agreed with O'quinn when he said, "It's very encouraging to see the kindness and hospitality of the locals. They went out of their way to make us feel at home, comfortable and happy."

They would also like to possibly visit another island if not, just hope to come back and missionary with other local churches in the community.

© 2012 The Freeport News