‘High Seas' vacation Bible school smooth sailing

Everyone had an awesome week, kids and adults alike, at the county’s most prominent Vacation Bible School, held Aug. 2 through 6 at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Apalachicola.

Marking his 10^th year as director of the weeklong program was Terry Tipton, with Michelle Chambers as assistant.

The theme this year was High Seas Expedition, and featured an elaborate set that captured the spirit of an explorer ship sailing across the ocean to the New World.

Building the set over the course of several Saturdays were Tipton, Chambers, Helen Cook, Lena Butler, Austin Lee, Ronald Lashley and, adding wonderful handpainting of the elements, Ola Jean Silva. All told, 73 people served on the Bible school’s staff, which served 200 children from age 4 to 12.

“There were so many adventures that everyone was involved in, including games, crafts, theater, powerful Bible lessons, and of course we had some great music<” said Tipton. “The daily Bible points that were discussed throughout the week this year were so powerful and meaningful.”

On Day 1, the participants learned “God’s Word is true,” and on Day 2, the focused on how “God’s Word is comforting.  Day 3 brought out the lesson “God’s Word is surprising,” Day 4 addressed how “God’s Word is life-changing,” and Day 5 was about how “God’s Word is for everyone.” These lessons were taught and illustrated by Rex and Jamie Pennycuff.

Wednesday night of the Bible school was Wacky Wednesday. “Everyone dressed crazy and had a really good time,” said Tipton. “We also had a serious time that night and discussed missions.”

He said the Bible school received a special mission offering totaling $1,000, which will be sent to an orphanage in the Ukraine that is supported by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.

During the Friday night family service, Pastor Susan Roach commissioned the crowd to continue to fence the children in with prayer.  She also said how it was an honor for First Pentecostal to have the opportunity to minister to all of the kids.

“We closed out with many, many laughs, and even a few tears,” said Tipton. – By David Adlerstein