Returning to the Value of Life: Looking Back on an Unforgettable Week at Zoomerang VBS
Looking back on a week of growing in God's Word, celebrating the sanctity of life and witnessing His faithfulness at every turn.
Some weeks leave an imprint on your heart that lingers long after the decorations have been packed away and the classrooms have grown quiet.
As we reflect on this year's Zoomerang: Returning to the Value of Life Vacation Bible School, we are still basking in the afterglow of watching God faithfully work in the lives of the precious children He entrusted to us. From the very first morning to the final farewell, we witnessed countless reminders that the Lord is still drawing children to Himself, planting His truth deeply within their hearts and accomplishing His purposes through His unchanging Word.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14). Throughout the week, we were privileged to watch that invitation unfold before our eyes.
One of the most moving sights was seeing children—some scarcely bigger than the Bibles they carried—walking proudly across campus with God's Word tucked under their arms. Even more touching were the children who received their very first Bible at last year's VBS and faithfully brought it back again this summer, well worn and well loved. One student who had aged out of Vacation Bible School returned to visit, sharing that he was still reading his Bible throughout the year. There could be few greater encouragements than hearing that God's Word continues to bear fruit long after VBS has ended.
Children are remarkably capable—and hungry—for the truth found in God's Word
Again and again, children opened their Bibles on their own initiative. During spare moments between activities, many could be found flipping through the pages, exploring Scripture, asking thoughtful questions and eagerly discovering more about God. The accompanying photographs capture only a fraction of these quiet moments, but they occurred more times than we could count. They serve as a beautiful reminder that children are remarkably capable of engaging with Scripture and deeply hungry for the truth found within its pages.
Even our youngest attendees, who could not yet read independently, participated with great enthusiasm. Together we examined the illustrations, highlighted important passages, made simple notes and discussed God's amazing story for them—that every child is intentionally created in His image (Genesis 1:27).
Throughout the week, Psalm 139:13–16 became more than simply verses to memorize. Children considered the breathtaking truth that God formed each one of them, knew them before they were born and wonderfully crafted every detail of their lives according to His perfect plan. As they learned that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made," many began seeing themselves—and others—through the lens of their Creator's loving design.
Our Bible lessons invited children to wrestle thoughtfully with difficult questions while always returning to the authority of Scripture. On opening day, we explored God's role as Creator while examining and graciously challenging evolutionary claims such as the idea of "missing links." Later in the week, children thoughtfully considered the account of King Herod's murder of Bethlehem's baby boys in his attempt to destroy the promised Messiah (Matthew 2:16–23). Together we asked important questions: Was Herod's action good or evil? Why is every human life precious? Can anyone stop God's plans? Through these conversations, children discovered that every person bears God's image, that every life has immeasurable value and that God's sovereign purposes cannot be thwarted.
God’s Truth Never Changes
Perhaps one of the most encouraging truths the children embraced all week long was that God's truth never changes. Hearing those words echoed back throughout the class by voices young and old was a beautiful testimony that His Word had truly taken root.
The Lord was equally at work in the lives of those serving behind the scenes.
Teachers, leaders, verse listeners, snack volunteers, musicians, game leaders, photographers, decorators, nurses, prayer warriors and countless others experienced God's sustaining grace in deeply personal ways. Some faithfully served through physical pain. Others quietly persevered despite tooth infections, chronic foot pain, illness within their own families, exhaustion and spiritual warfare. Yet through every challenge, God faithfully supplied exactly what was needed.
Many of us left the week with a renewed conviction that God's Word is enough.
The Sum of Your Word is Truth
No elaborate productions, expensive technology, flashy gimmicks or impressive presentations could ever replace the transforming power of Scripture itself. Time after time, we watched children captivated simply by opening God's Word together. It was a timely reminder that "the sum of Your word is truth" (Psalm 119:160), and indeed, God's truth never changes.
This year's Australian theme also featured one of our favorite traditions.
Last year's Sheckels Shack, inspired by our study of biblical archaeology in Israel, gave way to the Fair Dinkum Dollar Depot. The phrase fair dinkum means "100% genuine" in Australian English, making it the perfect name for our Scripture memory program. Children earned "Australian Dollars" by faithfully bringing their Bibles each day and memorizing the week's Fair Dinkum Daily Verses.
The Fair Dinkum Dollar Depot quickly became a favorite destination.
Its shelves were filled with missionary-themed treasures, Australian keepsakes and meaningful reminders of God's work around the world. Children delighted in choosing International Mission Board tote bags, carabiners, missionary stickers, WMU maps, missionary biographies, Australian animal photographs and stickers, kangaroo necklaces, koala pencil toppers and handcrafted VBS decorations including birds, bugs, whale sharks, group mascots and even our much-loved "squishy humans," which reinforced our Day Two lesson on God's amazing design of the human body.
Many of these wonderful items were generously donated through faithful ministry partners. The International Mission Board provided numerous missions resources. The North American Mission Board contributed beautiful hardcover books highlighting the life and ministry of Annie Armstrong and her unwavering commitment to advancing the Gospel. The Woman's Missionary Union donated treasured Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon dolls, along with a remarkable collection of handcrafted, fair-trade items created by artisan groups around the world who are discipled and supported through missionary ministries.
Without question, those handcrafted treasures became some of the children's favorite discoveries. Their beauty served as tangible reminders that God is at work among every tribe, tongue and nation, using His people to proclaim the Gospel while helping provide meaningful work and hope for families around the world.
As we continue reflecting on all God accomplished during this unforgettable week, one truth shines above every other: none of this happened by accident.
Before the foundation of the world, God knew every child who would walk through our doors. He knew every conversation that would take place, every Bible that would be opened, every prayer that would be offered, every verse that would be hidden in a child's heart, every volunteer who would serve and every life that would be encouraged through His Word. He created each child intentionally, and He has prepared good works for each of them to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).
Our prayer now is that the seeds planted throughout this week will continue to flourish for years to come. May these precious children continue to treasure God's Word, stand firmly upon His truth and grow into faithful disciples who know they are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God, and called to glorify Him with their lives.
As Frances Ridley Havergal so beautifully wrote:
"Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise."
May that be the prayer not only of our children, but of every volunteer, every family, and every life touched during Zoomerang VBS.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
The adventure doesn't have to end! Keep the joy of Zoomerang going by listening to the official VBS soundtrack together. With Bible verses set to music, children can continue memorizing God's Word long after VBS has ended. Get the songs here.
