The laughter of 162 children filled the base chapel along with music June 2 through 6 for the 56th Fighter Wing Chapel Vacation Bible School 2014 at Luke Air Force Base.
"Wilderness Escape, Where God Guides and Provides" was the theme this year and its success depended on lots of resources.
"You need a team of dedicated volunteers who are willing to give their time and energy to ensure the faith of the children involved is nourished and strengthened," said Jesse Lagang, 56th Medical Support Squadron technical supervisor and VBS volunteer. "The initial planning for VBS 2014 began in June 2013 when the theme was selected."
The planning paid off, as 61 volunteers came together to teach the children to trust God, which was the recurring theme throughout the week.
"Throughout the week the main character, Moses, portrayed by Airman 1st Class Austin Shrewsbury of the 56th MDSS, told stories about Moses from the Bible," Lagang said. "The tribe leaders, or teachers, reinforced those lessons in the classrooms."
Each day began and ended with music and dancing by the celebration team.
"It was great to be part of this event," said Jackie Duarte, who led the celebration team. "It's exciting to be able to have an impact on the children's lives and helping them grow their faith."
The event was open to all children and was the result of teamwork from the Catholic and Protestant communities on base.
"There was a great deal of work done by a large number of people," Lagang said. "It is great that the Protestant and Catholic communities can come together and strengthen the faith community at Luke without regard to denomination, but instead focusing on the gifts and promises of God."
With this year's weeklong event a success, VBS directors Loida Lagang and Shelicia Greer-Cannon are at it again. "The VBS 2015 theme will be released soon," Jesse Lagang said. "As my wife says, 'the children are the future of our faith, and to instill strong Christian values and love for our faith means to secure the future of that faith.'"