Banner Tour History

Even though I have been using Group’s VBS curriculum since 1999 (Treasure Hunt) it wasn’t until 2002 (BUG SAFARI) that I discovered and joined the VBS Message Board. It was there that I met Kathy and many other wonderful friends who have encouraged me and helped me by providing ideas for making our VBS programs a more wonderful experience.

During the last planning stages of Bug Safar I had hoped to save a little extra for a banner. I remember just saying a short prayer, something like this, “Lord, thank you for all the things you’ve provided miraculously. If possible, I would like to have a banner as our finishing touch.” Not long after that prayer Kathy e-mailed me saying that the Lord had impressed in her heart to GIVE me the banner she had created for Bug Safari. Besides being amazed at my wonderful God I was excited and so emotional that I cried for joy! I was so blessed by Kathy’s kindness that I decided to share this blessing with other VBS directors! I immediately suggested to her that we put the banner on a nationwide tour for all to enjoy. In addition I suggested that everyone who hosted the banner should attach an ID patch to the banner with the church’s name, city, state and VBS dates. The banner was to then be shipped back to Kathy by the last person on the tour. Thus the Kathy’s Nationwide Banner Tour was born.

Kathy was thrilled to see that her VBS banner made it through six (6) states before coming back to her as a thank you for her generous heart. The following year I agreed to manage her S.C.U.B.A. banner tour also and due to its popularity Kathy decided to make two (2) banners to put on the road. Her creativity paid off in many ways, including a front page article on the EVANGELGRAM. I admit it was a little hectic in the beginning, but the excitement of tracking the banner and getting feedback on people’s reaction to the idea of  “The Tour” made it all worthwhile, and here I am again managing the 2005 HL Jerusalem Market Place Banner Tour!

Please pray for Kathy, that the Lord would richly bless her for sharing her talents and her heart. Also pray for the tour, that all goes well and that everyone who hosts the banner is blessed as much as Kathy and I have been by making it available to them.

Pastor Joe

Children’s Minister

River of Life Assembly of God

Belleville, New Jersey