This summer, kids all over Elgin have enjoyed a great time as they learn about God’s love in local neighborhoods around the town on Sunday evenings.  This is because of the partnership of the State Convention with Oakhill Community Church who took their Vacation Bible School to the people instead of inviting the people to come to them. Oakhill’s team of volunteers used the Sunday nights in the month of July to go to 4 neighborhoods in their community and give a “Block Party” feel to their VBS outreach.

Sue Harmon, children’s consultant for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, remembers when Oakhill member Melissa Kinlaw contacted her about the church’s idea to get the message of Christ outside interior walls and into the places that the children live and play.  “It was exciting to hear that Oakhill wanted to take their VBS to the community. The potential was very high that they would be able to share the message of Christ with families who would never come to a church service.” Sue and Melissa agreed to partner in the endeavor and the Childhood Ministry Group of the convention donated some needed resources to the mission effort.

Douglas Mize, pastor of Oakhill, has been delighted with the impact. “Our goal for this effort was to engage people in entire communities with the message of Christ. Of course we wanted the Oakhill kids to learn a lot, yet we also wanted to reach the children who are not involved in a church, and probably would not have the opportunity unless the mission was brought to them.”  So far six children and teenagers have come to Christ during the outreach.  The church is anticipating that these decisions will open up further doors to reach the rest of the families for Christ.

Mrs. Melissa Kinlaw, Oakhill VBS director, has also been thrilled with the fruit of their endeavor. “This has been a wonderful way to get out and meet the many new families in our community.  The children come with smiles of anticipation on their faces, not sure what will unfold.  After the worship music, the Bible lesson, the themed snack, the fun craft, awesome game and even ‘balloon animals,’ they have been impacted with the timeless message of Christ in various ways. We are thankful that our State Convention partnered with us for this mission to reach families for Christ.” 

Oakhill Community Church is only five years old and currently meets at Blaney Elementary School in Elgin.  It is there that the church will hold their final V.B.S. event on Sunday morning July 31^st at 10:00AM. The kids and their parents are invited for a unique celebration that will include videos, worship, awards, and other special surprises.  They are deeming this Sunday as “Celebration Sunday” as they reflect upon what God has done throughout the summer outreach and are able to see many unchurched families come into their doors. 

Dr. Mize is very proud of those that rallied behind a shared vision to reach people for Christ, pointing out that over 20 adults and teenagers enthusiastically braved sizzling temperatures to serve during their VBS outreach.  “This has also been such a wonderful success in that our people are learning to do missions in their own backyards.  Every week before we go into the neighborhoods, our people are out in the heat, knocking on doors, talking to people, and inviting them to come to the Sunday night event.  This is not just talk; it is going out, taking your time, and doing something for people that you care about although you have never met.  That is missions by any definition.”

If you have questions about how you can host a similar “Block Party” in a neighborhood in your town you can contact Sue Harmon at 803-765-0030.  For answers to any questions about Oakhill Community Church in Elgin, contact Dr. Mize at the church office at 803-549-2475.