Interior:
All regulation school bus seats have been taken out and replaced with foldable small tables that run along either side of the bus and are supported by removable PVC pipes. An air conditioner and heater that run off a separate generator are used depending on weather. AC outlets are also connected to the generator. Supplies (snacks, toys for games, and school supplies) are stored in their respective boxes tucked away in the back corner of the bus for easy access.
The bus is used for many different activities! Depending on the day you walk on it you could find a children's club house, a classroom, or a toy store! Over time, we have developed a set up plan for various ministries.
Kids Club:
We usually leave the foldable tables down unless doing crafts, coloring, or games. The chairs are set up facing forward to keep the kids attentive to the teacher standing up front beside the driver's seat. Depending on the attendance of the kids club, they may even sit on the floor. For fun movie or game times, we hook up a small TV or boombox to the generator.
Youth Night:
Tables are folded and chairs faced inward like a circle. The teacher usually sits down with the youth at eye level to invite interaction. During game night, two chairs are set up in the middle of the walkway for card or board games. We also hook up a small TV and a game system to the AC outlet for video games.
Adult ministry:
Chairs are set up similar to Youth Night. If we have crafts or activities, we use the tables for that and/or Bible study.
Homework Help:
The tables and chairs are set up like a classroom. This keeps the aisle clear for easy movement to multiple children at a time by the missionaries.
Christmas store:
The tables and chairs are set up with the chairs facing the middle to display smaller toys; boys toys on one side, girls on the other, and small toys in the back. Sometimes we make up food bags to hand out as well. It is a great ministry to parents as well as the children. Usually one person outside handles registration, while up to two shoppers are on the bus at a time, with two missionaries walking with them respectively to help, minister, and pray with them before they leave.
Miscellaneous Use:
The bus also doubles as a transportation device for school supplies, bikes, tables, and other resources for block parties and various outreach events.
