By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
TIOGA, La. (LBM) – While other teenagers may have headed to the beach or theme park at the end of the most recent school year, Andrew O’Neal, 14, chose instead to spend some of his summer directing the Vacation Bible School with Tioga First Baptist Church.
Despite being a teenager, O’Neal combined his love for VBS with his personal experiences as the son of a former VBS director to coordinate a fruitful week. In the end, one of the 51 children who attended accepted Christ, with more making other spiritual decisions during the evangelist outreach, June 23-27.
“It had been in the back of my mind for several years of doing this,” O’Neal told the Baptist Message. “When we didn’t have anyone to direct VBS, I felt like the time was now, and I took on this opportunity.”
O’Neal has served in various volunteer roles as a member of the congregation and enjoyed giving back as VBS director, with coaching from his mom, Claire, who served in that role from 2012-22.
“I’ve really found a place here at the church and love serving,” O’Neal said. “So I feel very comfortable and very fulfilled when I come and work up at the church.”
His mother added that she felt comfortable handing the responsibilities to her son after Susie Hisaw, the wife of the recently retired pastor, Tim, stepped away from the role this year.
“When our pastor retired, Andrew saw the need and asked me if he could be the director,” she said. “He has such a servant’s heart and loves this church. Tioga First Baptist Church embraced the idea and they have supported him 100 percent. I’m so proud of him. He’s done a great job and the kids have loved it.”
