Olympic-Sized Inspiration At St Rose Vacation Bible School

By Larissa Lytwyn

Each summer, interdenominational Christian groups across the nation strive to bring its children, from prekindergartners to preteens, closer to Jesus through its Vacation Bible School program.

St Rose of Lima is among several churches across the region that has participated in the weeklong program.

This year, St Rose chose to use Christian publisher Gospel Light VBS’ “Son Games 2004” as its Vacation Bible School theme, a tribute to the upcoming 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, from July 12–July 16.

Son Games 2004 traces the adventures of [disciple] Paul, credited as being “one of God’s most valuable players.”

Children learn a range of Christian-incurred values from love and teamwork to strength building that is as emotional as it is physical. 

“This program has been unique in the way that it has integrated the history of the Olympics,” noted program coordinator Heliett Sanchez.

In addition, she continued, much of this history took place in proximity to the Holy Land.

“It really helps the students learn the geography of the area as well,” she said.

Religious education director Pam Arsenal praised Ms Sanchez for her “extraordinary leadership” in managing this year’s program, which allowed students to reenact parts of the Olympic games.

“In the beginning of the week, we had a ‘lighting of the torch,’ which was very exciting,” said Ms Arsenal.

The Gospel Light package also included copies of flags from nations around the world; students also had the opportunity to form their own teams, creating their own team moniker and flag.

In addition, the program highlights Christian Olympians worldwide, including runner Madeline Mims, soccer player Michelle Akers, swimmers Josh Davis and Krisztina Egerszegi and jumper David Johnson.

The various men and women are described not only by their athletic achievements, but also by their faith and love for God.

On the last day, students Christine D’Alessandro (as runner Stella Swift), Peter Walsh (commentator Joe Gabbyola) and Alison Jagoe (gymnast Tumbelina Turnover) joined St Rose Rev Bob Weiss (weight lifter Brutus Liftsalot) in a skit in which the Olympians thanked God for their achievements.

They also expressed appreciation for each other, emphasizing Son Games’ value of teamwork.

A highlight of the event was a special visit by Indian missionary, physician Geetha Yeruva.

Dr Yeruva is the cofounder of the Illinois-based Foundation for Children in Need, an organization that provides health care and education for Indian children and young adults in need.

The foundation also invites child sponsorship, allowing children to attend schools and receive free medical care. 

“I arrived on Wednesday [July 14] and have been staying with [St Rose parishioner] Susan Lehman,” she explained. “It’s been wonderful to attend the program today, the last day, and see the energy!”

Before the skit commenced, Dr Yeruva briefly addressed the young audience; describing the myriad differences between life in the rural Indian village she had been ministering to and the affluent community of Newtown.

“Though India is a third of the size of the United States, we have over a billion citizens,” she said. “About 70 percent live in rural villages. The remaining [30 percent] live in the cities.”

Dr Yeruva detailed the desperate conditions of the Indian villages, including its crowded classrooms, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of electricity, water and other basic utilities.

“It is important that you appreciate what you have here,” she urged the children. “You must thank God, and thank your parents, for being here [in America].”

A native of India, Dr Yeruva was raised in one of the country’s Christian households, which comprise less than three percent of the nation’s religious makeup.

Most Indians follow Hinduism.

Dr Yeruva discussed her desire, as a Christian, to help her people, which led to her decision to become a medical doctor.

“In the cities, there is the big problem with AIDS,” she said, “however, in the villages, the needs are more basic, including basic health care.”

She lauded Americans as “a very kind and generous people.”

“There is much work to be done,” she said, “but it is wonderful to have [American] support,” she continued. “I feel very fortunate to be able to be doing this [kind of work].”

“It’s been wonderful having her here, so far,” said Ms Lehman. She added with a laugh, “And she’s a great cook!”