Belvedere First Baptist: Tutoring Children and Making a ...

Belvedere First Baptist: Tutoring Children and Making a Difference Members of Belvedere First Baptist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina took on the responsibility of ministering to children in the Southern Pines Trailer Park. The trailer park houses many Hispanics. Many of the parents do not speak English. Their children who do speak English attend local public schools and need additional assistance to be successful in their school work. Several members of the church led by Gail Graham tutor thirty-one children on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. The session consists of a 15 minute Bible Study and an hour of tutoring. The ministry goes beyond the tutoring sessions as the church sends a bus to the trailer park to pick up children so that they can attend the Sunday morning services. Recently as teacher, Pam Boatwright, presented a Bible Study lesson about heroes of the Bible, she and the other teachers were amazed that the children knew so much. The elementary school age children as well as the younger children were able to answer questions such as “Who was David?” Even though the active children often seemed distracted, it was evident that they were listening to what was being taught. The teachers were so excited about what the children knew that the 15 minute session turned into a 45 minute session. The very next Sunday the children attended Sunday school and children’s church. The leaders began to talk to them about salvation and 3 of the children received Christ as Savior. A short time later Gail visited the trailer park, and a parent came to her and said that his 2 children wanted to become Christians so these 2 children were led to Christ. Reverend John Meyer, pastor of Belvedere First Baptist and a Hispanic pastor, Max Guzman , went to the trailer park to speak to the parents to discuss the children’s decisions. All five of the children are awaiting baptism. Gail is quick to commend the dedication of all of the teachers. Jane Brown, Alex Mabe, Polly Farr, Mary Head, Pam Boatwright, and Kathy Britton are at the church ever Tuesday and Thursday to meet the children. They are making a difference in the lives of children.