Countryside

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In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NLT

It all started when Tom Bassford, the Live Out Director at Indian Creek Community Church, asked the right question, How can we serve you? That question launched a six year and counting ministry at Countryside Elementary School that is still growing.

It started with backpacks. Ironically, while the church leaders were attempting to figure out if we had the manpower and time to recruit backpacks for under resourced children a junior high student, Brittany Outler, went out and did it. She and a couple of her friends went to their neighbors and collected 64 backpacks and the supplies to fill them. That Christmas Indian Creek also provided gifts for those families plus more. Then longer term solutions like mentors and Youth Friends were offered. Volunteers from Indian Creek helped with Field Day and field trips.

Then we became aware that kids who received a free lunch when school was in session didn’t have meals during vacations. So we gathered their backpacks (200+) and filled them with food for the Christmas break. Next we were invited to participate in and lead a joint Summer Camp with the school staff. By this time it seemed that when we thought of ministries at the church we thought of the school and when the school thought of partners they thought of the church. So much for separation of church and state!

Terry Geenens, who was Indian Creek’s children’s leader, was moved to resign her role at the church and take on the challenge of launching a Life Enrichment Program. Her vision is to break the cycle of poverty by providing mentoring and participation in the Arts, character development, martial arts and basic life skills. Her efforts are creating a model for the Olathe School District.

Where, what or who needs the passion, giftedness and life experience you have?

Gary Kendall
www.livingsent.net/devotionals
Week 5, Live Out, Day 5, Devo 25