In today’s economy we must trust God will supply the needs of the people.
LAKE CHARLES – In today’s economy we must trust God will supply the needs of the people.
Over the last six years, Grace Ministries of Lake Charles, an outreach ministry of the Carey Baptist Association, has been able to provide school uniforms and supplies for 150 to 200 families a year in the Lake Charles area.
“We average a little more than 150 families before school starts, and 50 more after school gets underway,” Director of Grace Ministries Gerri Captain said. “Some years we deliver the supplies to the families and other years we have a cook-out or a back-to-school party and hand out the supplies then.”
While school does not start in and around Lake Charles until Aug.18, Captain is anxious to see how people and the churches in the association will respond this year, considering the poor economy.
“Our associational churches have been our biggest sponsors in this and all of our ministries,” Captain said. “As a matter of fact, I received an offering check right after July 4 from one of our churches. I know God will provide, but I’m still a little anxious to see how people will respond this year.”
Area churches can help Grace Ministries provide these supplies – filler paper, scissors, jumbo crayons, markers, colored pencils, crayons, protractors/compass, pencils, red pens, blue pens, black pens, 3-ring binders, composition notebooks, folders, rulers, backpacks, index cards (with lines), primary writing tablets, construction paper, Kleenex, subject dividers, Ziploc bags (quart sized), baby wipes, zippered pencil pouches, school box, chair backs, and kindergarten mats.
Captain is also hoping to receive “new or gently used” uniform shirts (white and navy) and pants (khaki and navy) in color.
“If you have supplies you would like to donate, you can drop it off at the association office or call here 337.433.6952 and we will make arrangements to get them from you,” Captain said. “Providing the needs of these families is truly a blessing, and means a lot to the families. I am hoping to get everything as quickly as possible, so we can distribute these supplies by the first Friday in August [Aug. 7].”
In addition to assisting area families with back-to-school supplies, Grace Ministries, which began in April of 2001, also maintains and provides a children’s learning center, a youth outreach center, a women’s ministry and a women’s and children’s clothing boutique.