Vbs - LifeWay

Outrigger Island not far
for North Carolina church
A
They heard things like, “Oh, a mission trip to Hawaii … yeah, right.”
mission team from Millers Creek (N.C.) Baptist Church decided to go to Hawaii
to help with Vacation Bible School and to work at Hawaii Baptists’ Pu’u Kahea
Conference Center.
But, as they would do on any mission trip, the group provided much needed and much
appreciated ministry. They just did it in a really pretty place.
Pastor Jerry White and 21 others made the nine-hour flight from Atlanta to Honolulu full of
anticipation. During the day they did construction and maintenance at the conference center,
then 10 of them cleaned up and went to Hawaii Christian Baptist Church’s VBS each evening.
“We took some ribbing for coming here to serve,” White said. “But this seemed like a
good match since our North Carolina convention and the Hawaii-Pacific convention have a
partnership. There are a lot of mission opportunities here. We haven’t had much free time; but
we came to work and to serve.”
Millers Creek’s Children/Discipleship Pastor Shannon Critcher
coordinated the trip for all the volunteers. He also took the lead
in working with Danny Catlin, Hawaii Christian’s VBS
director.
The North Carolina volunteers pitched in and
co-taught classes and crafts with the Hawaii Christian
volunteers and helped with recreation. Critcher led
the teaching time. They also loved on the kids a lot.
“These are the sweetest and smartest children,” said
North Carolina volunteer Ovie Hamby, who said she
has done crafts in VBS for 54 years. “I just love seeing
the children have a good time and learn about Jesus.”
White obviously enjoyed the week at VBS. He
is a strong VBS supporter, and with good reason.
“When I was 7 years old, I was saved at Vacation
Bible School,” said the North
Carolina pastor.
There’s no better
endorsement than
that. n
14 Facts & Trends
Above: North Carolina
volunteer Debbie Reeves
helped during crafts and
teaching time.
Left: Recreation time was a
highlight for the children.