GOD LOVES CHEERFUL GIVERS!
A marvelous example of children
helping children
By Chuck Kelley
Winder, GEORGIA - Welcome to Hope Baptist Church - where children take the offering…for other children!
Situated on a beautiful rolling Georgia hill about an hour north of Atlanta, Hope Baptist Church is a loving fellowship of people who enjoy singing Gospel songs, accompanied by guitar, banjo, mandolin and a bass fiddle. The church loves country music so much that they called a pastor by the name of Hank Williams.
This vibrant congregation includes both professionals and hard-working country folks. There are seniors, families, teenagers and lots of children . . . children who have been taught about the needs of other children.
Hope Baptist Church was introduced to Latvia in April of 1996 when church members, Tom and Jennifer Bohannon, adopted their only daughter, Dasha, from a Latvian orphanage. Ever since they brought Dasha home, the Bohannons have had a heart for the children of Latvia. The church made a decision several years ago to take a special offering on the first Sunday of each month for Mission Pakapieni, a wonderful Latvian Christian ministry that provides care for orphans, impoverished families and unwed mothers.
Here's how they take that offering:
On the chosen Sunday, Jennifer Bohannon selects six or eight children who are each armed with a compelling smile and an empty offering plate. She explains that this money will help needy orphans and poor families in Latvia.
The country music begins. The "Theads of Hope" blue grass band, which features Daniel Bohannon on the banjo, plays as each adult in the congregation is personally approached by at least one eager child.
Ten-year-old Dasha leads the charge. Her dad says, "She loves it. She has a heart for the children in Latvia and feels very proud that she can do something to help 'her' people."
Smiles abound. Virtually every wallet and purse is opened by cheerful givers. I have never had so much fun taking pictures in a church service.
The whole church is enthusiastic. "You can feel the excitement within the kids as well as the adults," adds Tom.
As the ceremony draws to a close, the little ushers converge on Mrs. Bohannon, who waits for them on the front pew with a large plastic jar.
Tom continues, "The kids really enjoy it and look forward to it each month. It gives them an opportunity to participate in the church service in a fun and exciting way. It also acquaints them with missions giving through a hands-on experience. They enjoy the one-on-one interaction with each member as they spread through the congregation taking the collection."
Each month the church sends the offering to BBI to be forwarded to Mission Pakapieni in Latvia. BBI then includes that gift, as well as other gifts to churches, ministries and needy families in its monthly wire to Partners Foundation, BBI's affiliate in Latvia. The money is then carefully distributed to its intended recipients. All along the way the appropriate receipts, vouchers and financial statements are generated with the greatest of care.
Hope Baptist Church really lives up to its name. Since March 2000, when they first began this giving program, their children have collected more than ,000 for Mission Pakapieni. This has been used by God to share His love and hope with the children of Latvia.
If you or your church are interested in including the ministry of Mission Pakapieni in your giving, please let us know. Just like BBI helps Hope Baptist Church get the money to Latvia, we can help you too.
February 6, 2003
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