CSM Publishing relaunches first-ever basketball-themed VBS, Crossover

By CSM Publishing Inc.

May 18, 2022

Filipinos are passionate about basketball, as evidenced by the fact there are more basketball courts than churches in the country. So, is it possible to use basketball to reach the unchurched and teach them about the Bible? Definitely! 

Church Strengthening Ministry, Inc. (CSM Publishing) brings back VBS Crossover, the first-ever basketball-themed Vacation Bible School (VBS) for boys and girls. A simple relaunch event among CSM staff was held last May 17, 2022 at the CSM Building following a “Remaster Training” for volunteer VBS trainers last April 9.

The highlight of VBS Crossover is teaching kids and adults how to share the gospel using just a basketball, especially to those belonging to the 4/14 Window. According to Pastor Romy Capuli, director and founder of Crossover World and the current Sports Commissioner of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, “More than 60 percent of believers come to know Jesus Christ between the ages of 4 to 14—more than any other age group. So, it is important that we reach out and help build a strong biblical foundation in the lives of children at this critical stage.”

VBS Crossover was done in partnership with Crossover World, a ministry that brings the gospel to communities through basketball. “With VBS Crossover, we use basketball to reach people outside of church and equip them to become leaders and agents of national transformation. It is our goal to make every child a champion, every court a church, and every coach a catalyst for change,” Pastor Romy said.

VBS Crossover draws examples in the Bible to teach values applicable to sports and life in general, such as commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. It also features basic basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting for both novices and experts.

The recent CSM relaunch event featured updates to the hosting of VBS Crossover, such as safety measures to prevent local outbreaks, as well as tips for online or at-home VBS. Meanwhile, important features such as warm-up activities and the VBS Crossover theme song were reintroduced.

The VBS Crossover training season officially opens this May 21, 2022 at Liberty Christian Baptist Church in Cainta, Rizal. To learn how to conduct VBS Crossover safely for your church or community, sign up for a VBS workshop training event near you at https://bit.ly/CSMVBSCrossover2022 or contact the CSM Training Department at 8852-7301 to 04 local 110 / 0908-8937016 / training@csm-publishing.com.

The VBS Crossover package and accessories are available at the CSM Bookcorner (G/F CSM Building, Pascor Drive, Sto. Niño, Parañaque City), at CSM Publishing official online stores at Lazada and Shopee, and at PCBS outlets.

 

VBS Crossover writer and project editor Dominique Gonzaga-Sulatra presents an overview of the first-ever basketball-themed VBS in the Philippines for boys and girls.

 

Marketing OIC Ella Rodelas gives three reasons why churches should hold VBS Crossover this year, mainly: exercise, socialization, and a celebratory atmosphere to help kids recover from the enforced pause of the pandemic.

 

Marketing Specialist Melou Resuena explains the details of the VBS Crossover package.

 

CSM staff warm up and dance to the VBS Crossover theme song during the celebratory relaunch activity.

 

Pastor Nathan Montenegro leads a prayer of dedication during the VBS Crossover relaunch event held at CSM.