Our youth group aims to be a light in our community by participating in many initiatives for community service. Check out our Facebook page to see some of the amazing things our youth has already done for the community.
Our church groups up annually in late September through early November to fill and send boxes near and far with Samaritan's purse for kids who are affected by catastrophic events and/or have very little. The program we build boxes for is called Operation Christmas Child. Boxes can be picked up at our church and filled by families, groups, and more in the community and then returned to us to take to collection week in November to our regional drop off location. Directions for filling boxes can be found at this location. How to Pack a Shoebox (samaritanspurse.org) For those that would like to help with this mission but cannot afford to fill a shoebox ask our church how you can give what you can (a donation and/or your time) to help. Group building typically takes place during our Family Game Nights in October and November. If you are able to only give a few items, this is a perfect time to come and join us and place your few items with others few items to build full boxes.
Check out the video below to hear more about the work of Operation Christmas Child and how this outreach is sharing the gospel with kids everywhere in big ways!
This is our blessing box which we fill with non-perishable food and hygiene items to help those that are in need. We have received stories of the good that the box has done in the community especially those who come into town on the Amtrack for work at the Greenbrier Hotel. The most stand out story comes from a young man from El Salvador who was making the journey in hopes to come to the United States to work and get an education. When he arrived at White Sulphur Springs, he had not eaten for 3 days. As he was walking down the street to his new temporary home, he found the blessing box which provided him with a meal. This box was created by a member of Grace Baptist church and local Girl Scout Troop #37400.
Our church also has a stand inside of our foyer that is full of cards. These cards can be taken and sent to others who recently lost a loved one to let them know that you are praying for them, thinking about them, etc. If you are able to do so there is also an envelope inside with the cards where you can make a monetary donation of your choice to Gideon's to have Bibles placed in the deceased's honor. The Bibles are $5 each and are placed in hospital rooms, hotel rooms, doctor's office waiting rooms, etc.