If you have been at Browncroft even a short time you have heard the importance of putting your faith into action through outreach. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by the opportunities that exist and deciding on just the right one that might fit into our busy daily schedules. Browncroft encourages each of us to take a step in discipleship and help reach those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the unchurched. The youth in our community are an important focus of this effort.
Just down the road from us is a wonderful opportunity for local outreach. For several years, Browncroft has developed an outreach ministry to the staff and students at East High Upper & Lower School. East High School serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students, with a strong majority of Black students, a significant Hispanic population, and smaller numbers of White, Asian, and American Indian students, as well as a near-even split between male and female enrollment. There is a large number of non-English speaking students who are new immigrants, and almost all live in the zip codes surrounding the school. It is one of just a couple bilingual schools in our area. In the past year, I have been asked to take a leadership role in developing this relationship even further. As a former middle school teacher, I have an appreciation for the needs of students and their families and how those needs impact their daily education.
Over the years, Browncroft has supported the needs of this population through Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, Bible and backpack donations, prayer tables at school events, birthday gift bags, snacks for hungry students, and the creation of an active and well-stocked clothing closet. Just last month your generosity (in just one week!) resulted in the collection of over 650 backpacks for the students starting school. We are also developing opportunities to connect these students with those serving at the school in the hopes that they would see Jesus through them. During one of my recent visits to East High, a young girl visited the clothing closet and was quite distraught after taking back-to-back exams during the summer school term. She was looking for a warm jacket because the air-conditioned rooms were very cold. I was able to talk with her and give her hope through prayer. I asked her if she had a Bible and she said she would love one! Just that day, someone had donated a beautiful new Bible that I was able to give to her. God is good and He shows up at just the right time!
Our current needs are for volunteers to staff the clothing closet during student lunch hours from 11:00am to 1:00pm on school days (any or all days are available). The duties are simple but the rewards are many. There is time to help students choose free clothing and develop a relationship with them. If you are interested in helping or have questions, feel free to reach out to me. We are always accepting gently used teen appropriate clothing, as well as shoes and accessories (name brands are a bonus!). Individually wrapped snacks are also welcomed for students who come to school hungry. These items can be left in the baskets located in the Faith in Action center near the main entryway of the church.
The Bible tells us:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I look forward to having you join us in this much needed outreach effort.
Bev Voos
East High School Local Outreach Liaison
