Written by: Justin, Next Gen Director
Another exciting and impactful Vacation Bible School (VBS) season has come to a close, and we are grateful for all that God accomplished through Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is. From June 8 through June 11, a total of 494 children attended at least one evening of VBS, making it a week filled with learning, worship, fellowship, and life-changing truths about Jesus Christ.
Throughout the week, children explored four key biblical accounts that revealed the identity and mission of Jesus. They learned about Jesus asking his disciples who they believed him to be, his baptism, his death and resurrection, and Peter’s proclamation of the gospel. These lessons helped children understand not only who Jesus is but also why following him changes everything.
Our theme verse came from John 8:12: “Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life’”. This powerful truth served as the foundation for every lesson, activity, and conversation throughout the week.
One of the greatest blessings of VBS is seeing the church family come together to serve. More than 300 volunteers gave their time and energy to make this ministry possible. Volunteers welcomed families, prepared decorations, managed registration, taught Bible lessons, led games and crafts, served snacks, facilitated worship, cleaned facilities, and filled countless other roles. Their dedication created an environment where children could learn about Jesus in a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered setting.
We are especially thankful for our 2026 VBS Director Team and Leadership Team, whose months of planning and preparation helped ensure a successful week. While many individuals contributed to this effort, we would like to extend special appreciation to Lana Fought, Krista Wachtman, and Tracy Chaskel for their outstanding leadership and commitment to this year's ministry.
VBS also provided an opportunity for children to participate in missions. This year, our missions focus centered on an unreached people group partnered with the Midwest Presbytery. Children learned about the importance of supporting gospel ministry through financial giving, providing resources, and helping fund Bible translation efforts so people can hear and read God's Word in their own language. The response from our children and families was remarkable. Our goal was to raise $3,000 for this ministry. Through generous giving, VBS participants contributed an incredible $5,158.12, far exceeding our goal. This outpouring of generosity demonstrates how God can use even the youngest members of the church to make an eternal impact around the world.
We heard a few stories about how kids really connected to the missions this year! One family went home and the kids played “missionary” where they went around an area and told others about Jesus and the Gospel. We love seeing future generations being raised up to be preachers, prayer warriors, missionaries, and leaders in the future church!
We are deeply grateful to our congregation for your prayers, financial support, volunteer service, and encouragement. Ministries like VBS are only possible because of a church family that values the next generation and is committed to passing on the truth of the gospel. As Psalm 145:4 reminds us, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts”.
Thank you to everyone who participated in VBS this year. Whether you volunteered, donated, prayed, or brought a child, you played an important role in helping shine the light of Jesus. We look forward to seeing how God continues to work in the lives of these children in the months and years ahead.
To learn more about our children's ministry, Kidway, please visit https://www.gatewayepc.org/children or contact the church office and ask to speak with a member of the Kidway staff.
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