“Where God guides and provides” is the central theme for “Wilderness Escape” Vacation Bible School at First Christian Church, 5230 Broadway Ave., Great Bend. The church will hold its annual VBS from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, through Thursday, July 24.
 “Vacation Bible School is an exciting one-time introduction to the greatness of who God is, or it can also be a yearly event that can change children’s long-term relationship with Christ,” said Kristian Pearson, Youth Pastor. “Children will come away excited to attend again the next night. They’ll be sharing about what they’ve seen, learned and sung.”
 Every day at “Wilderness Escape,” children who are 3 to 11 years old will experience a variety of activities including hands-on Bible stories, group games, singing and dancing.
 Each night will begin with a free dinner that parents are invited to attend with their children, followed by a sing-and-play worship time. From there, children are divided up in age-appropriate groups for crafts, interactive Bible stories, games and a visit with Moses.
 Each night will end with a closing worship time at 8:10 p.m. that parents are invited to attend with their children. Closing ends at 8:30 p.m.
 Every year the church organizes a service project for the children and this year participants will help collect money for clean water in India through Operation Kid-to-Kid.
 Since 1998, Operation Kid-to-Kid has been helping kids give to other kids. Over the years, children involved with Operation Kid-to-Kid have been able to help out thousands of children in need. Through Operation Kid-to-Kid, children give to needy kids around the world, in a meaningful, tangible way.
Operation Kid-to-Kid has partnered with World Vision’s WASH program — Water, Sanitation, Hygiene — to help provide sinks, hand-washing stations, and bathrooms in schools where clean water is rare. Just $2.50 is enough for a child in India to have clean water for a year at school.
 “Recognizing needs and reaching out to serve others is one of the most essential aspects of a Christian’s walk, and primary in showing God’s love,” said Pearson.
 Children and their families participating in VBS are asked to return during the 10:20 a.m. service on Sunday, July 27, for an open house and special worship service dedicated to celebrating a wonderful week at Wilderness Escape.
 Those participating in VBS will have the chance to share a piece of the week’s experiences with their parents and the church congregation.
 Registration is requested by Friday, July 18, to allow for adequate number of supplies. Walk-in registration will be accepted on space availability.
 For more information, contact Pearson, Wilderness Escape Director, at 620-793-6603 or by email at kapmahn@gmail.com or Jessica Marston, Registration Coordinator by email at jgmarston11@yahoo.com. To register online go to http://bit.ly/1CCGBKVBS14.