“Yee-Haw!” Horeb Haitian Church Welcomes More Than 80 Participants to Cactusville VBS
Cowboy-themed Vacation Bible School brings children, families, volunteers, and community guests together for a joyful week of faith, friendship, and adventure.
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND— The joyful sound of “Yee-haw!” echoed throughout the halls of Briggs Chaney Middle School as the Horeb Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church presented its 2026 Vacation Bible School, “Cactusville Adventure.”
Held during the week of July 19–25, 2026, this year’s western-themed program transformed the facility into a colorful Bible town filled with cowboys, cactus decorations, music, games, creative activities, and Christ-centered learning.
Led by the tireless and enthusiastic Erlande Fevry Pierresaint and a dedicated team of instructors, staff members, parents, and volunteers, Cactusville VBS welcomed more than 80 children and adults. Among the participants were 12 children from non-Adventist families in the surrounding community, demonstrating the program’s growing outreach and influence beyond the walls of the church.
From the moment the children entered Cactusville, they were welcomed by instructors dressed as cowboys and cowgirls, complete with hats, boots, bandanas, and western-style clothing. Every classroom became part of the adventure as teachers used creative presentations, Bible stories, songs, object lessons, and hands-on activities to help the children better understand God’s love.
The energy remained high throughout the week. Children participated in interactive Bible lessons, arts and crafts, sports, recreation, singing, team-building activities, and lively entertainment. Even a special four-legged visitor—a friendly dog—helped make the experience more exciting and memorable for the children.
“Yee-haw!” soon became more than a western expression. It became the joyful response heard throughout the building as children celebrated each activity, lesson, and new friendship.
The VBS program was also a powerful demonstration of teamwork. Parents, instructors, kitchen workers, youth leaders, support staff, and volunteers worked together to create a safe, welcoming, and spiritually enriching environment. Volunteers prepared meals and refreshments, decorated classrooms, supervised recreational activities, assisted younger children, and ensured that every participant felt included.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the program was the distance some families were willing to travel to participate. One mother brought her two children from the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, area, nearly two hours away, so they could experience Cactusville VBS.
Her commitment reflected what many families expressed during the week: this was more than an ordinary summer program. It was an opportunity for children to grow spiritually, build confidence, develop friendships, and experience the church as a joyful and caring community.
Several children enthusiastically described the program as “fun” and “cool,” adding that they loved coming to VBS each day. Their smiles, participation, and excitement provided clear evidence that the lessons and activities had made a lasting impression.
“This year, the parents, staff members, and volunteers came together to celebrate what we believe was one of our best Vacation Bible School programs ever,” said Pastor Dr. Brian Ladiny, senior pastor of Horeb Haitian SDA Church and father of three sons enrolled in the program. “The children were excited, the volunteers were committed, and our community guests felt welcomed. We praise God for what He accomplished through our Children’s Ministries Department.”
The large closing gathering brought children, parents, instructors, volunteers, and church leaders together to celebrate a successful week. Surrounded by western decorations and dressed in their Cactusville shirts, participants reflected the unity, joy, and community spirit that characterized the entire program.
Cactusville Adventure reminded everyone that sharing the gospel with children can be deeply spiritual while also being creative, engaging, and fun. Through every Bible lesson, song, meal, game, and cheerful “Yee-haw,” seeds of faith were planted in young hearts.
Horeb Haitian SDA Church expresses sincere appreciation to Erlande Fevry Pierresaint, the Children’s Ministries team, the parents, volunteers, instructors, food-service team, supporters, and community families who helped make the 2026 Vacation Bible School a success.
The church invites members throughout the Allegheny East Conference to continue praying for the Children’s Ministries Department of Horeb Haitian SDA Church as it seeks new opportunities to reach children and families throughout Maryland and the surrounding communities.
At Cactusville, the message was clear: Following Jesus is the greatest adventure of all. Yee-haw!