• Features
  • News
  • Print
  • Home
  • Features
  • Perspectives
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Family
    • Weddings
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Share a story
  • Contact us
  • Sign in

Latest News

  • A young woman in a green jumper smiles while surrounded by books at home. The cozy indoor environment suggests a calming and enjoyable study session, perfect for exam preparation.

    Endless Education: A Life of Learning

    December 15, 2025, by Nicole Dominguez
  • Open Bible on a wooden board near the river.

    Bible Reading Plan 2026

    December 09, 2025
  • Healthy Heart Habits Lead to Super Bowl Surprise for KSDA Student

    December 09, 2025, by Laurie Yoshihara

Print magazine

Springfield VBS Brings Egypt to Oregon

By Michelle Tilby, October 25, 2016

Lutz Binus, Springfield (Ore.) Church pastor, brought the Adventist and local community children along on a journey of the life of Joseph for our Vacation Bible School week this summer. Set in Egypt, the children learned of Joseph’s hardships in being removed from his home and sent to a foreign land.

God was still in control and had big plans for Joseph's life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord as revealed in Jer. 29:11. Joseph’s interpretation of dreams led him to a high position in Egypt and the saving of many lives, including his own family.

Our fellowship hall was transformed into a bustling marketplace with booths where the kids learned about hieroglyphics, used embalming techniques on a hollowed-out orange, designed a sarcophagus and sampled Egyptian cuisine. The VBS director, Beth Whitsell, and her daughter helped teach the group of more than 60 kids encouraging songs to go along with the themes gleaned from Joseph’s life: God gives us hope, special abilities, wisdom, forgiveness and a family.

On the last day of VBS, there was a special visit from the Zany Zoo. The children were introduced to exotic animals such as a tortoise, an iguana, a snake and a cockatoo. It was quite an experience for the young people to be able to see and hold some of our world’s fascinating creatures.

Springfield families appreciate the nearly 40 people who volunteered their time and talents, including dedicated parents and enthusiastic young people, who contributed to make this year’s Vacation Bible School a success.

Image

Pastor Lutz Binus engages the preschool class with his stories.

Image

A baby python is gently carried by Lachlan Anderson.

Print Friendly and PDF

Featured in: October 2016

Author

Michelle Tilby

Springfield Church assistant communication leader
Section
Oregon Conference

You may also like

  • PAA Prepares Students for College Success

    December 08, 2025, by U'Lee Brown
  • The Dalles Church Pays Off Mortgage Early

    December 03, 2025, by Kaleb Eisele
  • Albany Church Hosts Kenyan Mission Sabbath

    December 02, 2025, by Jeanie Hooper Reed
  • Oregon Pastors Recognized at Annual Retreat

    December 01, 2025, by Kaleb Eisele
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit
  • Reprint/Repost Request
  • Style Guide
  • Change of Address
  • Subscriptions
  • Sunset
  • RSS
  • Contributor Login
  • Contact

The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

Copyright 2025, North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All rights reserved. Legal disclaimer & privacy policy.