The first day on the USS Submerged was awesome!

Our crew of First Mates, Junior Officer and Bubbleheads are the best of the best; ask them what their submarine call sign is (i.e. how do they respond when Captain B asks them a question)??!!

The crew made their way to four different ports this morning: Craft, Snack/Rec, Music/Missions and Story. All of them centered around our mission for the week, which is…. TO FIND THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD!

Today’s story was about Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector in Jericho and he was NOT very well-liked, considering he was squandering everyone’s money! But Jesus was coming to visit Jericho and Zacchaeus wanted to see him. The problem was…Zacchaeus was very short, so in the crowds, he was not able to see Jesus. So he climbed up into a sycamore tree to have a better chance of seeing him. Much to Zacchaeus’ surprise, Jesus stopped when he got to the sycamore tree where he was, looked up and talked to him! He said, “Zacchaeus, come down . I am going to your house today!” The people were not too happy about this, but Jesus knew Zacchaeus and knew his heart. After being with Jesus, Zacchaeus said, “I’m going to give half of my possessions to the poor and pay back four times anything I have taken dishonestly.” Being with Jesus had changed Zacchaeus’ heart! This story reflects today’s message: JESUS KNOWS WHO I REALLY AM.

In light of giving back like Zacchaeus did, the campers (Bubbleheads) are invited to help the children of Rio Al Mar in Mexico by bringing donations to provide school uniforms for them. In this particular area of Tijuana, the children are not able to attend school if they do not have a uniform – and the uniforms cost $80! These families do not have much at all. Campers can bring donations in the envelope we sent home today (or any envelope) and turn them in to the treasure chest with Ms. Pam when they get the VBS. At the end of each day we will count how many uniforms we were able to provide based on the campers’ donations.

Tomorrow is SUPER COLOR SPIRIT DAY!! First Mates, Junior Officers and Bubbleheads should dress head to toe in their team color.

Hopefully you are all listening to the CD and learning the words to all the VBS songs!

Our memory verse for the week is: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

The bonus verse for today was: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19:10. Have your child memorize this for a special prize tomorrow.

We are super excited to embark tomorrow on Day 2 of our mission aboard the USS Submerged!

Over and out,

Captain B (and Skippy…)

and the USS Submerged Crew