God Already Knew: Finding God’s Faithfulness Through a Year of Change

Last week, I had the opportunity to serve at Vacation Bible School, and as I sat down afterward to reflect on the week, I realized it was about so much more than VBS.

Over the past year, our church, especially the children’s ministry, has experienced more change than I ever expected.

First, our friend and pastor, RJ, was called to Fruit Cove Baptist Church. Along with RJ went his precious wife, Casey, my dear friend and VBS partner. Before that, our children’s associate, Emilee, was called to North Oxford Baptist Church. Then, just when it felt like things had settled, our children’s pastor, David, was called to Greenwell Springs Baptist Church.

Every one of those transitions was bittersweet.

We celebrate when God calls people to new places because we know His plans are good. But if I’m being honest, there was grief too. It wasn’t just the loss of leaders. These families took children with them—kids we had taught, prayed for, laughed with, and loved. Children who were a meaningful part of our ministry and our lives.

I know those children are being loved, discipled, and poured into by wonderful churches and leaders. I have no doubt about that. But I still miss them, and I pray daily for them, their families, and those who now lead them at church. I’m going to have to make a trip around to visit and meet them all.

Then, just before VBS, we learned that Erin would also be leaving. While children’s choir falls under the music ministry, Erin has been a tremendous part of our children’s ministry. God has gifted her in so many ways, and her impact reaches far beyond a title or ministry area.

Looking back, there were moments when the changes felt overwhelming—many of them.

But through it all, God was faithful.

One of the greatest gifts He provided was Brooklyn.

When leadership changed and responsibilities shifted, Brooklyn stepped up in ways that were remarkable. She became a constant presence during a season when so much seemed uncertain. Her faithfulness to God and her willingness to follow His calling have been evident every step of the way.

Watching her lead after David’s announcement was a testament to the work God has done in her life.

She is like a daughter to me, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

As we prepared for VBS, Brooklyn, Ashley, and Lindsay did an incredible job communicating, organizing, and leading. Their dedication made a tremendous difference.

here’s something I’ve learned over the years:

When you feel called to serve, you aren’t just filling a spot or checking a box. It’s so much more than that. It’s ownership. It takes your time, your planning, and your preparation. The prep is not a burden but a privilege.

That has always been one of my deepest convictions about ministry.

People often see Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, or a week of VBS. What they don’t always see are the hours of preparation, prayer, planning, study, conversations, and sacrifices that happen long before anyone walks through the doors.

The beautiful thing is that God works in those moments too.

As we prepare lessons, He teaches us.

As we study Scripture, He reminds us of truths we need to hear ourselves.

As we pray for children, He softens and shapes our own hearts.

That’s why VBS begins long before the first child arrives.

For the 11½ months before, I found myself praying.

Praying that God would give leaders wisdom and insight into what each child needed.

Praying that children would feel seen, loved, and connected.

Praying for the children who registered and the children we didn’t even know were coming.

Praying that distractions would fade and hearts would be attentive.

Praying that the Holy Spirit would stir hearts as children heard the gospel.

Praying that children would have genuine encounters with Jesus and the courage to respond to what He was doing in their lives.

Praying that biblical truths would follow them home and impact entire families.

Praying for directors, leaders, and everyone serving behind the scenes.

In regard to the move and the heart for those changes, as we had just ended Vacation Bible School for last year, VBS should be a daily prayer—for the children who heard God’s Word and for all of the kiddos, but also in preparation for the kids who will come and what they will hear.

And then VBS 2026 arrived.

One of the sweetest surprises for me was seeing who God placed beside me.

Standing in the room with our youth helpers, John Rivers—so good, anticipating needs and delivering on many occasions that week. Such a great example for the boys.—and my niece Ava was such a gift. She is my constant. She has been a part of decorating days, cutting, laminating, and putting things back together. Her height has always been a huge help, but so has her willingness to go along with whatever idea I might have. She has a heart of service for her young age, and the Lord is using her in ways she may not even fully understand yet. She’s been my literal right hand in ministry since she was little—from Operation Christmas Child projects to Vacation Bible School decorations, classrooms, and whatever Aunt Kristy needed. She has a servant’s heart.

When Casey left, I wondered what VBS would feel like without my partner. But God already knew.

It would be bittersweet.

He knew months earlier exactly who would be standing in that classroom.

I was thrilled to serve alongside Elizabeth again. We had served together previously, and I was excited when I heard she had signed up.

Then God added Brooke, the precious mother of one of my second graders.

As I looked around our classroom that week, I couldn’t help but see God’s kindness.

Back when Casey and RJ announced they were leaving, God already knew who would be there.

When leadership changes came, God already knew.

When unexpected transitions happened, God already knew.

Nothing caught Him by surprise.

As for the kids, they were incredible.

We had so many second graders that we had to split into two groups. We were only seperated during Bible story time, but these children are truly 10 out of 10.

Paula and I have the privilege of spending time with them every week. Some of them were in our four-year-old class years ago, and now we’re watching them grow into young people who know how to find Scripture, answer questions, worship, and engage with God’s Word.

I probably say this every year, but they really are some of the best kids I know.

More than anything, VBS reminded me why I love children’s ministry.

I love the children.

I love the leaders.

I love watching God weave people’s stories together.

I love seeing faithful people answer His call, whether for a season or a lifetime.

Every person I’ve mentioned was placed where they were by God for a reason, and in many cases, that season that wasn’t long enough for me.

Some are pastors. Some are ministry leaders. Some teach, sing, organize, encourage, or quietly serve behind the scenes. But all of them have one thing in common: they said yes to God’s calling on their lives.

Our testimonies all look different, but this past year has reminded me that God writes beautiful stories through ordinary people who simply say yes.

As I reflect on everything that has happened, I continue to see evidence of God’s goodness everywhere.

Through those serving.

Through leaders.

Through those leading Children’s Choirs.

Through friends.

Through children.

Through those God has used to set the bar high in so many ways.

Through every person He places in our path for exactly the right season.

VBS may have only lasted one week, but it represented so much more.

It was a reminder that God is faithful, that His plans are good, and that even when seasons change, He never stops working.

It is also a reminder of how important it is that we allow God to continue to build on the legacy that First Baptist has carried for years and years. Kids ministry matters, and the communication, leadership, and equipping we have received in the past have been such valuable gifts.

And for that, I am incredibly thankful.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children to me, and do not

hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16

For me, this verse is a reminder that VBS, Sunday School, Children’s Choir, Centrikid camps, Family Camp Out, and every other ministry opportunity are ultimately about one thing: Helping children come to Jesus. The decorations will come down. The schedules will end. The week will be over. But the opportunity to introduce a child to Christ can have an impact that lasts for eternity.

That’s why children’s ministry matters so deeply.

Jesus Himself said, “Let the little children come to me.”

And what a privilege it is to help make a way for them to do just that.