Growing Faith in Young Hearts: Cactusville VBS at Thunder Bay Adventist Church

From July 6 to July 10, 2026, the Thunder Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church was transformed into the exciting world of Cactusville as children gathered each evening for Vacation Bible School (VBS). For five unforgettable days, the church was filled with laughter, music, learning, and the joy of discovering Jesus in a fun and meaningful way.

At Thunder Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church, children's ministry is not simply another program on the calendar—it is one of the church's highest priorities. The congregation believes that investing in children today is an investment in the future of God's kingdom. Vacation Bible School is one of the most important opportunities each year to share the love of Christ with young hearts and to build lasting relationships with families in the community.

Throughout the week, an average of 25 children attended the program. Many eagerly invited their friends, creating an atmosphere of excitement and welcome. Each evening brought new opportunities to learn, grow, and experience God's love in practical ways.

The success of Cactusville VBS was made possible by a remarkable team of dedicated volunteers. Adults, young adults, and youth worked together with enthusiasm, creativity, and a shared passion for serving children. Their teamwork reflected the spirit of the church family, with each person contributing their unique gifts to create a memorable experience.

Each evening featured a variety of engaging activity stations that kept the children actively involved. They enjoyed inspiring Bible stories, creative crafts, exciting games, meaningful prayer experiences, delicious snacks, and many other interactive activities. Every station was intentionally designed to help children understand biblical truths while having fun and building friendships.

One of the greatest blessings of the week was the strong involvement of parents. Families supported the program, encouraged their children to participate, and became an important part of the joyful atmosphere that filled the church each evening. Vacation Bible School became more than a children's event—it became an opportunity for the entire church family to connect with the community.

Throughout the week, we saw smiles on the children's faces, their excitement each evening, and their eagerness to return the following day. Most importantly, the children left knowing more about Jesus, gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible, and discovering that church is a place where they are loved, welcomed, and valued.

As the week came to a close, the church celebrated far more than a successful event. It celebrated seeds of faith that had been planted in young hearts. While only God knows the full harvest that will come in the years ahead, every lesson taught, every prayer offered, every song sung, and every act of kindness becomes part of His work in shaping the next generation.

The Thunder Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church is grateful to every volunteer, parent, and supporter who helped make Cactusville Vacation Bible School possible. Above all, we thank God for His guidance, His protection, and His blessing throughout the week. We pray that the seeds planted during these special days will continue to grow and bear fruit for His kingdom for many years to come.

Leonid Rutkovskyi
Pastor, Thunder Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church