A church youth group from Oklahoma City leads Rainbow Express in a central Arlington location this week.

Parents often look for ways to keep their children active during the hot summer months. Suggestions abound, and it seems that there isn’t a shortage of things the kids can do, but at times, this can be costly.

Mission Arlington^® offers multiple activities for children & youth during the summer months.  Fun days, summer programs, summer camps, volunteering opportunities, and Rainbow Express^® all form part of the fun. Everything offered in and through the Mission is always “free of charge.”

Rainbow Express^® is our version of a backyard Bible club. Local youth groups, plus student teams from around Texas and across the nation, arrive in Arlington to be the extension of God’s love into the communities across our city.  Summer Rainbow Express^® began in late May and will continue through the end of the summer. Through the first week of June, nearly ten thousand (9,959) children have attended.

These four-day events are designed to be a lot of fun for the kids.  Outdoor running, jumping, or other kinds of high-movement games are part of the fun, along with a few silly songs, some crafts, and snacks too.  The heart of Rainbow Express^®, however, is to share God’s love in a very personal way. We do this in one-on-one and small group settings. Stories from the Bible are the core curriculum for each event, and the young people memorize a verse or two of scripture along the way.

As we share God’s love through the fun, the activities, and the Bible stories, we offer an opportunity for these young people to respond to what they have heard.  In this year so far, 125 people have accepted Christ.  Mission Arlington^® Bible study teachers and leaders follow-up with each student and every family along the way.  We are so incredibly blessed to serve in this way throughout our community.

One other piece to Rainbow Express^® might be important to know.  As we serve in these various locations (apartment communities, neighborhood homes, etc.), we often discover families who are experiencing a moment of need.  The Rainbow Express^® event becomes a conduit for more care in the communities.  If a family needs food, for example, or furniture, or a fan, these volunteer student teams let Mission Arlington^® know, and we are able to respond.

We are grateful for the privilege we have of serving the Lord alongside of this incredibly generous and beautiful community.  This coming August 1st, we will celebrate our 38th birthday – 38 years of loving people, walking with you, and sharing God’s love.  We are excited about all that is taking place this summer, and we are looking forward to the days ahead.