AFRICA FOCUS OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Barefoot children dressed in traditional African garb swarm the compound and gather around the cook pot waiting for their single cob of corn.

No, this isn't a scene from the remote regions of Africa, it's the backyard of the First Presbyterian Church, 235 Broadway.

The idea for an African theme at the vacation Bible school came from Sina Kaiser, who has been a member of the church for four years. Kaiser recently visited Africa and she teaches African culture during Black History Month in area schools.

After visiting her cousin in Togo, Africa, Kaiser showed slides, musical instruments and jewelry to her Sunday School class.

"The children were very excited about it," said Bekki Cook, a member of the church. "That's why we decided to do a vacation Bible school this way. We wanted to show them how Christianity came to Africa."

Although the church has had various themes for its vacation Bible school, this is the first one that was entirely put together by the members.

During the week, everyone in the "compound" must dress and act like they are from Africa. There are huts set up around a cooking area, where the scant food is cooked. Monday, the children ate only a bit of black-eyed peas.

"It's strange how people in Africa don't get much to eat," said Chris York, 10. "I just looked at the cooking area and all they have are crackers and corn. That's not my kind of lunch."

Throughout the day, the students made crafts, played authentic African music and listened to parables acted out by adults in the church. The event began with a West African story called "The Spider and the Sky God." The story was told by Rathael Fambro, who owns Ethiopian Ocean, a store that carries African books and artifacts.

"I think it's important for these children to learn about other cultures," said Fambro, who recently returned from Africa.

Most of those attending the vacation Bible school felt like they were learning very important lessons about Christianity and Africa.

"People there don't have the opportunity to hear about Jesus," said Morgan Cook, 11, who hopes to visit Africa someday. "I do believe that we should tell them all about Christianity, but it's their choice in the end."

The Bible school students will also do a re-enactment from the life of Jesus Christ, starting with his birth and progressing through the important events of his life.

"This is an exciting way for the students to learn," said Don Drews, director of Christian education. "Because they are involved in everything, they are soaking it all in."

The African theme for the Bible school comes at a good time for the Presbyterian church. This is the year that the Presbyterian church nation-wide is stressing African missionaries.

"We always hope that by hearing and seeing these things this week, some of these children will be inspired to do Christian work," Kaiser said.

The vacation Bible school will run all week from 9 a.m. to noon.