Pine Grove Church: Our First VBS: God Made a Way
By Pastor Ben Eller
ELKTON, Md. — In January, our Pine Grove Church leadership team and I began considering the possibility of holding a Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer. It seemed almost impossible. We were still in the midst of a remodel, as our church had restarted in May 2024, and there was still plenty of work to be done. But we prayed, asking God to send help.
Towne Baptist Church provided Lifeway “Magnify” themed decorations for Pine Grove Baptist Church’s first VBS! (Photo provided by PGC)
In addition to not having space ready, there were challenges, including the cost of literature and a small staff, but we continually prayed for months.
By the first of June, I didn’t see any way for it to happen this year, but then Dan Mele, the pastor of Towne Baptist Church in Joppa, contacted me and said, “With God’s help, we will make it happen!” We were excited and praising God.
Later that month, Harold Phillips, the pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church (PVBC) in Port Deposit, jumped in and said, “Let’s get that fellowship hall remodeled so you can do VBS for the children!” So things began to happen. The BCM/D also provided a grant to help us, and God did His part.
On the Monday before VBS, Pastor Harold and PVBC member Howard Kelly, an electrician, came to paint and complete the electrical work, finishing the remodel just in time. Two days later, Pastor Mele, Carol Mullins, who works with Towne’s VBS, and her husband, Chuck, who serves with Towne’s security ministry, loaded a truck with homemade “Magnify” themed VBS decorations that Towne had used and delivered them to our door. Our congregation worked hard, moving some mountains to get our grounds and facility ready quickly for the kids.
Additionally, North Harford Baptist Church, Jarrettsville, sent a summer youth mission team to help clean up the church lawn, sweep the driveway, cut the weeds, and do some visitation throughout the community.
Then on Friday evening, Aug. 8, the first VBS on the north side of Elkton took place at Pine Grove Church. What a beautiful sight to behold when the flag and Bible bearers marched in for the opening exercises. We decided to hold a three-day VBS over the weekend with our limited staff, and it was amazing.
Our teachers and helpers, along with volunteers from Towne Church, did an excellent job. The result was two girls trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior! We are now following up with the parents and look forward to the girls following the Lord in baptism soon.
Brothers and sisters, prayer WORKS! Please keep praying for us!
Ben Eller serves as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Elkton.
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