Eighty-two children attended a Vacation Bible School at the Seventh-day Adventist church in Baghdad, Iraq, from June 23 to July 6, reports Valerie Fidelia, children’s ministries director for the Adventist Church in the Middle East region.

Despite the embargo and the political situation in the country, the church still manages to hold this well-resourced annual event, says Fidelia. “Every bit of available space was used during the two-week program,” she says. “Regular workers gladly handed over their offices to be used as VBS classrooms. Thirty-eight church members gave of their time and talents to ensure success. They were involved in one way or another, from drivers and transport managers, through office support staff and musicians to Bible school teachers and helpers.”

On the final Sabbath, or Saturday, morning a large number of family and friends gathered together with regular church members to encourage the children as they gave a program made up of items learned during the two weeks.