‘Space Probe’ 2006
Backyard Bible Clubs
One Parent’s Reflections
As a member of
I was delighted to report for “star command duty” on that first morning, and the excitement mounted as I approached the big, silver rocket perched on the front lawn…. I mean, on the space crater that held my ship. Of course, we were all docked there, waiting for orders from our Star Commander, Pastor Steve, and watching as the many astronauts arrived for roll call. Our Capsule Commanders - all trained in teaching our astronauts about the creation of our world - were armed with scriptures, stories to tell, and different craft projects. We were off to a great start!
Strong in number, our roughly 100 astronauts began their daily trek with singing time. The choruses that rang through the galaxies ranged from "Almighty Creator" to "Glory on Display", and culminating with "Ready To Go" - helping to prepare their minds and hearts during a time of worship of our “High Commander,” the Lord Jesus Christ. The various stations were buzzing with inter-galactic activity. We were visited daily by a team of research commanders, all eagerly sharing their firsthand accounts of visiting the new Earth during the “creation” phase. How exciting to hear how our High Commander formed the heavens, the earth and all that it contains in a matter of six days. Our minds could not comprehend the vastness of this miracle. I watched our astronauts' eyes grow wide with wonder as they heard how God formed man out of dust. It took effort to imagine just how beautiful the Garden of Eden really was, and how privileged Adam and Eve were to actually walk and talk with the Holy One!
But it was as equally disheartening to learn about their disobedience to God, and how sin first entered our world. The Commanders relayed the accounts in ways that took our astronauts by surprise. One could feel the sadness in the air once we learned that Adam and Eve were banned from the Garden of Eden. I know a few of the younger cadets were shocked to learn that Cain murdered his very own brother, Abel - the very first murder ever recorded in the Bible. We anxiously waited for the next day, knowing that Commander Cosmos,
We had great food to fuel our energy for exploration and rocket building. The Capsule Commanders provided solar sandwiches, astronaut aid, and various space-friendly snacks to keep energy levels running high. As always, a competition ensued between the three space teams. Every astronaut was instructed to bring in loose change (collected during various solar excursions) and present their loot to the Star Commanders. The plunder was weighed in daily, and the team with the highest weight volume won first place! In addition, the youth were successful in collecting $250 for the ministry of Love, Inc. (Love in the Name of Christ). This local mercy ministry aids families in need of food, clothing, budget-training, and most importantly, the teaching and preaching of God's Word. Several volunteers make this ministry possible and successful, and the youth of Cedar and their friends were pleased to know that they were able to contribute to God's Kingdom in this way.
There was a genuine spirit of camaraderie and faith building amongst our Space Probe members. I, myself, was grateful to witness the building and fortifying of the minds and spirits of Cedar youth and other visiting children. As a parent, I am doubly blessed to take part in proclaiming the power, wisdom and utter holiness of our Living God. This year's theme of Genesis and creation gave me several golden opportunities to minister to the heart of my child. Genesis reads: "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
We, as parents, have tremendous opportunities today to "direct our children" in the ways of our sovereign Lord. We are called to "train them and instruct them in godliness". What a wonderful way to begin by showing them the gift of His creation, and the power and majesty of our "Almighty Creator". I find myself humming that chorus day in and day out since Backyard Bible Club. Hope it's the same for you….
