I remember my wife, Marilyn, reading a children's book to our three sons about a little railroad engine that was climbing a mountain. The engine kept saying, "I think I can! I think I can." When it reached the top, it said, "I thought I could! I thought I could."
In the community West Normandy Baptist Church serves, they discovered an under performing (turn-around) school, Normandy Village Elementary, where 70% of the students are on the free breakfast/lunch program. The school had very few community partners. The church has about 100 in attendance, but was committed to help. They found the school not only open, but excited about the partnership.
The first event they held at the school was a brunch for the administration, teachers and support staff, on a planning day when no students were present. In addition to the brunch, each person was given a gift bag. The church also provided some age-appropriate books. Teachers were invited to select books for their classrooms, and the remaining books were placed in the library. Other projects have been providing coats, volunteers to assist in classes, landscaping by the youth, Christmas gifts for teachers from the children's department, and prayer walking the school. One of the unique projects just started is a garden on the school grounds. Over 80 children in 5th grade classes planted seeds they are anxiously watching grow.
On April 5th, the church will be recognized by the Florida Department of Education as the most outstanding partnership in their school district. It is one of three partners in the Duval Public School System to receive this award. I believe when we have Jesus eyes to see the needs about us and a Jesus heart to respond, then our hands and feet will find a way to take action. Congratulations West Normandy! You thought you could and you did!
This is just one of the stories about the compassion and ministry of our Jacksonville Baptist Association (JBA) churches. I love hearing the stories and I enjoy sharing them, because I think we can learn and be encouraged by each other.
Walter Bennett
Interim Director/Leadership Institute
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