University Park Church of Christ was recently transformed into the Australian Outback complete with snakes, spiders, and characters ranging from the Apostle Peter to Bounce, the kangaroo.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a major summer tradition for adults and children in many congregations, but at University Park Church of Christ in Hyattsville, Maryland, Minister Don Ballard and his members held an event that included classes, a play, and a nature area with live animals.
“We are having a great time serving the Lord by doing his work,” said Ballard, who after concluding VBS on June 23, headed the next week to Honduras with a team from the church to build several buildings, distribute food, and help run a medical clinic.
While the church building is in Hyattsville, VBS attendees were transported to Australia when stepping into the house of worship.
From Alana Harris, 22, who played Peter walking on water in a skit, to Tom Liebrand, who was dressed like “Crocodile Dundee,” the play was an engaging way for people of all ages to tap into biblical stories and have loads of fun.
“Even though I was teaching the children through the play, I was learning about strengthening my faith as well,” said Harris, a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College.
For Harris, who played Peter, participating in this year’s VBS programming was a family affair. Her brother, Isaiah, played the role of Jesus in and their older sister Alicia Harris directed the production.
While bringing the play to life took hard work and rehearsals, Ken Roberts said it was all worth it in the end.
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile,” said Roberts, who played Bounce. “I am proud our congregation members, especially the young ladies, are spreading the gospel, they are doing it.”
Liebrand, a federal worker, from Upper Marlboro, said he enjoys serving in VBS because “it is designed to build enthusiasm and intrigue about the Bible and its teachings.”
Alicia, Alana and Isaiah Harris are the children of this reporter, Hamil Harris.