It’s summertime, and the living is easy, for children that is. They are out of school and ready for fun. Now the parents, on the other hand, may be somewhat overwhelmed with the prospect of finding good wholesome activities for their children during summer vacation.

Good news! It’s vacation Bible school time at several area churches!

Last week Memorial Baptist Church located at 1509 S. Columbia St. stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with their yearly vacation Bible school, providing fun and educational activities to the youth of the area. The Rev. Field Thigpen, pastor, the Rev. Jacob Gill, associate pastor, and a host of volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the week to make the event a success.

On Wednesday evening shining smiles and sparkling eyes lit up the multi-colored faces of children and preteens swarming the churchyard. Laughter rang out across the lawn overflowing into the sanctuary while children basked in the safety and acceptance offered them there. The little ones came for fun or because their parents insisted, but the volunteers and staff of Memorial Baptist had a much deeper purpose — to share the love of Christ.

Debbie Pierce, ministry assistant, said, “Although our regular vacation Bible school will end on May 29 we have an exciting opportunity for continuing the fun. On Wednesdays we have a great program we call ‘MBC Family Ministry Night.’ Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. followed by Bible study groups for all ages. Everything wraps up around 7. If the kids liked vacation Bible school, they are sure to enjoy our Wednesday evening program as well.”

Alisha Thigpen and Christa Smith, only two of the many who volunteered their time and talents during this week, dressed as “lost sheep” to help bring the Bible parable they were teaching to life. Obviously, much thoughtful preparation brought this event to fruition. The interest sparked in their charges made all their hard work worthwhile.

Doreen Baker not only brought her son, Jimal, but also three of his neighborhood friends to join in the festivities.

When asked what made her go the extra mile to bring other children to Bible school, Baker said, “They were out playing in the parking lot near our place. I told them I was taking my son to Bible school and asked them if they wanted to go. Their parents and grandparents agreed, so here we are.

“God has been so good to me. He has brought me through many things. Kids are my inspiration. My mama had 13 children, and I learned the love of God and family from my mom, Annie Hughes.”

Baker certainly personifies her faith as she takes the time to think of others and go out of her way for them. Shortly after dropping the first carload off she returned with two more little ones.

Donning a big smile, she shrugged and said, “I found a couple more.”

Psalm 1:22 (KJV) I was glad when they said unto me Let us go into the house of the Lord.