Everyone Can Do Something

​We’ve reached the middle of summer and most churches have planned and/or completed their summer programming for the children they serve.  As we hear about VBS programs across the metro area and how churches are stepping in to care for vulnerable children, Project 1.27 received a surprise from one of our partner churches.  As they planned their VBS, BRAVE church reached out and asked to partner with us in serving children in foster and adoptive homes.  Each year, their High Five Campers (VBS) partners with a local ministry to support them and the people they serve by collecting donations.  What an incredible way for children to learn about caring for others and showing God’s love!   As Brave began encouraging their campers, they shared about Project 1.27 and even learned our missional verse from James 1.27.  The focus for the VBS was:

BECAUSE God loves US, we Love God and we LOVE OTHERS.
YOU - get to LOVE KIDS (who are in foster or adoptive families)  

The High Five Campers donated nine tubs of summer fun items, including dolls, crafts, outdoor play sets, tents, soccer, football, volleyballs, soccer goals for the little ones, and so much more. In addition to the hard goods, we were blessed with a generous cash donation.  Project 1.27 will give the items to foster families at our Summer Family Picnic on July 27th, and the money will go toward fun picnic activities and resources for teens. We are so grateful for Brave and the incredible items they donated to us as we continue to care for vulnerable children!

I am reminded of a book that was shared with me shortly after beginning Project 1.27. Jason Johnson, https://jasonjohnsonblog.com/books, wrote,  “Everyone can do Something.”  Jason discusses how to strategically care for orphans in developing your foster care or adoption ministry. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we are all capable of doing something! Even the youngest members of Brave could do something that would glorify God in Brave Church's foster care and adoption ministry. 

Here are a few things that Brave did that coincide with Jason’s book

• Plan and promote events—Brave put together backpacks for all children attending their program a month in advance. In those bags, they provided information on what ministry they would support and how they would support it. 
• Make the problem relatable—The children learned about foster care and adoption and that because God loved them, they could love others.
• Use an existing discipleship mechanism in your church. They used their Children’s ministry program, which not only engaged the children but also helped bring awareness to other adults and church members.

Interested in engaging your church and doing something for kids and families? Email Alex at [email protected].

By Marilyn Robinson, Director of Family Care