We just finished our 2nd Session of VOBS and I can't explain how much I enjoyed this group of 14-17 year olds! One of the things that we did during VOBS each morning was meet with our small groups and share the gospel through the bridge diagram. At Eikon, we call it the Bridge of Life, and it is a helpful tool in being able to communicate the gospel to others. It's neat for me to look back at the first day of the program and see how there seemed to be a lack of interest in the gospel from the group, to now being able to say that there are 4 girls out the 7 that want to continue meeting when school starts back. Three of the girls have given their life to Christ (Darian, Tammira, and Jericca) and there is one who has expressed to me and the other girls that she wants to surrender all to Christ.

On one of the last days of VOBS, I asked the girls to write me a letter to tell me what they have learned through VOBS and what they want their lives to look like after VOBS is over. Here are some of the letters that were written...

Hey Ms. Candice,
This program has really brought a helpful vision to me about God and I want to thank all of you for teaching me. Especially you Ms. Candice. You taught me the [gospel] bridges the best way you could. I've been through a lot, and I mean A LOT, and after talking to you it really helped me. I felt like the world was against me and those who I had here for me died so I started thinking it wasn't meant for me to be happy. After working with VOBS I've realized even if I don't have 1 friend or family member to talk to God is always here. Ms. Candice you have been an inspiration in my life since the day we met. You are a kind hearted, hard working, young lady and I would love to be just like you when I get older. The program itself has also helped me a lot because it taught me things that I really need to know in the real world. I want to thank you all because you're blessed to have the gift of God, and that's touching our hearts. Thank you all. Love Jerrica Lumpkin. (11th grade)

The VOBS program has done a whole lot for me this past summer. You have taught me things that I can guarantee you that I will use in the future. You inspired me to become more intuned with myself and with GOD. I want you to be my mentor because I really think I can learn a lot from you in the near future. Most of all I want to thank you for changing my life over these past two weeks. I was going through a lot when I first got here, but being here has taught me that you don't have to go through hard times alone. I love the VOBS program and that's what I had to say about how it has impacted on me. ~Darian (10th grade)

Dear Ms. Candice,

I’ve learned many things working with VOBS. We learned that to work anywhere you have to be a hard worker and also you have to want to work. Your first appearance is your best appearance. We also learned that you have to believe that God will help you and wants you to believe that he will. Being in this group has taught me that if I want to achieve something I have to trust in God first. This group has also helped me started a better and new life for myself and also taught me how to get alone with other people better. ~Tammira (11th grade)

Dear Ms. Candice,
I have learned a lot from you and also the other members at VOBS. After I leave here I plan to go to college and make a change with my life. This job has really taught me a lot and I have learned a lot from the man upstairs. I just want to say thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been a great mentor!!!!!!!!!! I have learned to stand my ground and do what’s right towards people. I also learned more about god which was like giving my life to him. After this is over I would change my life for what’s right and start going to church more gives myself to God. So thank you for sharing with us and being there for us through everything we have been through. You are one of the greatest peoples in the world!!!!!!!!!~Angelica (10th grade)