Let VBS Begin!

Every year when the summer calendar comes around, we start to feel the anxiety and mix of emotions as Vacation Bible School is getting close. Especially coming back from a pandemic, it seems difficult to recruit volunteers for the task, or maybe you are questioning whether or not it is really worth the effort. 

Of course, it is worth it!  The Bible says in Matthew 18:14 “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” NLT 

I am the product of that evangelistic effort, at a young age the circumstances at home were very difficult, and my parents didn’t participate in any religion. God had plans for me! VBS! An oasis for my soul when I was invited by my neighbor to a Vacation Bible School taking place at close to my home.

 I still remember the message, “Jesus’ love is for everyone.” Forty years later, it is still impressed in my heart.   I encourage you to take courage and know that your efforts to share Jesus lives on for years to come in the life of a child. I know it’s true!

Preparing for the Task

Here are my favorite six suggestions about how to start your preparation for an amazing VBS in your church:

#1.- Prayer

 Invite your prayer ministry partner to join you in prayer for a successful VBS at the beginning of the year and through the months to come. Schedule a time to meet every week or every other week. You may want to meet at your favorite café or at a park.

#2.- Choose the theme ahead of time!

Start in January! Starting early will give you plenty of time to research the props, backgrounds and how much budget you will need. If you struggle with the finances, you can partner with other churches in your area who usually sell the leftover materials for half price after they finish with their VBS or maybe even donate these resources to your church. Search the name of your VBS theme on Facebook and other social platforms. Most likely, you will find a group sharing ideas, resources, and words of encouragement and enthusiasm! (adventistvbs.org, Instagram: childsminnad, Facebook: @nadchildrensministriesdepartment)

#3.- Challenge yourself!  Challenge yourself to think outside the box about your theme by visiting different websites and resources, childmind.org, Pinterest, Facebook, just to mention a few.  Learn new ways to make your VBS more enthusiastic and attractive to the community as well as the church members! Maybe you have a park nearby that would be perfect for reaching the community children and families. Think about it! What will set your VBS apart as the one to go to?

#4.- Where are the Volunteers?  Around March Invite them for a breakfast! Or a picnic and games or a pool party …. Or …. What are your ideas? Show appreciation to your volunteers and extend the invitation to your congregation through your newsletter and share it with excitement and anticipation!

Be prepared for your volunteer party by creating a document with the description of each assignment and roles.  Then let your volunteers choose roles based on their strengths and gifts. Make it fun! Additionally, planning in advance gives you time to do the necessary background checks. Your volunteers can register on the Child Protection Screening process NAD.

#5.- Not enough money for snacks?  Send out a message to your church family asking for snack supply donations by a certain time. Be specific: “We need 500 fishy crackers!” Visit your food Bank, local grocery store or local ACS in your area and write an appealing letter for donations.  During the pandemic, my church was blessed abundantly with many items for our VBS! We received more than we expected, so we were able to share with our community as well! Pass on the blessing!

#6.- Get the word out!  Promote, promote, promote! Build up the anticipation! “Hello folks! We have 4 months until the best event ever is happening at our church!” Then one month before your final date send out personal invitations use your database from last year to send emails, Eventbrite.com or created a QR. CODE to register. Parents appreciate if you can make it easier for them.

Well, there you have it! I am praying for a successful VBS in your congregations! 

Pastor Griselda Job
Tacoma Park SDA Church

Engaging critical conversations about pornography

Hearing the word “porn” can make us want to shout “la la la la” with our fingers in our ears.

But with the infiltration of pornography through the digital age, this is the critical conversation in our homes we can no longer ignore.  

Leading instead of waiting

Some parents wait until this conversation appears needed. “My child doesn’t even know what that is. I will wait until my child says something.” 

Well—I hate to break it to you, but your silence is saying something. 

Children do not know what they do not know. When we lead our children instead of waiting for them to stumble through the darkness on their own, we give the gift of relationships and of grace, knowing that no matter what they face in this world, we will be right there with them. 

They need us to lead with language and tools so that when they are exposed, they are not filled with shame and hide but will have a game plan. 

God’s Word in their world

The conversation isn’t a one and done. It’s an ongoing one. 

Deutoronomy 11:19 says, “Teach them (the scriptures) to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (BSB). 

This means that wherever we go and whatever we are doing, we are helping our kids to understand how God’s Word relates to their world in a practical way. 

Sometimes we think this billion dollar industry is just targeting boys. However, recent studies (and our counseling offices) show us a different picture. The growing population of porn addiction in youth are young women. 

This needs to be a family conversation, without any shame, about changing bodies, sexuality, pornography, and sex.  

Love in the real world

Did you know the average age of pornographic exposure is between 6 and 11 years old?! I know. So sad. Every sex addict in our counseling office shares the moment they first saw pornography. The neighborhood hangout. The stash at their best friend’s home. The slumber party. The family computer. The advertisement. Social media. 

We could isolate ourselves and hide in a cave (it has crossed my mind a time or two), or—we can do as Christ said, “to be in the world, but not of the world” so that we will be a “light in the world” that is desperate for something real. 

Real love. 

Let me put it this way. God designed us all with a clear purpose and significance. Like a bullet loaded with gun powder and ready to aim, pornography empties a soul and leaves it like a bullet shell without any power. 

Pornography is incredibly addictive. The dopamine fix (feel good hormone) is quite good, and because God designed sex to be quite good, it’s a false use of what God has purposed. That is the enemy’s turf. Hollow. Empty. Aimless. Using what God intended for good for evil. 

Shame vs. grace

Shame says “you are bad.” 

Grace reminds us that “I am loved. But I can do bad things that can be repaired and made right.” 

When we want to give our kids a grace message that says no matter what you do (or see), you are loved, and your actions, though they have consequences and affect you and others, can be repaired. When we parent with grace, as God the Father models to us, we can talk about things that our kids may not fully understand, yet need for today. 

Think about it. Jesus did this all the time with his disciples who would later understand what he meant. 

Talking about pornography starts in the beginning with the beauty of God’s design between a man and woman. It starts with the good God created and the hope we have in Jesus. It starts with talking about how great our bodies are and how interesting they are in function. It starts with normalizing them. 

The bounce of the eye

We see something, feel curious, and need a way out! 

First Corinthians 10:13 says it this way, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 

Let’s teach our kids to look for the way out again and again. The bounce of the eye. The looking away. The talking about it with a safe friend or parent. 

Let’s help them understand the longing of our heart, and meeting that need with whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable (Phil. 4:8). 

We do not want to teach our kids to white knuckle their way through the world, feeling shame for any temptation that comes their way. We do, however, want to teach them how to regulate those cravings, like we do with food, money, and emotions. 

Experiential truth

Similar to practicing how to save for the video game or to wait to open birthday gifts until their birthday, we practice in real time while driving on the freeway what to do when the billboard on the side of the road is glaring at us all and trying to tempt us with “you are not enough” or lust that consumes our God given desires, but leaves us empty and unsatisfied. 

Sometimes knowing that struggling with sex addiction (looking at porn, compulsive masturbation, sexting, etc. . .) is not about sex, but about comfort and emotional intimacy, helps us parents nurture the roots and not focus on the weeds. 

So when we teach our kids how to feel their emotions and find healthy ways to find care for those emotions, we give them an enormous leg up! When we love them despite their poor behaviors and help them build muscles for honesty, asking for help, and leaning into real relationships, we give them another leg up. 

As we help them carry the harder things of this world we become like Jesus to our kids—he says, “You will have troubles in this life, but I have overcome them” (John 16:33). 

Talking about pornography and how we can meet our God given desires in healthy ways, we give our children experiential truth. They learn that God can handle anything they face because we, their parents, modeled day in and day out. 

And friends—now that is good, good news for such a time as this! 

THIS ARTICLE IS FROM CHRISTIAN PARENTING FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON THE LINK!

Jesus 101

JESUS 101

Needs of Bereaved Children

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Sounds in the Night

My parents said I could have a friend go camping with us this weekend. Since you are my best friend,I want you to go with me,” Abigail said to Grace as she doodled in her notebook and talked on the phone.“I have never stayed away from home before,” Grace replied as she petted her cat, Muffin, who was sleeping in her lap.“It will be fun. Have you ever been camping?” Abigail asked.“Only in my backyard with my sister and my dad,” Grace said.“It will be like that, only at the state park. We will cook hot dogs over a campfire and make s’mores.” Abigail smacked her lips.“What is a s’more?” Grace asked.“Oooh, they are so good. They are roasted marshmallows on graham crackers with pieces of chocolate. They are called s’mores because once you eat one, you will want some more.”Grace’s tummy rumbled. “Mmm. That does sound pretty good. I will have to ask my parents if I can go with you.”“My mom is going to call your parents to ask. If they say OK, it’s your choice,” Abigail said. “I hope you will choose to go.”At dinner that night, Grace’s dad asked about the camping trip. “Mom tells me Abigail is excited to have you go camping with her family. Do you think you would like to go?” Grace’s dad cut his lasagna and poked a chunk with his fork.“It sounds kind of fun. But . . . ,” Grace smooshed her lasagna with her fork.“But what?” Mom asked, placing her napkin in her lap.“I have never been away from home or from you and Dad,” Grace said.“It would be a good adventure. Your first time away from home and your first camping trip. You will have a great story for your class when you go back to school this fall.” Dad smiled at her.“Yes, but it’s dark in the woods. I don’t think I would like that.” Grace looked at her parents. “I might be afraid.”“You might be,” Dad said as he put down his fork and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “But theBible tells us not to be afraid because God is with us.” (See Isaiah 41:10.)“Even in a tent in the dark woods?” Grace’s eyes grew wide.“Yes, honey. He is everywhere. The Bible also tells us that God will hold our hands and help us.[See Isaiah 41:13.] So if you feel fearful, remember to talk to God. He will listen, and He will be with you.”Grace tapped her chin. “I think I would like to go camping. With God beside me, I don’t need to miss an adventure because of fear.”****Abigail and Dad put up the tent while Abigail’s mom and Grace unpacked the pots and pans.“What about the food?” Grace asked as she looked through the box of supplies. “And the s’mores?” Abigail’s mom laughed. “I keep them inside the car to keep animals from getting into them.Don’t worry, Grace. I brought plenty of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.”Grace rubbed her tummy. “Yum. I have never had a s’more, and I’m eager to try one.”Mom put the box of supplies on the picnic table. “I hope you packed your toothbrush.”“Oh, my dad made sure I did.” Grace smiled.“Of course, he did.” Mom clapped her hands together and laughed. “He is a dentist.”After everyone had eaten their hot dogs and s’mores, they sang songs by the campfire. Dad played his guitar.“Time for bed, girls.” Mom poked the fire with a stick and added more firewood. “I will keep the fire going for a while. And I brought a lantern to keep the tent dimly lit.”Grace sighed with relief. Maybe her mom had told Abigail’s mom that she didn’t like the dark.Soon after everyone had settled into their sleeping bags, Grace heard Abigail’s dad snoring on the other side of the tent.“Grace,” Abigail whispered. “Are you having a good time?”“Yes, I am. And you were right. I like s’mores—a lot.”“I knew you would.” Abigail smiled. “Tomorrow we are going to take a hike on the bike path around the lake. It’s so pretty.”Grace yawned. “I’m excited to take my first hike. I have only walked around the neighborhood with my mom and dad or at the mall.”“The lake has pretty trees and flowers growing along its banks. The kayaks on the water are colorful too.” Abigail yawned. “I better go to sleep. We will be doing lots of fun things tomorrow.Good night.”Grace heard Abigail whispering her prayers to God. Grace prayed, too, and fell asleep.Suddenly, Grace woke up when she heard a loud noise outside the tent. The light from the lantern had dimmed so much she couldn’t see very well, and the fire outside no longer burned brightly. She heard the crackle of the fire as it burned the last bit of firewood. She felt tears well up in her eyes, and her body trembled. She nudged her friend. “Abigail. Abigail, did you hear that noise?”Abigail murmured and rolled to face Grace. “No, I was asleep. What did it sound like?”“I don’t know. Maybe it was a wild animal looking for our food.”“No, Mom locked it all in the car,” Abigail replied.“What if it’s a bear?” Grace shuddered.There was another noise outside the tent, and both girls shrieked.“What is going on?” Dad sat up quickly, bumping his head on the tent pole. “Ouch! That didn’t feel good,” he said, rubbing his head.Abigail’s voice quivered. “Dad, we heard a noise outside.”“Maybe it’s a bear!” Grace moved closer to Abigail.Dad peeked outside the tent flap. He beamed his flashlight around the picnic table, campfire, and nearby trees. He ducked back inside and held the flashlight to his face. He had a big toothy smile on his lips.“Dad! That is not funny.” Abigail crossed her arms. Grace hugged her friend tighter.Dad turned off the flashlight. “It was only a raccoon. He must have smelled our dinner and came to find leftovers. He is gone now.” Dad crawled back into his sleeping bag.Grace let out a deep breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. “I’m sorry I woke up everyone for nothing.”“You didn’t wake Mom.” Abigail giggled. “She sleeps through Dad’s snoring, so she can sleep through almost anything.”“Hey, I don’t snore that loud!” Dad chuckled. “Well, maybe I do.”Everyone went back to sleep, except for Grace. It wasn’t long before Abigail’s dad started snoring again. Grace’s heart pounded as she listened closely for any little sound. After a few minutes, she thought about what her parents told her about God. Little by little, her body stopped trembling. “The Bible says that God will be with me and hold my hand,” she whispered.“Thank You, God, for being here with me and keeping me safe.” Grace had just started to get sleepy when she heard a whoo-whoo from above the tent. She let out a little gasp.“That is an owl,” Abigail’s mom spoke quietly.Grace sighed, “I’m sorry to wake you.”“Oh, you didn’t.” Abigail’s mom sighed. “Abigail’s dad’s snoring did. Unlike what Abigail thinks, I don’t sleep through her dad’s snoring.”Grace snickered.“And try not to be afraid, Grace. Remember God is with you.”Grace awoke the next morning to the birds singing, the sun shining through the tent flap, and the smell of pancakes cooking on a griddle over the campfire.This is a great adventure!she thought to herself. Grace got out of her sleeping bag and went outside to breathe in the fresh air.I’m glad God is with me wherever I am. He is good all of the time.

By Leann Austin

A Picnic in The Woods

Picnics are so much fun!” Crosby exclaimed.“I like having picnics in the woods,” Molly added. “I like to see the beautiful plants and trees that Jesus made for us.”Crosby and Molly were picnicking with their mommy and daddy in the woods. They had brought a big basket of food.After the food had been eaten, Daddy said, “I think I will rest on the soft grass.”“May we go for a walk?” Crosby asked.“Yes, but be careful,” Daddy replied. “Stay on the trail around the meadow, and make sure you can always see us.”“Would it be all right if I walk with you?” Mommy asked the children.“Yes!” both children shouted.Crosby, Molly, and Mommy walked along the trail that circled the meadow. Leaves moved in the gentle breeze. Squirrels scampered on the ground. Birds sang in the trees.Suddenly, Crosby exclaimed, “Look, there is a creek behind those trees!”“We must be careful,” Mommy warned. “The creek is not on the path. We don’t want to get lost.”Crosby and Molly carefully stepped from the path and through the grass to the flowing creek. The water was clear as it tumbled over the smooth rocks. They dipped their hands into the cool water.Mommy watched as the children played along the creek’s edge. They jumped on rocks and watched for fish.They picked up rocks and tossed them into the water.Suddenly, they looked up at the sky. The sky looked dark.“We need to go back to the picnic area before it starts to rain,” Mommy said.“Which way should we go?” Molly asked.Mommy looked around. “I’m not sure,” she said, looking worried. “We went too far and didn’t stay on the path.”P

“Don’t worry, Mommy,” Crosby said. “Daddy always told me that if I got lost, I should stay right where I am.He will be looking for us.”“Daddy!” the two children shouted. “Help us! We are lost!”“I know what we can do,” Molly said. “We can pray. Jesus will take care of us. He will help Daddy find us.”Mommy and the children bowed their heads, and Crosby prayed aloud, “Jesus, help us not to be afraid. HelpDaddy find us. Amen.”Just then a twig snapped. They heard a noise. It sounded like a voice. “Crosby? Molly?” It was Daddy.“Over here, Daddy!” Molly shouted. “We are so glad you found us!”“I’m glad I found you too,” Daddy said. “I’m glad you are safe. I prayed that I would find you.”“Jesus showed you where to look,” Crosby said. “We prayed too.”“I’m glad Jesus answered our prayers,” Molly said.“Me too,” Dad agreed. “Let’s go back to the picnic area before it starts to rain.”

By Jane Landreth

Choose the right VBS today!

The church was still and quiet the night before Vacation Bible School.  The only noise was just a whisper coming from the cooling vents.  The paper cactus and bandana garlands swayed ever so slightly.  There was an expectancy in the air! 

It is estimated that thousands, across North America, have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior at a Vacation Bible School in their community.  VBS is the largest outreach event, bringing in more people through the church doors, than any other evangelistic event … even though most of those people are only 4 foot tall, or less!

George Barna, in “Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions”, writes:

“A series of studies we conducted regarding the age of which people accept Christ as their Savior highlight the importance of having people invite Jesus into their hearts as their Savior when they are young.  We discovered that the probability of someone embracing Jesus as his or her Savior was 32 percent for those between ages of 5 and 12; 4 percent for those in the 13- to 18-age range; and 6 percent for people 19 or older.  In other words, if people do not embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior before they reach their teenage years, the chances of their doing so at all is slim.”

The morning of Vacation Bible School arrives with a burst of energy!  VBS volunteers arrive early to make final preparations and pray together… then the doors open and the church is filled with laughter, wiggles and giggles.  Children’s voices raised in melodic praise to God can be heard filling the air… catchy songs that will be sung over and over again with hand motions and heart transforming passion!  For the next five days the church will be filled with children exploring Bible stories, playing games with a purpose, using their imagination to create works of art, and taking time to connect with God. 

Each year North American Division Children’s Ministries partners with AdventSource to create a unique Vacation Bible school that that will draw kids from church and community, with a Biblical view as understood by Seventh-day Adventists.  Each lesson focuses on really knowing Jesus!  Kids will meet Jesus and learn about His love and the plan of salvation.

Cactusville, where kids are Called to follow Jesus launched with music written and composed specifically for North American Division VBS.  Cactusville VBS comes as two options:  In-person kit or a digital version with all the information and tips for conducting a virtual VBS. Cactusville takes children on a journey discovering that they are called by God and are very loved and valued by Him.  VBS brings together church and community making friends and learning how we are all part of God’s big family. Christ-centered activities guide kids to understand God’s plan of salvation and how each of us can share the Good News with others.

A special thank you to all who are presenting Jesus to those at the age most likely to give their hearts to Him.  That is what VBS is really all about … creating memories, changing hearts, and giving our children the opportunity to #sayYEStoJesus.

Ryker Decides to Be Brave

“I can’t wait for recess.” Ryker thought as he looked at the clock above the teacher’s desk.I will be the first one on the jungle gym.Finally, the clock hands moved to 1:30P.M., and the bell rang.Ryker lined up quickly. As soon as he was outside, he ran to the jungle gym. His two best friends, Kian and Sean, were just seconds behind him.“We are going to make it all the way across the bars today,” Ryker said, grinning at his buddies.“You got that right,” Kian answered with a big smile.Hand over hand, the boys started across the bars. About halfway across, Ryker began to lose his grip. Before he knew it, he fell heavily into the sawdust under the bars. As he landed, Ryker felt pain shoot through his right wrist.“Ow!” he cried as he rolled over on his back, trying to cradle his wrist with his left hand.Sean and Kian dropped from the bars and knelt by his side.Ryker looked up. “I lost my grip,” he said.“Can you move your wrist?” Sean asked.Ryker tried but cried out in pain. Tears came to his eyes. “It hurts to move it.”Kian shouted for the recess teacher, who came quickly and knelt beside Ryker. “Let’s get you to the office,” she said. “We need to call your parents and get you to the emergency room for an X-ray of that wrist.”Soon his parents came and took him straight to the hospital. X-rays were taken, and Ryker and his parents waited in a room for the doctor to come and talk to them. Ryker tried to be brave, but his wrist hurt so bad! Mom rubbed his back, and Dad patted him on the shoulder. Finally, the doctor walked into the room.After greeting Ryker and his parents, the doctor showed them the X-rays and began to explain.“You have broken a large bone in your right wrist. I am going to wrap it until the swelling goes down.Then I will put a hard cast on your arm until the bone is healed.”That night Ryker lay awake in bed. “Jesus,” he prayed, “help me to be brave like David when he faced Goliath.”Ryker liked the story of David facing Goliath. David was brave, and Ryker decided he would be brave too.Mom and Dad came into Ryker’s room and found him awake. “I’m going to leave your door open,” Mom said as she carefully hugged him.“Call us if you need anything, but we will be checking on you anyway,” Dad added.Ryker nodded his thanks.The next few days were difficult and different for Ryker, but he learned ways to adapt. The first time he tried to brush his teeth with his left hand he got more toothpaste on his face than on his teeth. He decided to laugh about it. Slowly, he learned to do things differently. He wore slip-on shoes and learned to button his shirt with one hand. He also wore pants he could just pull up. He learned to use his left hand a lot.“Wow!” Dad said one day as he watched Ryker comb his hair, “You are becoming ambidextrous.”“What does that mean?” Ryker asked.“It means you can use one hand as well as the other one,” Dad replied. “Hmm,” Ryker said. “I might even try out for basketball.” He and Dad laughed.Ryker continued to heal, and after a few weeks, the doctor pronounced his wrist mended and strong. The whole family thanked the doctor who smiled and said, “Glad to help, but God healed your arm, Ryker. And you stayed happy and positive.”On the way home, Ryker thought about the doctor’s words.I had a lot of help, he thought to himself. He thought about how his parents had encouraged him and how his friends had found ways to help. Most of all, Ryker remembered the Bible story of how David had trusted God and stood up to the giant Goliath.“If David, a young boy, can stand for God against a giant, then I can bear the pain, learn to use my left hand, and stay happy,” he told Jesus that night as he prayed. “Besides,” he added, grinning in the dark, “if I become ambidextrous, that will make it easier to make the basketball team.”

By Frankie Roland

Jesus Please Give Me a Duck

Five-year-old Liam bounced into the kitchen and sat down at the table. He eyed the mountain of pancakes and the bowl of fresh berries in front of him.What a yummy breakfast!he thought.“Who would like to pray this morning?” Mommy asked.“Me!” Liam said, sitting up straight and tall. “I want to pray!”“OK, Liam,” Mommy said. “You may pray for us this morning.”“Please bow your heads,” Liam said. He closed his eyes and then paused.Hmm, Liam thought to himself. I know Mommy says Jesus doesn’t always say yes to our prayers. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait. But He always does what is best. There is something I really, really want! Even if Jesus says no or wait, I’m going to ask Him right now!“Dear Jesus,” Liam prayed out loud. “Please bless these yummy pancakes and my family. And Jesus, please give me a duck. Amen.”Liam looked up. His mommy, daddy, and auntie were smiling at each other. His brothers and cousin rolled their eyes and grinned. Liam didn’t mind. He was just getting ready to ask for a pancake when he heard a noise. Quack! Liam’s family stopped smiling. Daddy’s eyes grew wide. Mommy’s and Auntie’s mouths dropped open. His brothers and cousin looked at each other. Liam stood up.Quack!“It’s my duck! Jesus answered already!” Chairs slid, napkins dropped, and people gasped as Liam ran to the front door. Liam marched out the front door, proudly leading his family to the driveway. There, next to the car, was a duck!“See?” Liam said, pointing.Quack, quack!Liam’s mommy, a biologist, stooped down to look at the duck. “She is hurt,” Mommy said. “It looks like she has a bite on her wing. She definitely needs some help!” Liam and his family cared for the duck until her wing healed. After the duck was well, they tried to release the duck into the wild again. But the duck didn’t want to leave! She had found a new family. From that day on, she happily waddled, quacked, and slurped worms in Liam’s backyard. Each time Liam heard the duck quack, he remembered when Jesus answered yes.

By Alexa Sharma

If Only I Had Left On Time

Can’t leave now,” Anne complained when Laura said she had to leave Kerry’s birthday party.“Call your parents, and tell them Kerry hasn’t opened her gifts yet.”“But she has opened her gifts,” Laura said. “And I promised I would be home on time. With Dad working three to eleven, Mom doesn’t have a car to come after me. They don’t want me walking home in the dark.” Laura began putting on her coat.“Please stay, Laura.” Kerry took Laura’s hand. “We have more games and prizes. A word game is next. You are so good at those.”Laura hesitated. She liked word games, and she had been hoping to win a prize. Susan had won a cute teddy-bear pillow, and Olivia had won a five-year diary. “Well, one more game, then I’m leaving.”Kerry’s mom passed out pencils and paper. “Write ‘Happy Birthday, Kerry’ at the top of your page and make as many words from the letters as you can before the timer rings.”Laura’s pencil flew as she jotted down words—dark, break, tape, drape. She couldn’t write fast enough to get them all down.“Time is up,” Kerry’s mom announced.Laura won with 30 words. “Good job, Laura!” Kerry said, handing her a package.Undoing the wrapping paper, Laura saw a 500-piece puzzle. “I love puzzles,” she said. She knew she should leave, but it seemed impolite to just take her prize and go. She played another game, then she quickly put on her coat and left the party.It had begun to rain, so Laura pulled up her hood, ran down the driveway, and jogged along the road in the dusk. In her haste, she had forgotten to face oncoming traffic. She didn’t hear the car coming up behind her until it was just a few yards away. Up ahead, a deer ran across the road asLaura moved further off the road, trying to stay out of the mud. Laura heard brakes squeal. As the driver passed her, the car started to swerve back and forth across the road. Laura watched in horror as the car skidded toward a big oak tree. She saw the driver trying to turn the steering wheel. Then she heard the crash!Laura ran to the car, feeling afraid about what she might see. The front end of the car was smashed, and the windshield was shattered. The driver leaned over his seat, checking on a young boy in the back seat. The child was crying. As Laura peered through the window, she saw blood dripping down the little boy’s face. She rapped on the window and shouted, “Can I help? Should I go call the police or an ambulance?”“We can’t get out. Try to open the back door,” the man shouted back. “The front doors are jammed.”Laura tried to open both back doors, but they wouldn’t budge. “I’m sorry. They won’t open. I will go call for help.”“Thank you,” the man said. “I can’t seem to find my cell phone.”Running back to Kerry’s house, Laura thought, If only I had left on time, I would not have been in the road when the car came. Maybe the driver wouldn’t have hit the tree, and the little boy wouldn’t be hurt. Oh, dear Jesus, please forgive me. Please let the little boy be OK.At Kerry’s house, Laura explained about the accident. Kerry’s mom immediately picked up the phone. After she called 911, Laura called her mom.

“I’m glad you called,” Mom said. “I was getting worried because you were late. But I understand now, and I’m glad you could help. I don’t want you walking home alone now, so stay at Kerry’s. I will call Uncle Bob and ask him to come for you.”Laura hung up the phone with a sigh of relief. Mom would never know she had stayed too long at the party.Kerry’s parents had gone out to the accident site with blankets and a first-aid kit. “The little boy has a gash on his forehead,” Kerry’s mom said when she returned. “He was holding a toy truck when they crashed, and he hit his head on it. The police are there now.”Kerry’s dad came back a few minutes later. “Everything is under control. A wrecker will haul the car away. The man and his son are going to the hospital to have the boy checked out. His cut doesn’t look too bad, and he probably won’t need stitches. They asked me to thank you, Laura, for coming to their aid.” He smiled and patted Laura’s shoulder.Laura didn’t feel she deserved any thanks. She felt guilty.What if I caused the accident? she asked herself.“What happened? Did the car skid?” Kerry’s mom asked.“The man said he saw something in the road. He thinks it was a deer,” Kerry’s dad replied.“When he tried to avoid it, he lost control of the car and ran into the tree.”When Laura arrived home, she told her mom the whole story. “I think it was my fault, Mom.”She wiped tears from her eyes. “If only I had left when you asked me to, that little boy would not have been hurt, and the car would not have been smashed.”Mom put her arms around Laura and held her close. “We don’t know that. We don’t know if the driver swerved because he saw you or the deer. But right now, let’s pray that the little boy will beOK.”Laura bowed her head. After praying for the child’s recovery, she said, “Everyone is acting like Idid something great, but I’m ashamed. I wish I could start today all over and erase what I did.”Mom patted Laura’s back. “That is not possible, dear. Even though you disobeyed and stayed at the party longer than you should have, I am proud of you for being brave enough to help the crash victims. But even though I am proud of you for your bravery, I hope that you will obey my rules next time.” Mom smiled.Laura nodded. “I will, Mom. From now on, I will obey your rules. It’s awful to feel that I might be responsible for that accident.”Mom nodded. “We all make mistakes. It’s important to learn from them. Today you learned the importance of obeying rules.”Laura dried her eyes. It was a lesson she would never forget.

by Marie Lattaou