New resource gives churches options to minister

Members of the Ward family, who attend Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, take a few moments to pray for Baptist Children’s Homes. The new prayer guide is one of several resources families and churches can use to make a difference.

Every spring and fall, Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) statewide locations are filled with church volunteers, many of them youth groups, who participate in “Friends of Children” workdays. The events are one-day mission opportunities for the volunteers to aid with projects and to see the BCH ministry firsthand.

As with other events this year, the upcoming “Friends of Children” workdays in September have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

“These one-day mission opportunities are like a reunion; we see wonderful friends from throughout the years while also meeting new ones,” says Brenda Gray, BCH Executive Vice President, Development and Communications.

Gray’s department coordinates the workdays with participating BCH locations.

“During this time,” she continues, “our children, many who have suffered unimaginable abuse and neglect, need to know more than ever that they are valued and loved. It’s why we’ve created new options so churches can still be involved.”

A “Helping Hands” missions guide has been created to give churches three options, as well as a bonus opportunity, to impact the lives of BCH children and families. Two mailings of this resource are being sent to all churches: one to the attention of the pastor and the other to the youth/children’s minister.

“We are thankful that churches are so passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, through the workdays,” Gray explains. “These options make it possible for a church as a whole or for Sunday School classes, small groups, youth groups and families to go on mission for BCH right where they are.”

The three options include the “Food Roundup” (rescheduled from April to September), “Cards for Kids,” and the new “Month of Prayer” prayer guide.

“The food drive allows churches to meet physical needs while writing greeting cards to the children is about offering them encouragement,” Gray shares. “The prayer guide is about intercession and asking God to move some very specific mountains in the lives of our children and families.

“Our churches know how to get in touch with the One who knows how to move those mountains!”

The “Helping Hands” missions guide is below. It and other resources, including the prayer guide, are also available on the Friends of Children webpage at www.bchfamily.org/foc. For more information, contact Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442. or bbgray@bchfamily.org.