Bible school encourages teamwork

STAFF WRITER

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Local Portales Baptist churches came together this week to hold Vacation Bible School for area children.

Members of First Baptist Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church, among others, participated in the week-long event, which was held at the Baptist Children’s Home.

It combined Bible study with athletics, according to Vacation Bible School counselor Shirley Tapia.

The purpose is to “teach them that God can change their life regardless of the situation,” said Tapia, discussing the lessons the participants learn about famous athletes and their faith.

Participants engage in various sports activities, including baseball, softball, basketball, rodeo, cheerleading, soccer and double Dutch jump roping.

Rodeo participant Luke Garcia, 12, said that the events are “pretty fun.”

Garcia said he enjoys “learning about God and different sports stories and breakthroughs.”

“(It is) all together pretty awesome,” said Garcia.

Soccer player Gage Hailer, 9, said he also enjoyed participating.

“I came here mostly to learn about the Bible and play soccer,” said Hailer, adding that he really enjoyed being a goalie and scoring.

Softball player Dawci Cordova, 9, also spoke about the fun of the Bible school.

“(I’m) really happy, because I get to learn my stuff about softball,” said Cordova, adding that she enjoys “being able to play softball because not all people get to play what sport they want to play.”

She said she also enjoys learning about Jesus.

“He helps me understand,” said Cordova.

Double Dutch jump roper Abraham Anchondo, 12, said the goal is to build teamwork in the sports activities.

“I’m learning for all four of us to go in (and jump rope at the same time),” said Anchondo.

Basketball player Gabe Vance, 8, said he enjoys the encouragement that comes with the teamwork.

“(I like) helping out friends and telling them how they’re doing,” said Vance. “(I like) how I make shots for my team, how proud I am of my team and how proud they are of me.”

“I really like being here,” said cheerleader Shakayla Crank, 10. “I like to see everyone playing. It looks like they’re having fun.”

Crank said she enjoys the collaboration between her fellow cheerleaders, as well as the inspiration she receives from Bible study.

“I’m knowing that God is there for me, helping me do cheerleading,” said Crank.