Mall VBS has brought a number of benefits: it has allowed us to be invitational with those parents seeking a Christian experience for their kids.
The “young” grandfathers, Bill Puga, Jack Gabriel, and Joe Ventura, quickly realized the need to go beyond wishing and, with the Holy Spirit, do something about it.
Since Epic Suburbs operates out of a shopping mall, they didn't have to look far to find children. The group found others with a passion for children’s ministry and together they began to pray and brainstorm. They developed the idea of having a rotation of VBS programs throughout the year and inviting the kids and families they encountered at the mall. With no budget, they decided to trust the Lord and set a date for the first VBS. With a lot of prayer, planning, and prep, the first shopping mall VBS began in June 2025. Since then, it has been a major blessing.
Mall VBS has brought a number of benefits: it has allowed us to be invitational with those parents seeking a Christian experience for their kids. The kids themselves wear smiles, saying things like "I'm connected to Jesus" and "I love those people." It has also made our church visible to more people. Some have already been attending services at Epic. Parents have been seeing their older kids teaching their younger siblings at home about Jesus and doing a mini-VBS with their friends!
Unexpectedly, it has given us the opportunity to minister to some special needs kids and their families. It has opened our eyes to the needs of our community that we did not previously see. To the grandfathers’ joy, the grandchildren attended and were greatly blessed.
Jon Remitera pastors the Indiana Conference Epic Church.
