There have been many moments since I joined the REACH team in May that I have felt proud of the kids we work with. This past Sunday was the proudest moment yet. Watching our five new converts participate in their first worship service as new Christians brought tears to my eyes. Their enthusiasm and desire to learn and grow was so humbling to me. I know we spend a lot of time and effort trying to be good examples to them, but this Sunday they were an awesome example to me. I know it can be very easy for us to get discouraged, but seeing these new brothers and sisters in Christ proves to me that everything we do is more than worth it!

Alisa

I never had any idea that one year after moving to Nashville, I would be so involved in such a wonderful program. The kids are beautiful, and they bring every one of us so much joy. I teach the 3rd and 4th grade girls on wednesday night, and on sunday night I co-teach the high school girls with Chelsea. All of the girls are just so wonderful.

Because of the Bible Bowl practice, my 3rd and 4th grade girls have expanded to include the 5th-8th grade girls who are not participating in the event. This has caused my wednesday night numbers in class to jump up to around 20 or more every night. Most ask me if I can handle it, or if they need to separate the girls, but I wouldn’t have that for the world. They all just sit there and love every minute of it. Most of the time they laugh at my corny jokes, or strange voices, or how excited and crazy I get when I’m telling the bible story. It’s all so refreshing.

My most recent experience involves my day job. I teach at hunters lane high school and at brick church middle school, so most of the kids in the neighborhoods that we pick up now see me on a daily basis. Wednesday night, a young girl wanted to get on our bus. Her mother didn’t want her getting on by herself, but then the little girl’s brother came out. He is a student at hunters lane, and recognized me as a teacher. Because of my position at the school, this child was able to come with us. Nautica was such a blessing that evening. Reach really is making a difference.

Miss Betsy

It is wonderful to see how God is working through the REACH program. Scripture speaks of how the body has many parts which aid the body in different ways, yet they are all working toward the same goal. That is exactly what I see within the workers of this program. Servants dedicating their talents for something they deeply believe in. And, man, have we not received blessings because of it? I know I have. Yes, sometimes I do get a headache driving a bus full of screaming kids, but as soon as we arrive at the building, I just want to hug them all… normally. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am at a place where I call home - where I know my role. That, in itself, is a blessing. God has also blessed me by surrounding me with such an awesome group of servants. And the greatest thing is that it’s not even about the workers, it’s about the kids! If it were not so, this program would have fizzled months ago. My prayer is that God would continue to work through our small efforts that we may have a big impact on our community. Let’s keep praying.

Chris Post (ever so recently named Chrispy)

Every Tuesday and Thursday a new excitement comes to my day… the idea that in the afternoon, I will be spending time with some of the greatest kids in the world. I am the fortunate one, I was given the opportunity to get involved in the program, despite not being a member of Echo Hills. The role I play is not a big role, I’m basically just a big kid, but at least I know that the Lord is allowing me to get involved in the lives of some very special children. I also know that even if I never make an impact on thier lives, they will have made an impact on mine. Sometimes I truly think that they are the blessing for me, instead of me being a blessing for them. I LOVE my small role and I am so thankful that Dave and the rest of the hard working members of Echo Hills, REACH team have allowed me to join this excellent work.

WANTED: Anyone who has a few moments to spare after they get off work, loves working with kids, and loves the Lord. The job does not require much, just a willing spirit. We would love for you to come by and just stay for an hour, ride the bus when we take them home, or just come for snack time. I guarantee that you will be blessed and that it will be hard to walk away without wanting to return. REMEMBER… You do not have to be a member of Echo Hills, all you have to be is someone who loves children and loves the Lord. I know all of you meet that requirement, so I will see you there soon.

Sean