I am beyond blessed and privileged to sit on the board and particpate with this amazing non-profit that is making a huge difference in Austin Texas. My good friend John had for years desired to start a non-profit that would help people in return for all God has blessed him with. Once his daughter Kaylie graduated from college, the vision began to grow. Kaylie wanted to touch the lives of young kids, and felt called to get into public schools where under privileged kids attended. Her dream and vision soon came to pass approximayely three years ago. Against all odds she solicited and was permitted to go into 'Oak Springs Elementary' in Austin Texas. She quickly shared her vision with her good friend Liz and they proceeded with a game plan and put it into action.
Christian Outreach Foundation provides daily the following for kids Monday through Friday every week:
Bible Study, Tutoring, Crafts, Field Trips, Guest Speakers and a Hot Meal before they go home (so that they are assured a hot meal whether they get one at home or not). This is truly a God thing! Bible Studies in a public school! There is 'No-Charge' to the kids or families for this afternoon program. Kids grades have gone from failing to A's & B's! Attitudes have changed and true personalities are blossoming. Their attitudes are now willing and grateful and no longer rebellious. The principle and teachers are amazed at how much these kids have changed, and willing to help the COF volunteers and staff. There is truly a sense of victory and love roaming the halls.
This past Thursday, COF was recognized by our State on the House floor for all that they have done and will be doing in the future. In just short of five years the State of Texas has recognized this outstanding non-profit. This is a God thing! We are praying that funds will come in and that COF can multiply into schools throughout the State of Texas. This next year COF will be in another school in Austin. COF does have paid staff along with volunteers and everyone one of them have an unblievable charateristic "They're in it for the kids."
Judy and I had the privilege of going to the school and helping after school. As those precious kids ran up (the smell of poor hygene grappling you) to us, our hearts just melted. Everyone one of them were polite and grateful (product of COF work) and each one of them had needs. One little girl came up out of no where and just stared at me for a moment. She finally said "My brother went to jail last night." She fought the tears back and I immediately asked her if she would like me to pray with her, and she nodded yes. After we prayed I asked her if she owuld like to write her brother and she said "Yes." De assured me that she would get her the paper adn envelope and she left grateful. Ealrier in the day, Ralph, a young boy came up to me at the Capital and said he liked my tie and asked if he could have it. I immediately took it off and tied it around his neck. That afternoon he still had it on. It was stained with dirt, BBQ sauce, chocolate milk and who knows what else, but he too was grateful. last but not least was a young girl named Tiara. As I sat talking with some other kids she came up and leaned on me as if she just wanted to be loved. When we went in to do crafts she came up and asked me if she could read a book for me. As we turned the pages she would look up at me with huge eyes seekign help. I would say three or four words and she would repeat them while following along with a ruler under each word. She was happy.
We all can make a difference here, right now, where we live and where we play. I applaud Kaylie, Liz, De, Jessica, Loren, TJ, and for loving as Christ loved and serving as He served. I praise the Lord for my friend John who has funded the majority of this non-profit out of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done in his life. Please pray that doors at public schools will continue to open, volunteers will still be willing to give there time, and that kids lives, visions and dreams will become a reality~
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