Norfolk, Virginia, US
In the fall of 2023, GC Norfolk hosted a 2-day drum camp for community children. We invited a local organization, Shark City Drum and Dance Corps, to join us and teach the children how to play drums. It was a fun weekend getting to know our neighbors and sharing a meal together. On Sunday, we had a worship service with all who attended.
Our congregation has been supporting Shark City for a few years now, and the drum camp was merely one part of an ongoing partnership. I serve as the chaplain and president of the board for Shark City. Erica, my wife, is the administrative assistant, and she’s a crucial member of the team. Shark City helps young people learn music and dance, to avoid some of the crime and trouble that are readily available on our local streets. GC Norfolk will continue to foster this partnership because Shark City is an important part of our community who, like our congregation, cares about the welfare of our city’s young people.
By Calvin Simon, Pastor
Norfolk, VA, US
Hmawbi, Yangon, Myanmar
Our congregation holds a weekly Kid Sunday School service. Then at least once every three months, we host a children’s camp. The October camp was attended by 25-30 children. We divided the group into children and youth. It was organized by our members and led by our two Sunday school teachers.
The teachers taught the gospel message, and Christian living. The children memorized Bible verses and learned action songs. The camp leaders emphasized the importance of the children carrying the lessons of camp into their daily lives, encouraging the children to pray and trust in Jesus during both good times and bad.
We provided breakfast and lunch. And we gave the children presents such as cooking oil, toothbrushes, rice, salt, and clothes.
By Chan Thleng, Pastor
Hmawbi, Myanmar
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
At the end of September, GC Cincinnati West hosted a Fall Festival for the surrounding community and neighbors. The day before our festival, Cincinnati was hit with the remaining winds of Hurricane Helena. The severe weather knocked out electricity for random areas in the city. Our outside set-up was destroyed, and everything was soaked. We moved the festival indoors and proceeded. To our surprise, many from the neighborhood came and took refuge in our building where they could enjoy a day with their family, eat a warm meal, and experience the fellowship of the church. Many stayed for hours as conversations were abundant. On a cold, wet day, our neighbors experienced the warmth of Jesus shining brightly though His church.
In October, GC Cincinnati East gathered at the community park and invited the neighbors to come and have lunch with us. We provided a meal and various activities. We showed up with enthusiasm and love for our neighbors. The neighbors who joined us were met with good food, good music, and loving fellowship. We discovered that we as a church needed more fun time together and that we can easily be visible to our neighborhood. We look forward to joining our neighbors at the park more often.
By Julie Frantz, Pastor
Cincinnati, OH, US
