Opportunities to Give

Every summer, Sherry and Jim Vinson host their four grandchildren for a week of Camp Coco.  There are places to go and things to do.  Each camp has a theme, with this summer’s being the seven continents.  Each morning, Sherry guided the campers through a study of one of the continents.  Research was done, facts were shared, a map was studied, and art work from that part of the world was noted.  Then each grandchild painted a picture such as the Aboriginal Dot art for Australia.  The afternoons were for swimming, a movie, water inflatables park, climbing wall, I Jump, and other games and activities.  Even in the downpour on Sunday, they made it to church and Sunday School.  Not only did the cousins study the world last week, they also had the opportunity to make a difference in the world.  On Saturday, Sherry took her grands shopping and each child chose items so they could pack their own shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.  Along with gaining knowledge, Sherry also wants her grandchildren to learn the importance of giving and serving.

 

On Thursday, the children of Tallowood Baptist Church, in Houston, Texas, had the opportunity to come to the church and work on 5 projects. 

Each child participated by:

 

* Stuffing goodie bags and writing notes to give to students to introduce the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) and its new leader to the students at University of Houston, Clear Lake

 

* Wrapping granola bars and writing notes for the people at the University of Houston BSM to give to students

 

* Decorating an ice chest, to leave on a front porch, so people can leave meals for a family with medical needs and also making knotted blankets for the family

 

* Packing school supplies, which will be put in backpacks, to give to “Houston Welcomes Refugees” and writing notes to the children who will be receiving the school supplies and backpacks

 

* Covering crackers in chocolate to share with the Tallowood staff, support staff, and custodians.

 

Lisa Keeling, Minister to Children, commented, “This is my favorite event of the year.  The children do for others and take nothing home with them.  It’s all about giving.”

 

May we, too, look for opportunities to give and invite others to join us.

 

 

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16