August Newsletter, 2026
It’s hard to view social media these days without seeing back-to-school photos of kiddos with new clothes, sneakers, toothy smiles and a back pack stuffed with supplies. Parents and grandparents are happy that summer is over and the children are back in class; the children…not so much. The schedule and weather have changed and another school year has begun.
Over the last couple of months you have read about the backpack outreach to the Native American students at Celilo Indian Village and the Quinault Reservation. Playfully we have titled it, “Otzi the Iceman Outreach!” We’ve talked about our goal of providing for each student a new backpack with pens, pencils, paper, markers, ear-buds, calculators, and erasers (of course) and even water bottles and snack bars. Our budget was $39.00 for each backpack and the total was over $2,400.00. Let me say a BIG thank you for your generous response. We met our goal! You’ll see pictures of the backpacks and the quantity and quality are outstanding. Without your help we could not do this ministry. We are now scheduling our trips to deliver the backpacks so that every child is ready for school.
I’m reminded of a verse that talks about “anyone who gives even a simple cup of water” in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41) Jesus used this phrase to describe that even the smallest act of kindness would be seen. God notices and values everyday, minor gestures of kindness and generosity. They reflect His nature because God cares about EVERY need, even backpacks. When we as His followers reach out and provide for them in some tangible way we are showing the world God’s love. Isn’t that our job?
So thank you again for helping us “give a cup of water” and a backpack to a Native American child, whom you will probably never meet in this life, but maybe one day in Heaven, sitting around the campfire, you will hear a voice tell about receiving a backpack as a child, on a remote Indian reservation and being introduced to God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness. Imagine that!
Men’s Ministry Annual Retreat
I will be the guest speaker…
BATTLE GROUND BAPTIST CHURCH
(360)687-7124
https://bgbaptist.com
September 25-26
Join us for a great two day “get away” and retreat at the beautiful 150 acre
ROYAL RIDGES RETREAT CENTER
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