As a part of their VBS week, the Anderson Grace Brethren Church in Anderson, SC filled 60 backpacks with school supplies which will be delivered to kids in Haiti in the
CPR-3 child sponsorship program. The church had a goal of filling 50 backpacks with the supplies, but received enough donations to fill an additional 10, making it possible to supply much needed supplies to 60 children.
Dan Whitmire from the Anderson Church said, “It was such a joy to be a part of serving together. In preparing for our yearly VBS, we were looking for a way to incorporate the whole family as a part of the last night. We didn’t want the kids to just take in the knowledge they had learned from the week, but to have a way to show the love of Jesus to others. The church set a goal and provided 50 backpacks. We encouraged the kids to bring in the school supplies throughout the week of VBS. A girl from our youth group made wordless book bracelets to include in each backpack. At the end of the week, we had supplies for 60 backpacks!
Our church is still talking about this night of service! It was so awesome to see entire families working together to pack backpacks. I know the kids from our church were able to see what it means to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus. Many are wanting to be a part of a serve team to Haiti sometime in the future. It was a pleasure for our little church to be a tiny part in encouraging others and in spreading the love of Jesus. We have never included a hands on ministry in our VBS before. But, after this year, we will definitely be including it each year.
The impact on kids, families, and our church has been tremendous. It was not difficult to get the supplies together to make this service night happen. I would encourage other churches to consider this type of project because it helps to develop a heart for missions in even the youngest of kids. It also encouraged service as a family. Seeing Dads lift up their little ones to grab supplies, or Moms hold on to backpacks while their kids packed them up was a blessing. It was one night, but definitely made a long-lasting impact on everyone involved!”
We at CPR-3 are so thankful for people and churches who are creatively serving like this. If you’re interested in hosting a similar project at your church, let us know by emailing info@cpr-3.com.