a generous gift...

Cross Pointe Community Church students raise funds for Ekklesia...

Naming the project "Made to Play," Melanie Buford's Junior Sunday School Class (4th - 6th graders) decided to challenge other Sunday School classes to see who could bring in the most money - money that would provide balls, jump ropes, puzzles, etc. for children who do not have those things to play with at Ekklesia School and CarePoint. Mrs. Buford wanted her students to have the opportunity to serve others and share the gospel in a tangible way so they set the challenge and went to work collecting the money each week as well as counting and charting the profits. There were many times the students had to stay after class just to finish counting all the change! When all was said and done, Mrs. Buford's class served the high school class donuts and hot chocolate for their victory, although her class of ten raised a very significant amount! These children gave so generously through their allowances, savings, and some took on extra jobs to be able to give! I never cease to be amazed at what the body of Christ can do! We have had the opportunity to watch adults and youth give selflessly to others. What a joy!

When Mrs. Buford was visiting with a few of her students afterwards, they told her they cannot wait to see the pictures of the kids getting to play with the toys. They wish they could be the ones to give the students the new items.  She told them, "Maybe one day you will.”

And they responded, “THAT WOULD BE GREAT IF WE COULD GO!!  WE WE WOULD LOVE IT!!"

Mrs. Buford then followed up with, "Yes, you would!"

And I hope and pray someday they do have the opportunity to go - go and serve and love and learn and grow! 

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MRS. BUFORD'S CLASS FOR SETTING THIS CHALLENGE AND SEEING IT THROUGH! THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN RAISING MONEY FOR THE CHILDREN IN SENDAFA, ETHIOPIA WHO ATTEND EKKLESIA SCHOOL AND CAREPOINT.