This summer, five churches across Armenia, Yerevan, Akhuryan, Gyumri, Maralik, and Sevan, opened their doors to nearly 500 children for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Under the theme “Stories from the Past that Can Change Our Future,” children explored the stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, and Joseph, learning not only the history of God’s people but also timeless lessons that shape hearts and lives today.
While many children were already part of church communities, a significant number were new, especially in Sevan, where around 200 children attended. For many, it was their first time hearing the gospel message, and the joy and curiosity were palpable throughout the week.
Each VBS location offered different stations that kept the day interesting for the children. The Bible story station was a favorite, where children learned to pray alongside their friends and to speak to God. At the food station, kids created treats connected to the day’s story, leaving both sweet memories and lessons. Craft and art stations sparked creativity, with children making small crosses from clay, painting scenes from Creation, and even making candles. And of course, games provided laughter, teamwork, and exuberance every day.
Dedicated church volunteers and Kids Club teams led the ministry. This year, a teen group from Yerevan also joined the effort. Many of these teens had grown up in Kids Club and past VBS programs. Kids Club leaders who had guided the volunteer teens in the past were inspired to see these teens now serving the next generation, sharing the love of Jesus in the same way they once received it.
For the first time, a mobilization team came to support the VBS, bringing practical help, encouragement, and joy. Their presence affirmed that the work in Armenia is part of a larger, global church mission, and the team’s support enriched the week.
The impact of the VBS resonated beyond the children across entire families. In Sevan, parents were invited on the last day to hear God’s Word. Some were moved to say they wanted to become part of the church community.
Throughout the week, God’s spirit moved in tangible ways. One child, unsure how to pray, learned from a leader’s example and returned the next day eager to pray by oneself.
Teens who served also experienced spiritual growth, with some accepting Jesus for the first time. Months of prayer from the Kids Club teams were answered in abundant, joyful ways, proving that preparation in prayer truly bears fruit.
“It is so spiritually refreshing to see in every church, teams of volunteers taking the lead and organizing the activities from the beginning to the end, with a big majority of them having grown up in the Kids Clubs and now serving in the local churches,” said Trino Jara, field strategy coordinator for Eurasia North Field.