As he found himself slowing down a bit in his early 80s, it wasn’t that easy to find jobs he could do in his church. His energy, hearing and sight weren’t what they used to be.
He loved serving God, and he loved the freshness and excitement of the kids at VBS. He tearfully told the VBS director he thought he’d need to retire from working at VBS.
But the wise VBS director instead asked him to come every day and supervise one important part of the day: hand washing.
After the recreation time and crafts and before snack time, each child was to wash his or her hands.
Although willing, he was at first hesitant and not sure he’d really be contributing. But then he realized he was the only volunteer who got to speak to every child each day. As he encouraged them to use a little more soap and take a little more time, he got to greet them, learn their names, and provide one more bit of Christ’s love to each student. They call him Grandpa and he touched the lives of every one of those children, as well as some of their parents.
He’s now in his upper 80s but still an integral part of VBS at his church. He provides hugs and stability and whispers of Jesus’ love and the children give back with affirmation of being needed and still making a vital contribution.
It seems VBS changes lives for people of all ages.
I love that this story focuses on the way VBS changes the lives of the volunteers. VBS is such an amazing ministry and can change the lives of all ages – not just the kids!