The History of VBS Ministries
Beginnings
Much blessing has followed in the lives of many children from the time VBS began in india. The beginning, however, was very humble. Mrs. Mary E. Hamilton came to India and joined as a staff of South India Bible Institute (now the South India Biblical Seminary-SIBS). The institute began in 1937 as a movement of WGM. Mary Hamilton had a deep concern for the children on the streets in the hot summer and she thought of reaching them for the Lord. And so, she endeavoured to do something for these children. Some gifted young people like P. Samuel, Sam Kamaleson, Theodore Williams, Fred Gokavi with Ms Edith Morgan – faculty for Christian Education department and few others from South India Biblical Institute galvanized her concern into action and organized a program for 75 children at Kovilpatti (a village in Tamil Nadu near P. Samuel’s house) and taught them stories from the Bible using flannel pictures. Thus, the first VBS was born in 1952. Steadily but surely, it had become very popular among Churches in Tamil Nadu.
Watching the impact of VBS on Children, the South India Bible Institute gave cognizance to this movement, by making it a part of their applied activities, and making it into a branch of their programs. Mrs. Mary Hamilton gave shape and features to this moment. She produced the first syllabus, trained the SIBS students and formed teams to different parts of India, besides involving herself in VBS training in different States.
Curriculum that Shaped Generations, Mission
and Leadership
From humble beginnings to a national movement — VBS Ministries has been reaching children since 1952.
When the VBS began to expand and several more churches found the attractiveness of the program, the need for a systematic curriculum arose. At this point Ms Esther Faulkner (later Mrs. Esther Williams) and Rev. Dr Theodore Williams wrote a three-year curriculum for all age groups. A few things marked the shape of this curriculum –
- The whole curriculum from the Beginner class to the Senior class had compressed in a simplified form, for the level of a child, the Biblical subjects covered for a seminary student.
- The three-year curriculum was designed to be rotatory. Each child would be for three years through a single class. And a three-year curriculum meant that there would be no repetition of content.(Almost covering the Bible)
- The material had incorporated mission and evangelism into VBS syllabus. Thus, many great leaders of integrity and mission focus were the outcome of this movement. In fact, the formation of several missionary movements like Friends Missionary Prayer Band, India Evangelical Mission, Kanyakumari Missionary Movement of CSI and many more arose because of VBS.
Our Vision
“To help children
to respond to God,
to live as His disciples and
to cooperate with God by
participating in His action in the world.”
Our Mission
PRODUCTION:
Every year, the VBS material is produced and supplied in 10 Indian languages, Nepali and English to touch the lives of millions of chil dren, both in urban and rural settings, across India and in other countries in South East, Asia and in the Middle East.
TRAINING:
Hundreds of Sunday school teachers and volunteers are trained and equipped to be effective in Child Education – these Train-ing Programmesare conducted in towns and cities of our country every year.
Our Reach
Further Developments
The first Indian to become the Director of VBS was, Mr. J. D. Arulmani, in 1969. He coordinated the designing of the student workbooks. He also expanded the Ministry in Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal, Nagaland and Nepal. During this time VBS also partnered with other child agencies (like the Scripture Union) to promote the need for meeting children with the Word of God.
After him Mr. R.C. Ghunakumar, Mr. S. C. Emmanuel, Mr. Lloyd D.Thomas, Rev.John Kirubakaran, Rev. Isaac Manohar, Mr. Sam Selwine, Mr. K. J. Andrews and Rev. Noel Prabhuraj , Mr. Lazar Danam served as its Directors. Presently Mr. J A D Samuel serves as its National Director. The ministry continues as a department of South India Biblical Seminary. It has now spread in South Asian countries, and even in the Middle East.
Our Methodology
We function mainly through churches and Christian Organization and our purpose is to
- Provide a systematic and intensive Bible study through fun-filled learning activities for 10 days. Every year, new biblical themes and songs are written and crafts, activities are suggested to meet the contemporary needs of children in different parts of the country.
- Create opportunities for children between 3 to 20 years to respond to God and to the reality around, in a definite and in a personal way.
- Establish healthy environment for children to grow mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually by involving them in group dynamics.
- Give a memorable and fruitful yet lighter leisure for children during summer, a much-needed alternative parents desperately look for.
- Complement the work of the other agencies of Christian Education in the Church like Sunday School and Youth Fellowship.
- Function as an outreach of the Church to reach out any child in need of God.
Provide systematic Bible study with fun-filled activities.
Help children aged 4–18 respond to God personally and meaningfully.
Serve as an outreach to children in need of God.
Offer a memorable summer program, providing a valuable alternative for parents.
Complement other Christian education programs, including Sunday School and Youth Fellowship.
Promote mental, emotional, and social growth through group dynamics.
Our Regions
Director’s Note
Dear Ministry Partners in Christ,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are blessed by the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. The Lord is always mindful of us, and He will continue to bless us.
Welcome, leaders and volunteers, to our Vacation Bible
School 2026. This year is very special as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of VBS Ministries, Bangalore. We praise God
for His faithfulness throughout these many years, reaching this significant milestone despite numerous hurdles and challenges.
We are delighted to have you join us for this exciting 10-day journey of faith and discovery. This year’s theme, “Signet Ring ” reminds us that every child and every leader is precious in God’s sight — chosen, empowered, and marked with His divine purpose.
In Haggai 2:23, God says to Zerubbabel,
“I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,”.
In ancient times, a signet ring was more than a piece of jewelry — it carried the authority, identity, and ownership of the king. When God called Zerubbabel His signet ring, He was saying,
“You represent Me. You carry My seal. You are set apart for My mission.”
This truth forms the heart of our VBS program. Over these ten days, our goal is to help every child realize that they too are God’s chosen and sealed children — special, loved, and called to live with purpose. As leaders, we have the privilege of guiding them in this discovery through:
- Joyful songs for 10 days that celebrate God’s love,
- Bible lessons for 10 days that reveal His promises,
- Missionary biographies for 10 days that inspire a missionary burden.
- Creative crafts for 10 days that reinforce learning,
- Interactive games and activities for 10 days that bring joy, and
- Moments of prayer and reflection that deepen faith and bear fruits.
Each session is designed not only to teach but also to inspire — to help children see themselves as God’s living witnesses, carrying His mark in their daily lives.
To all our teachers, helpers, and volunteers — thank you for your time, creativity, and heart for ministry. Your role is vital in shaping young minds and nurturing faith that lasts a lifetime.
As we begin this 10-day journey together, let us serve with joy, lead with love, and remember:
We are God’s signet rings — chosen, sealed, and sent to shine for His glory!
May this VBS be a time of growth, unity, and transformation for both leaders and children alike.
Yours in His joyful service,
