Pedro Pablo Osorio
Pedro Pablo Osorio
Each summer, churches across Florida Conference use Vacation Bible School (VBS) to help children encounter Jesus while connecting families with the church and communities with the love of Christ.
Behind many of these programs is the support of the Florida Conference Family Ministries Department, which works year-round to equip leaders, share resources, and help churches succeed.
The ministry begins months before VBS programs open their doors. In February, a training event for more than 100 participants provides practical instruction, creative ideas, organizational guidance, and encouragement. For new leaders, the training provides confidence as they step into ministry.
The department also connects churches using the same VBS materials to encourage resource sharing, with larger congregations such as Spring Meadows Church and Markham Woods Church sharing supplies and decorations with churches in need. Through this spirit of generosity, resources continue to impact children beyond a single event or congregation.
This year, the Family Ministries Department assisted more than three dozen churches by providing supplies, funding assistance, coaching, and access to its VBS resource library. Others received coaching, new-leader training, fundraising ideas, organizational support, or guidance in developing outreach strategies for their communities.
The impact of this support was visible across the Conference. At Forest Lake Church, 420 children participated in VBS, supported by approximately 280 leaders. The program raised a record $7,507 for the Eduardo Duarte Memorial Forest Lake Academy Worthy Student Fund. Spring Meadows Church welcomed more than 360 children with the support of 200 volunteers, and Apopka Church welcomed more than 250 children to “True North,” supported by 150 volunteers.
Miami Central Spanish Church expanded its VBS outreach to include parents. While 343 children participated in “Rainforest Falls,” parents attended Bible studies led by Iran Llanes, church elder. Ten to 12 parents attended consistently, and several accepted Jesus or wanted to learn more. The children also participated in a mission project providing school supplies to children in need.
Every volunteer who serves, every resource shared, and every leader encouraged contributes to the mission. When churches work together, ministry extends farther, leaders grow stronger, and more children have the opportunity to experience the hope found in Christ.
Florida | September 2026
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