Children in Need

This week's ministry spotlight is dedicated to our Children In Need ministry. Jeff Fortner is the deacon over this new work that began in 2004, and its purpose is to provide love, care, and support to children facing difficult circumstances. Direct methods of help, such as adoption, foster care, physical donations (such as clothes, toothbrushes, etc.) are a part of this effort, as well as other methods, such as supporting children's organizations and reaching out to children even before they are born. Jeff's vision for this ministry is that we will have as many as three families participating in a full-time foster-care program, and twenty families participating in a respite care program (keeping foster children one weekend a month). Not many of us know this, but through the Home-Builders (Young Married) Class, we provided Thanksgiving dinner to 30 foster families in the area. What a powerful way for a Bible Class to work together!
When asked to share an inspiring story about this ministry, Jeff referred to last year's coin can drive for the Tennessee Children's Home. You'll remember that coin cans were placed in all of the classrooms for several weeks during the spring. After they had been given to the Children's Home, a leader of that organization called Jeff and asked, "How did you do that? We've never had a single congregation raise this much money from a coin can drive!" Apparently, no one else had distributed the cans that way, and we were able to raise $1,400 for a great organization. When asked what difference this ministry has made in his life, Jeff stated, "It has opened my eyes and opened my heart to just how many children, right around us, are in need of assistance and to just how acute that need is. There is so much we can do, even with just a little time and a little effort, or with just a few dollars, to make a difference in these children's lives. And working in this ministry has greatly enhanced the love that Tama and I feel for the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ. There has been no end to the people approaching us, asking "What can I do to help?"

Help Wanted
We'll have the coin can drive again this year, as well as a "Christmas in July" activity to purchase toys and clothes for needy children in Wilson County. We will also be furnishing "We Care" Kits for children coming into state custody for the first time; volunteers for all of these projects are needed. Also, Gloria Farrell continues to lead our group of sewers in making quilts. Lastly, there will be a greater involvement with pro-life activities in our area. Through these efforts, we can touch children's lives as well as our own. Let's get involved!