We had 47 kids attend our VBS this year, and we set a goal to collect $500 for Gospel Nets. We assumed we wouldn't make our goal during the week of VBS, but we thought we would complete it by the end of summer after adding contributions from our weekly Sunday School offerings. We were shocked on Friday morning when we were only $15 short of our goal! Then we had a surprise late donation at 11:30 a.m. of $15! We made our goal in only five short days. The kids begged us to still take a collection at the closing ceremony held Friday night. We were again amazed at God's Grace when we collected an additional $454.44 on Friday night, almost doubling our goal amount! That has never happened before. We showed the kids how much we had by placing a large net in the sanctuary and adding a fish every time we collected $5. Our net is now overflowing. The kids were so excited to learn that we collected enough to provide a roof, four bicycles and 10 Bibles.

Elizabeth Eppler; Trinity Lutheran Church; Pinckney, Mich.

For VBS, College Evangelical Lutheran Church joins hands with Salem Presbyterian and St. Paul's Episcopal churches, all located in Salem, Va. This year, each child was given a colorful cardboard fish bank with instructions to "Feed the Fish" coins and dollars that would be used for our Gospel Nets mission outreach. Throughout the week we learned how our financial gifts could be used to share the Word of God so others can know Jesus calls, teaches, keeps safe, saves and provides all things for them as well. At the end of our week, all the fish were caught in our Gangway to Galilee display net, and even Rusty, the cat, received a copy of the Holy Bible in "MEOW." With joy and thanksgiving we received enough fish food for two bicycles, nine Bibles, and some Sunday School materials. The children (and adults) all learned an important lesson in how we can help spread the good news of God's amazing grace in Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Rev. Wynemah Hinlicky; College Evangelical Lutheran Church; Salem, Va.

This has been my first VBS as an intern in the LCMS. I've never had any experience like this. In our small church I came in with a "go-big or go-home" mentality with everything I've done. We set a goal to raise $500 for the Gospel Nets project and pushed it hard all week. On our final day of VBS we brought a dunk tank and had the kids bring money for extra throws, which all went towards Gospel Nets. Our final number ended up being $840.88! So next year we're aiming for $1,000!

Nicholas Rittgers; Faith Lutheran Church; Stephenville, Texas

For Vacation Bible School at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb., we provided each child with a water bottle. We had 86 children attend VBS, and they were each given a bottle to collect money. A financial goal of $300 was set, and if the goal was met the children would earn a bounce house/slide as a reward. Praise God the children raised $495.86 for Gospel Nets.

Rod Lane; Redeemer Lutheran Church; Lincoln, Neb.