By Kathleen Herd
By Kathleen Herd
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida--God has given the 29-member WCG congregation in West Palm Beach an opportunity to preach the gospel in a big way.
For the past six months, members have gathered every Saturday morning to minister to children ages 3 to 13 at Riviera Beach's Avenue S projects, one of the neediest communities in South Florida.
This neighborhood was featured in a Home Box Office (HBO) documentary, "High on Crack Street," because it has one of the highest drug and crime rates in the nation.
The children on Avenue S are full of zeal to learn about Jesus Christ and his love at work in their lives. Beginning at 10 a.m., in a vacant lot next to the projects, Don Jacobs, a WCG member, and his brother Walt lead as many as 60 children in recreational activities including kickball, soccer and flag football.
Members Bob Carrier and Gerry Jamison set up archery ranges each week, giving children one-on-one instruction. (Bob handcrafted enough bows and arrows for each child to participate.)
At about 11 a.m., the children gather under a tree, where portable tables and chairs are set up for them to enjoy doughnuts and juice provided by church members.
At noon, adult volunteers and children dine together on hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by church member Martha Burrow. This is the only food that some of the children will receive throughout the weekend. They frequently ask to bring leftovers home for other household members.
While the children enjoy snacks, they also partake of the Word of God. Interactive Bible lessons focusing on the life and love of Jesus Christ are presented. Each lesson is reinforced with group discussion and an arts and crafts project.
Many of the children carry the "Jesus" rocks in their pockets that they painted, reminding them that Jesus is the rock on which they must build their lives.
Like the children on Avenue S, the West Palm Beach WCG members are learning that the love of Jesus is alive and active.
"We had a zeal to do God's work, but had no idea how to do it, " said Kathleen Herd, wife of pastor Gerald Herd.
"So the entire congregation prayed for months and asked for God's direction," Mrs. Herd said. "Every member of the women's ministry selected a different day to fast and pray for God's direction in a mission. Shortly thereafter, the entire congregation was invited into the neighborhood on Avenue S to launch the children's ministry.
"Praise God for his mighty work and the opportunity to be an instrument of his peace," she said.
"The seeds of the gospel are now being sown in the hearts of these sweet children, and in due season, he will reap a harvest.
"We are learning firsthand that God is not limited by what we do not have. As he has promised, he will supply our every need."
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY--Photos by Martha Burrow
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999