By Donny Karr dkarr@civitasmedia.com. LaGRANGE — The Faith Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School program is underway this summer with its jungle theme, “Camp Kilimanjaro.” The program, held every Wednesday night, focuses on using animals to teach children different important lessons of Christianity. “We have a different animal each week,” said Paul Hudgens, children’s director. “Last week, our animal was the elephant, which has big ears. So, we talked about the importance of listening and learning wisdom through God’s word.” The VBS program is held in the church’s gymnasium and is open to the public. Many of the different classrooms inside the gym are decorated with a different theme. “We have each room decorated to fit the lessons we’re teaching our kids that come through the program,” said Mary Garrison, member of the children’s ministry. “One room is focused on crafts, one has snacks that are related to the lesson and so on.” Wednesday night’s theme was the giraffe and how the animal has a large heart. Hudgens said that he and his team are using that idea to teach children about certain figures of the Bible who were large in stature, but had to learn how to have a heart. The program operates as if the children are part of a safari, with the main worship room serving as an imaginary base camp, and other classrooms serving as different ventures led by team members who act as guides. “The children love it,” said Hudgens. “It lets them use their imagination to interact and learn about faith.” Hudgens said that the public is welcome to come join in on the program. The VBS will end July 22 with a final worship night and awards ceremony.

Donny Karr is a reporter at LaGrange Daily News. He may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2154.

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