By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent
COLUMBIA, Md.—Baptist Family & Children’s Services will host their next “Breaking the Cycle” at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the BFCS office located at 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia. BFCS volunteer coordinator, Cindy Yost, said the session is an opportunity for individuals, churches, small groups and others to learn more about ways to minister with and support the organization.
“BFCS has been ‘Breaking the Cycle’ (BTC) of poverty, child abuse and neglect and domestic violence for many years now,” Yost said. But many still don’t know about the agency’s services. The BTC introduction is a way of getting the word out to the community, she explained. “We want to let people know that we are here, that we care about people, and that they are welcome to get involved if they so choose.” Yost said the agency wants to help churches be on mission and can provide many ongoing and project based ministries. Many churches are currently participating in a back-to-school supply program and will soon be gearing up for Christmas stores, providing opportunities for poor families to purchase Christmas gifts for their children for just the price of a canned good, allowing them to also help others.
The one-hour long program begins with a basic overview of the services, a testimony from one of BFCS’s clients and a tour of the agency office.
“One of the stories you will hear is about a very young couple (19 and 20 years old) that came to us homeless with an infant. We were able to place them in one of our transitional houses. They have both since gone to trade school and have become gainfully employed. They have worked on issues such as; marital skills, budget and parenting skills. They are on their way to becoming independent and will be looking for housing very soon,” Yost said. It’s one of many stories that God has allowed BFCS to be a part of.
Baptist Family & Children’s Services is an SBC agency partially supported by the Cooperative Program.
For more information about the Sept. 11 event or to register, please call (800) 621-8834 ext. 120.