Vacation Bible School 2018

Dear BMA Member and Friend,

As summer 2018 rapidly approaches, the Black Ministerial Alliance is partnering with a growing number of churches to host Vacation Bible School for the youth and families of our community.  Last year we partnered with five congregations in Dorchester, Roxbury, and the South End to provide a safe place for children and youth to go and learn about the Love of Christ.  This year, we are expanding that number in an effort to reach more children who might not otherwise hear the Gospel.  

VBS is part of a larger BMA initiative that partners with churches and community agencies to provide 8 weeks of safe, healthy summer programming as an alternatives to the often dangerous streets.This programming includes Vacation Bible School, Fit Church/Fit Community Health Fairs and outdoor fitness, Victory Generation Summer Kids Camps, and Teen Café Youth Violence Prevention activities. 

Out of all of our summer programming VBS is the only one funded through private, unrestricted individual donations, because we are reaching children, youth, and their parents with the message of Jesus’ Love, teaching them to be disciples.  

VBS provides a fun, engaging venue for learning Bible stories while building friendships with others. Children also participate in arts and crafts, games and sports, and some churches offer a meal or a healthy snack.  We have many stories to share. One church reported….One evening, a caregiver went to read her granddaughter a story from the Bible. Surprisingly, the girl told her all about the story before she even finished reading it. The caregiver asked, “Did I read this story to you before?” The child answered, “No. I learned all about it at the park the other day.”

Children’s lives are being transformed and the BMA has many stories like this one below where children and youth are being changed. One middle school student who played a role in leadership said that her experience at the park, and teaching kids about Jesus has inspired her to play a more active role in teaching the children at her church. She was moved by the impact of the Gospel in the lives of the younger children and felt as if she truly built meaningful relationships and saw real impact through her work.

Last summer, we reached approximately 233 children and youth; 24 children dedicated their lives to Christ at VBS.  We are hoping for an even greater reach this year. Would you come alongside us in 2018 and help us be a resource to our partnering churches, so children and youth can be reached for Christ?

Because we will never use government or foundation dollars to proselytize, the BMA relies upon folks like you to support this faith-filled initiative. With a gift of just $40 you will help us reach hundreds of children and youth with Biblical instruction and fun and creative activities in a safe environment. A $40 donation is the equivalent of only $5 per week for 8 weeks! However, a gift of any size is welcomed and all donations are fully tax deductible. 

Our goal is to raise $10,000 for Vacation Bible School and we are asking you to give a minimum of a $40 donation to make an impact throughout those 8 weeks.  

If you have any questions about our VBS campaign, please contact Amy Malkemes at 617-445-2737 ext.128 or amalkemes@bmaboston.org.

Sincerely, 

Rev. David Wright

Executive Director