Restless energy filled the foyer of the Granite Bay Hilltop Church. Nearly 200 children ages 5–12 crowded around teenage leaders. Adult staff registered children, prepared snacks, set up for games, and reviewed their teaching materials for the day.
It was 9:00 AM Monday morning, July 13, 2026, and the Amazing Revelation of Jesus Vacation Bible School was about to begin.
Suddenly, the doors of the sanctuary swung open to reveal bright graphics and colorful decorations that had transformed the stage into a place of adventure. Giant books of prophecy were stacked on the sides. Center stage, the book of Revelation stood larger than life and opened to reveal memory texts and treasures like crowns, scrolls, and quill pens.
It’s never too early to introduce children to Jesus.
The sanctuary was soon full, and Pastor Jëan Ross, vice president of evangelism, welcomed everyone to an exciting week of learning about Bible prophecy. Then everyone stood for the theme song: “Jesus Will Come on Time.”
The next hour was filled with a visit from Mabel the sheep, a video visit to a high-tech library that brought Bible prophecy to life, and stories with Pastor Doug Batchelor, president. His down-to-earth style and exciting hands-on illustrations had every kid waving their hands in the air hoping to be picked as a volunteer.
Activities Reveal Revelation’s Mysteries
After an hour of Bible study in the sanctuary with Pastor Doug, the teens led their groups of kids off to four learning stations. At each station, the children engaged in hands-on activities that brought part of Revelation to life.
The science station used hands-on science experiments to teach biblical concepts like the sealing (Revelation 7:3) and testing the prophets (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
At the craft station, children created a colorful Revelation notebook complete with pictures of the two beasts of Revelation 13, a matching game on the seven churches, and students’ creative images of their heavenly mansions.
At the snack station, a small army of volunteers prepared plates of delicious Mediterranean-style food that went along with the lesson for the day.
The game station outside was a kid favorite. Activities included team relays like “Pour the Gospel” and “Go Tell the World.” One day there was a variation on Simon Says designed to help the kids recognize the importance of listening to God’s messages. Another day the kids played an exciting parachute game called “Preserve the Sabbath.” Four giant bounce houses were a highlight on the last day.
The week ended with a special Sabbath School and church program focused on Revelation and the hope that it gives.
Each day, students received copies of a brand-new Bible lesson series for kids on the book of Revelation. Each lesson went along with Pastor Doug’s presentations. (The guides will be available in the Amazing Facts Bookstore in the near future.)
Why a Revelation VBS for Kids?
Every year, the Granite Bay Hilltop Church hosts a Vacation Bible School for children in the community. These are not your standard VBS programs. Each year, two dedicated moms—Daniella Garza and Kathryn Moreland—write and stage a brand-new, Bible-based VBS on thoughtful topics like the Hebrew sanctuary and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
In 2024, Amazing Facts partnered with Moreland and Garza to package the program into a VBS Kit that churches, missionaries, and schools can use.
This year, Amazing Facts’ team worked with Garza and Moreland on the Revelation VBS. Preparations began in earnest in January. Said Pastor Jëan, “Revelation is a book of hope that tells us how everything is going to end. It’s a revelation of Jesus, and it’s all about the gospel. We feel that it is never too early to introduce children to Jesus and help them see the hope that we have in Him.”
Daniella and Kathryn agreed. “I didn’t understand Revelation much when I was a kid,” explained Daniella. “There were always evangelistic series for adults, but never much that explained it to kids. We wanted to create a program that would introduce young ones to Revelation and give them the confidence to dig deeper into it on their own.”
That’s exactly what happened. Parents gladly brought their children to VBS, knowing that their kids would have fun and meet Jesus through engaging programming and caring staff. “The program is top-notch,” said Betsy, who brought her three kids. “I know they learn a lot about the Bible here.”
Long after the bounce houses, craft supplies, and stage decorations are packed away, the real impact remains: Nearly 200 children spent a week discovering that Revelation is not a book to fear but one that points to Jesus and the hope of His soon return.
Note: The Amazing Revelation of Jesus VBS Kit will be available in the Amazing Facts Bookstore in 2027. In the meantime, churches eager to host a Bible-based VBS can get started now with the Amazing Journey Through the Wilderness VBS Kit, available today at afbookstore.com.
Your Next Read
Global Disasters and Gospel Promises
