“The spirit of giving: A community that cares”
Back to School Bash… One Church…One Child!
Dr. Claudette Harrell, Director of the Media Ministry, Bethel Baptist Church.
Photos special to the Outlook
Bethel’s Collegiate and Young Adult Ministry coordinated the many activities at the “Back to School Bash.”
A portion of the large crowd that attended the Back to School Bash.
By Rev. Alfred Williams, Sr.
Deputy Director
One Church, One Child
Special to the Outlook
One Church One Child and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church hosted the ”Back to School Bash” in support of children in foster care in the Big Bend area. Children’s Home Society, Boys Town and Secure Group Home were recipients of the Love and support provided by Bethel’s Media Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes Jr., Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
The event was held at Bethel’s Family Life Center. It was an opportunity for other ministries in the community to lend their support to the event; especially college students from Bethel who provided all the fun and games for the children. Younger children were able to enjoy the bounce house to burn off some energy. Over 75 children received backpacks with school supplies as they were preparing to start the new school year.
Donations were provided from members of the community including Walmart. Words of encouragement were given by several individuals, including Dr. Arie Sailor Executive Director, One Church One Child of Florida, Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes, Rev. Don Tolliver, Rev. Al Williams, Dr. Claudette Harrell and Mr. Ivory Joe Hunter. Bethel’s Usher and Collegiate Ministry and other members provided a tasty lunch. Emily Prichard, President of the Tallahassee Foster/Adoptive Parents Association (TFAPA). Special thanks to all foster parents for their sacrifice and love they give children while in care.
The Back to School Bash is a great example of how the church and community can come together on behalf of children who have no permanent home or parents to call their own or families who need support to make a real difference. They can all be encouraged to know that they are not alone. We care and love them.
One Church One Child is inviting all churches to become a partner in praying for the children and encouraging their congregations to consider becoming a mentor or adoptive or foster parent for a child or a sibling group of children. There are also opportunities to get involved by volunteering to serve on One Church One Child’s Local Advisory Committee in helping to support activities for children and serving the six (6) counties in Circuit 2.
Churches are already involved in ministry; we are asking churches to include children in care as well. We are compelled by Jesus to care for the least, the lost and the left out. James 1:27 says “We are to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” What a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.
