Mission Update from One More Child
Every week, the leadership and staff of One More Child come together for prayer and devotion to celebrate the encouraging development in our ongoing mission to serve vulnerable children and struggling families, all for the glory of God.
Here is a glimpse into the good news of the recent activities and accomplishments at One More Child:
Anti-Trafficking
One More Child’s Loft 181 recently welcomed a new client, Juana*, with our anti-trafficking team into the store. From the moment Juana stepped into Loft 181, it was evident that the atmosphere overwhelmed her. We guided her gently, allowing her to set the pace for her own journey within our space. As always, we approached her with sensitivity and understanding, and it was during our visit to the gospel room that Juana opened up about the crisis of faith she was processing. As she shared her story, Juana also expressed something profound – she shared that being at Loft 181 confirmed Jesus’ unconditional love for her. Despite Juana’s doubts and past hurts, she felt acceptance and affirmation through Loft 181 and her experience with our team! This experience reaffirmed the purpose behind our work at Loft 181 – to provide a sanctuary where individuals like Juana can encounter Christ’s unconditional love.
*Name changed for privacy
Child Hunger
The preschool at First Baptist Church in Sarasota is preparing for its annual Trike-A-Thon in April. This event brings together preschoolers for a fun ride in the parking lot on their tricycles, sponsored by donations from parents. This year, they’ve chosen One More Child’s Backpack Meal Program as a beneficiary. Families will also have the chance to pack meals for One More Child. The preschoolers and their families will also have the opportunity to pack meals for One More Child. Last year, they raised more than $2,000 for a local non-profit, and we are celebrating this creative and engaging way to involve the next generation in giving back to the community.
Partnerships
Last week, at the Exponential Conference, One More Child engaged with leaders from diverse backgrounds, connecting with pastors and denomination leaders from around the world in a venue filled to capacity with 6,000 attendees. Our conversations with potential partners, ranging from Fiji to Australia and from Nevada to Georgia, highlighted the widespread interest in One More Child’s Christ-centered services for children and families, showcasing the organization’s global reach.
Single Moms
Idlewild Baptist Church, a valued partner, has revitalized its Single Moms Community Program after pausing due to COVID. The program resumed in January, and One More Child recently provided training for mentors and volunteers. It is a joy to see the program back in action – the facilitator is a single mom who has triumphed in life and has so much wisdom to offer the other single moms. It was an incredible night!
Another Single Moms Community Program also organized a special Valentine’s Day event for moms called “Galantines.” Volunteers arranged a gathering for moms and their children with donated pizza and snacks. This class of moms will graduate on March 13th, and Tomasa, the program’s coordinator and a graduate of our Single Moms Residential Program, will present their certificates during the church service. Please keep these moms and their children in our prayers as they progress towards self-sufficiency and building healthy families.
Thank you for your continued prayer and consistent support as we strive to provide Christ-centered services to vulnerable children and struggling families.