VBS Training Equips Leaders to Transform Lives This Summer
On Feb. 23, nearly 200 leaders from over 70 churches gathered at the Kansas Avenue church in Riverside for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Family & Children’s Ministries annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) Training. Led by interim youth director, Isaac Kim, the event was a day filled with praise, prayer, and practical tools to help churches create impactful VBS programs this summer.
“In most churches, VBS is the single largest evangelistic campaign for the year,” said Kim. “The more we can resource our churches from the conference level, the better equipped churches will be to welcome families and children.” The core planning team—consisting of local church pastors and leaders, Ghesi Stojanov, Peter Miguelez, Linda Biswas, Grace Lee-Koh, Noriezl Bencito, Danielle Berumen, and Jared Gonzalez—planned the annual training with ministry leaders in mind.
The day began with breakfast and check-in, followed by words of praise led by Stojanov, children and family director at Yorba Linda church, and host pastor Delroy Brooks. Stojanov emphasized the unique spirit of the event: “VBS training is about so much more than just getting ready for the adventure ahead. It’s an opportunity to build community, encourage one another, and be real about the challenges we face in ministry.”
Miguelez, associate pastor of the Palm Springs church, opened the day with a devotional, setting the spiritual tone. Throughout the event, Kim and Biswas, pastor for community and discipleship at Azure Hills church, engaged attendees with giveaways and encouragement. Participants then joined hands-on sessions with expert trainers Jenny Herras (Mountain of Miracles curriculum, North American Division), and returning favorites Sharon Stratmoen and Emily Bredthauer (Group Publishing’s True North curriculum). Leaders waved their arms to new songs, tried crafts, and brainstormed how to bring the VBS experience to life in their own churches.
“VBS people are special people,” said Lee-Koh, children’s ministry director at Loma Linda Korean church. “They’re creative and generous and know the power of collaboration beyond their own walls.” That sense of shared mission echoed throughout the day. “I think it’s so special to hear kiddos from our community say, ‘This is my church,’ and ‘These are my friends,’” added Walter Martinez, family and discipleship pastor at Paradise Valley church. “For one week, the campus becomes a sacred place where children connect with God in their own way.”
The training also highlighted the ongoing tradition of mission-driven projects. “What happens at VBS Training is more than just a few hours learning curriculum—it’s about teaching our kids the power of missions,” said Biswas. Recent years have seen children raise $10,000 for playground equipment at Holbrook Indian School, launch diaper banks at churches, and support missional projects such as the 2024 Majuro mission project to build a protective wall along the ocean edge of the Adventist school property.
Support from the conference office has continued to grow. Jared Gonzalez, assistant director for youth media, developed customizable VBS T-shirts at affordable prices. Churches can also borrow set backdrops, apply for funding, and even win supplies—over $5,000 in VBS materials were raffled at this year’s event. A highlight of the day was SECC president, Jonathan Park, presenting a $1,000 award to Apple Valley church in honor of Alpha Omega, who has volunteered in VBS ministry for over 50 years.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure that no church or leader is doing this alone,” Kim shared. That commitment is made tangible through the support of the family and children’s ministries team, including youth secretary, Noriezl Bencito. “What I want others to know about VBS ministry is that it’s so worth doing something—even if it’s small—to create a space where a child has the opportunity to know more about Jesus,” said Kim.
As summer approaches, parents and churches can get involved in three meaningful ways: pray for local VBS leaders, volunteer to help, and invite friends and neighbors.
To make it easier for families to find a program, SECC has launched “FindMyVBS,” a searchable tool available on the youth department website. This platform helps parents discover nearby churches with public registration, filter by dates and locations, and plan their summer around programs that will spiritually enrich their children. Visit seccyouth.com/FindMyVBS to explore options.
VBS ministry is more than just a week of fun and music—it is a chance to plant seeds of faith that can last a lifetime. This summer, across the conference, families and children can be blessed by the love and joy of Jesus in the church communities hosting VBS programs.
By Linda Biswas
kids konnect
A Glass of Kindness
Every Sunday, Manny set up his lemonade stand at the end of his driveway. He had a handwritten sign, a chipped jar for coins, and a secret recipe with just a hint of mint.
Most people smiled, dropped a dollar in the jar, and walked away. But Manny wasn’t trying to earn money for himself. He was saving up to buy a racecar book for his little brother, Leo.
One hot afternoon, business was slow. Manny sat under his umbrella, fanning himself and sighing. That’s when he saw Mr. Jenkins from down the street. He was old, always wore two sweaters, and rarely smiled. He shuffled by slowly, glancing at his sign.
“Would you like a cup?” Manny asked.
Mr. Jenkins stopped. “I don’t have any change.”
“That’s OK,” Manny said, pouring a cup anyway. “It’s on me today.”
Mr. Jenkins took the lemonade, blinked at him, then nodded. “Haven’t had lemonade in years. Thank you.”
The next Sunday, Manny found a small envelope in his jar. Inside was five dollars and a note: “For the kindness you didn’t know mattered.”
Surprised, Manny was excited. He was able to buy Leo the racecar book. He learned that sometimes, the smallest kindnesses to others can be the biggest blessings for others.
By Taji Saleem
