Kids' Crossing Update

  • Emily Schissler
  • Nov 12, 2008

In the beginning of October, Kid's Crossing Volunteers set out to blanket the area surrounding the office with informational flyers regarding our new free tutoring program.  The goal of this program is not church growth but rather is to meet the needs of those in the community.  We had no idea how God was going to move or if this program would even get off the ground. 
Backpack
I was floored at the phone calls we had from parents who were excited to be able to get their child the extra help they needed but could not afford.  All three parents I spoke with shared parts of their life story and the struggles their children were having in school.  One shared that one evening her husband and her were discussing the need for their children to get tutoring but did not know where to go or how to possibly afford tutoring.  The next morning as she walked her children to the bus stop, she noticed the green flyers all over the neighborhood, an answer to the problem she had just been discussing the night before! 

These three young girls from Mokena and Frankfort have been coming to the ministry center on Thursday evenings, getting the chance to meet their new tutors and spend an hour getting extra help in a variety of subjects, from reading and spelling to pre-algebra.  Even their mothers stayed and spent the hour in conversation with the Kids' Crossing leaders, Emily Schissler and Tara Birk, getting to know each other and learning more about Missio Dei.  It has been a great start to an exciting new endeavor for the church. 

This last week, all 3 girls came in proudly displaying the A's they had received on their tests they had worked so hard to get ready for with thier tutor.  The parents could not be happier with the tutors as they get out playdoh, paint, and games to have a blast while tutoring!  This ministry has truly been a blessing to those involved both serving and being served.  The mother's can not wait until we have enough volunteers that they can "spread the word" about the great service being provided.  Please continue to pray that the God brings the right volunteers and students come forward for this program as we plan to blanket the area again with flyers to start adding students in January.