This proved itself to be true once again last week! We held a school supply drive to help James and Sandra Williams in their ministry to the children at the Bent Tree Apartments. We wanted to share a little more about this amazing ministry.
The Williams have given so much of their personal time and money to set up a tutoring program for children who live in the Bent Tree Apartment complex. Pastor James is a retired Federal Reserve Banker and his wife Sandra is a former teacher. Together with several volunteers, they are changing lives! Click HERE to watch a video about the Bent Tree Ministry Center. This article from the Baptist and Reflector Jan. 13, 2010 tells their story beautifully. Pastor and Mrs.Williams are the picture of living by faith! "I keep my eyes on the prize that brought me here - Jesus!" And the Lord has definitely used the Williams to do an amazing work!
Pastor Williams said, " Some moms and dads can't read or write. Most homes don't have computers, so the center has 15 for the children to use. We provide book bags, school supplies, plus juice and a snack." He has also made an arrangement with the apartment owner that credits the parents $5 off rent for every "A" on their child's report card.
We are thrilled to share that your generous donations enabled us to give the Williams 3 large (and overflowing) bins of school supplies and $225 to use toward their amazing ministry! Mrs. Williams told us that from our donation, they had enough supplies for their students to start school and some left over to replenish the tutoring center as the year progresses. They were able to purchase supplies for their tutoring center and much needed rugs for their computer lab.
Pastor James and Sandra Williams with a portion of the supplies donated by The Happy Heart customers! |
What an amazing thing it is to look outward and give to others in need! We're also so proud of what an awesome example is being set for our children and feel so blessed that we have such Godly servants like the Williams in our community!