03/02/10 Vacation Bible School has the potential to be the one event of the year that can impact our community like nothing else that we do the whole year. It is probably the best known event that is familiar to the community and is readily accepted. Our church also has years of experience in VBS and is familiar with what it's all about. All of these reasons add up to why you have a wonderful missional opportunity that has the potential to impact your community for Christ, but you will have to be intentional. Some churches take VBS into the neigborhood to a backyard. Nothing is more natural than to place VBS into the network of neighborhood friendships. There's always that house with all the kids where the neighborhood gathers. Other churches will have a block party or special events to enlist children who are potential attendees to VBS. Follow-up is crucial if you are to reach the unreach. There needs to be a plan in place for follow-up just as much as there is a plan for worship, crafts or the mission emphasis. There is much more to be said about VBS, but I will leave it to those who will be training our churches. Make plans to attend the TCBA Vacation Bible Shcool training on May 4th, 6:30 P.M. at Orange Avenue Baptist Chruch.

 

02/17/10 Thank you for your response to helping feed volunteers for Mission Flights International. We were able to feed volunteers for four weeks. This does not by any means end the need for volunteers to help sort items to go to Haiti. You may continue to volunteer on your own schedule. MFI will need people for the long haul to help doing just what they have been doing-getting supplies to Haiti.

 

I have heard good report from churches who have sent donations to Jacksnoville to feed the hungry. Eighty-four thousand pounds of rice is being shipped to Haiti from Florida Baptist to Haiti. One of our medical teams has seen 576 patients. Three Muslim men have prayed to recieve Christ. God is putting Haiti back together through the love and compassion of believers just like you. Take heart and continue to pray, give and volunteer for Haiti.

 

I'm sure that you have been able to learn about "Buckets of Hope" If not, check out the NAMB website with the instructions. We will be receiving buckets at three sites. Immanuel is Indian River County's collection site. New Hope is St. Lucie's collection site. Covenant is Martin County's collection site. This is a personal and practical way for your family to feed another family in Haiti.

 

The work in Haiti is still moving slowly and with specifically targeted work. Mostly recovery and medical personnel are needed. However, our Disaster Relief people are looking for those who have construction background who can assess whether a building can be salvaged or needs to be totally destroyed. Let me know if you are interested and I can put you in touch with the right people.