Thank you, Horizons!

Dear Horizons,
Thank you so much for the care packages you so generously put together for us. The guys were very appreciative of the packages, and as you can see from the pictures, they were a "hit". We feel so lucky to have such great support and appreciation for what we do. This is a first deployment for many of the guys, and holidays can be tough when deployed. Thanks to all of your generosity and support, the guys can get through this holiday season a little easier. Family plays a huge role in getting through deployments, and for me personally, that includes church family. I want to personally thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support. I wish you a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!

God Bless,
SSG Mark H. Hollibaugh

Pictures from Night 5

Night 5 of VBS

The last day of VBS was a big success! In Drama, the kids learned about being part of God’s “inner circle” and belonging to His group. It was, of course, a party, but I think that the kids understood what we were teaching them. Eventually we asked for a couple of real-life situations wherein someone didn’t feel they fit in; most of the kids had an example. We also asked about times when they felt God was with them, and there were actually a few in-depth answers. The worship, especially, was nothing short of perfect. Watching my dad on stage makes me just respect him more and more every night. Seeing the work all the volunteers had put into the week reminded me that being a Christian isn’t easy, but always worth the while.

It’s been a great week, you guys. I think all the kids really had a great time, and learned a lot about Christ as well. We made our goals, reconnected with God, and had a lot of fun! Good work!

-Emma Brown

Pictures from Night 4

Night 4 of VBS

K so tonight was pretty awesome. It was a more serious night than the rest of the screaming and shouting nights. In the drama room, the skit and crew leaders reminded me of Youthfront Camp. We are reminded that we are "crippled" and "broken" but through Jesus and His death and resurrection on the cross, we are saved and healed. I cried and prayed to God because I had forgotten what it meant to be saved. I have sinned so much since the days at Youthfront where I asked God for forgiveness and healing and tonight was a reminder of those sins and how Jesus takes those sins upon His shoulders for us. It was cool to see the kids learn about that as well. They were actually quiet and they looked as though they had really thought about what they were learning. It is just amazing, AMAZING, to see how God works in our lives everyday. We just need to have our eyes open and watch for him. It's our choice as to what we see. Let that choice be God's work all around you. God is awesome.

"For God SO loved the world, that He GAVE His one and only Son for the sins of all people, so that all who believe in Him will be SAVED and have eternal life." John 3:16

He Gave To Save

Josh M.

Night 3 of VBS

I am a volunteer for the preschool kids this year. There are three different groups, and I introduce the “Chadder” videos with another volunteer. The kids are usually eager to share and give wonderful smiles when they are sharing how they see God. We call them “God Sightings.” I love seeing the kids react to the “Chadder” puppet. They laugh and have fun with it.

I also love to see the kids dancing, doing the actions, and singing along to the worship songs. I see my daughter getting excited about God, and that warms my heart. I want my daughter to absolutely fall in love with Jesus Christ, and VBS helps that to happen. She knows that Jesus loves her, and Mommy and Daddy love Jesus. I saw a young woman tonight helping diffuse a situation where a little girl was having a hard time. The young woman showed she genuinely cared, and the little girl responded by stopping crying and went back with the group. I complimented the young woman for how she handled the situation after VBS.

VBS is so much fun every year. The music, atmosphere and especially the super heroes all make it fun. Bob and Karl, you guys are studs. Go get ‘em for Jesus!

--DJ Hawke

Pictures from Night 3

Night 2 of VBS

What an awesome day!!! I was so excited to see all the kids and adults in the worship center jumping and dancing to our new VBS songs. The energy in there was electric. Let’s not forget to mention that today was crazy hat day. I saw some pretty amazing hats. Today was Bob’s birthday, so everyone sang “Happy Birthday” which I’m sure will stay with him forever.

The best part of my job is getting to walk around and seeing all the kids experience VBS. Today was signing day, which meant that every kid, crew leader, and assistant got the chance to sign the infamous Bob and Karl RV. It was an awesome sight to see these kids take ownership of this experience. They knew that their signatures were permanent; just like God’s love for them.

Unfortunately, some bad news had to come. Yoshi decided that he would show up on Bob and Karl’s turf. Luckily, the mouse scared him off (at least for now). Watching the kids scream at Yoshi to leave was hilarious. They remembered that Yoshi was the “bad guy” from last year’s VBS, and they wouldn’t let him ruin this year.

I cannot wait for tomorrow. Apparently it’s “high seas” day. So the kids are going to dress accordingly. Karl has said that they can even dress as boats. We’ll see about that.

Jill Bohaty

Pictures from Night 2

Pictures from Night 1

Pictures taken by Rod Adams and Maggie Robertson

Night 1 of VBS

Wow! How else do you start…… Wow! What a fabulous first night on the High Seas. It was so good to see Bob and Karl and have them back home at Horizons. I have been waiting all year for tonight, and it was everything I have been wishing for! Loud music, dancing, laughter, and fun, fun, fun! Bob and Karl challenged us to bring 3,000 boxes of macaroni and cheese to help the Lincoln Public Schools emergency food pantry. I can’t wait to meet this challenge. Actually, I’ll bet the Horizons kids surpass that challenge! They have been known to do that in past years.

The worship band was ON FIRE tonight! Having Jamie Brown and the rest of our amazing worship band up on the stage was awesome. We are so lucky to have such talent at Horizons.

Speaking of talent, how about our VBS leaders and volunteers? Can you believe how incredibly lucky we are to have such talented youth and adults who are giving of their time to celebrate the word of God with the kids this week? I feel truly blessed to be a part of such goodness. Before I sign off for the night, I HAVE to give a shout out to Derek, Lisa, and Amber. These staff members put everything they have into Horizons VBS each and every year! It certainly shows, as we do have the best VBS ever! I can’t even begin to imagine what a void we will have next year when Lisa is no longer with us. Can’t even go there right now! I know that tomorrows’ adventure will bring even more fun and excitement!

Heidi McInerny

Mission trip pictures