Fall 2005
Facing Bench

Shiloh Chapel Neighborhood Bible Clubs

“When the first Neighborhood Bible Club (NBC) servant volunteers to step forward were Prayer Warriors, I knew NBCs were going to be okay!” commented Trudy Wilkerson, Director of Children’s Programs for Shiloh Chapel. Prayer Warriors were assigned to a particular club and prayed for the children, by name, throughout the week. God’s canopy and hedge were in place at every club—you could sense it. 38 Shiloh folks (a very inter-generational group) were involved in the Prep, Hostess, Teaching and Prayer Teams for the 6 locations. They shared four common traits—love for kids, huge smiles, lots of enthusiasm, and the commitment to do things “heartily as unto the Lord.”

Neighborhood Bible Clubs (NBC) take bible teaching to the place where children live, right in their own backyards. In six different neighborhoods, church folks made their homes available for the children to meet. Each club included Bible lessons, songs, fun yard activities, snacks, crafts, and games. Their theme was “I am a Child of God,” featuring 5 lessons from the story of David, using colorful flip charts. There is a gospel presentation every evening, explaining to the children at their level how they can come to know Christ.

A total of 98 children were enrolled, 75 who were NOT from Shiloh. Sometimes parents chose to stay too. Several children had never been to church before. One was a 10 year old girl who prayed to receive Jesus the third night of club! At least 25 children prayed to receive Jesus! The Lord answered prayers and fulfilled the mission of taking Jesus to children who might never get to come to church. He kept His promise verses-“the fields are white for harvest” and “they that go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless return with harvest.”

The goal in this outreach was to reach those children without the opportunity to get to a church. Each group created a banner and the children and parents were invited to church on Sunday, July 31st to see them on display. A special rally was hosted by Shiloh’s Puppet Team and candid pictures of clubs were also on display.

Submitted by Trudy Wilkerson, Director of ChildrenÕs Programs for Shiloh Chapel in Marysville, Ohio