Sanctuary
This year’s Leadership Training for Christ theme was “Sanctuary” and focused on the life of Moses. The kids spend months working on skits, puppet shows, chorus, speeches, song leading, Bible reading, Bible Bowl, and more. On Easter weekend, we travel to Dallas for the convention.
This year brought some new challenges. My husband and I took over as coordinators for our congregation. The event used to happen in two different hotels but has moved to only one location – and not the one we have been attending for several years. We learned from the experience and are making plans to make the next year even better.
One of the fun things about teaching your kids at home is that you get to include your activities. That means using the LTC theme in our Bible reading, language arts (grammar, spelling, and writing), and history. Here are a few highlights from this year’s theme: Sanctuary.
The introduction to my son’s speech says, “Sanctuary is a term we know, but explaining it to others is challenging. The definition of sanctuary is more than a physical space, but refuge provided by God Himself. When you think of sanctuary, you may start singing a familiar devotional song or imagine Quasimodo carrying Esmerelda into the Notre Dame Cathedral. However, as Billy McMuiggan says, “It’s so much bigger than that!””
My daughter compared Sanctuary to one of her favorite books. “Imagine a place surrounded by tall trees. A small creek runs along one side. Fallen branches form a seating area. Children tied bells in the lower branches so that when the wind blows, the music echoes through the valley and up to the village. This is the setting of Rainbow Valley, by L.M. Montgomery. In this place, both children and adults found a sanctuary, a safe place to share their secrets and dreams, a place for quiet reflection, and even a place to fall in love.”
Sanctuary in scripture refers to a place set apart for a holy purpose. When we become Christians, our hearts become a sanctuary for the Spirit. Our lives ought to reflect the refuge and peace offered by God.
Our drama concludes: “In our safe place, we share stories, dreams, and laughter. Our sanctuary extends beyond walls. Exodus 15:17 says, “You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.” When you find your safe place, focus on growing together in God’s love. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
My son’s speech ends with the following: “In Psalm 125:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” We must remember to put our trust in the Lord, rather than our defenses. Proverbs 18:10 proclaims, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Our strength and security come by living in God’s promises. He’s given us the tools to defend against attacks. Ephesians 6:11 urges us to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Let us live the words of Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” As we build sanctuaries in every aspect of our lives—physical, emotional, and spiritual- we witness God’s unfailing love and protection, offering refuge and hope to all who seek Him.”
As my daughter asks at the end of her speech, “What are the sanctuaries in your life?” Our prayer is that you will find peace from the world in the sanctuary offered by the Lord.
