THROUGH OUR EYES
The Through Our Eyes Project is a homeless outreach that puts disposable cameras in the hands of people who have struggled with homelessness. The project aims to provide a message of hope, give the joy that comes with creating art and enable the photographers to have a voice about the issue of homelessness in the community.
GOODTREE CAFE
Matthew 7:17 says that “every good tree bears good fruit.” We aspire to be good trees that bear the fruit of the Gospel in Spartanburg and around the world. The Goodtree Cafe carries t-shirts, snacks, drinks and other merchandise to help fund missions. Specifically, everything cent made in the store goes directly to fund our Backpack Buddies program. Backpack Buddies provides food for elementary school children who likely may not eat much between lunch on Friday and breakfast at school on Monday. We send out over 125 bags of food each week to area schools. Buy some stuff. Feed a kid.
The call to foster
In June of 2016, our family surrendered to God’s call to become foster parents. Honestly, He had been calling us to do this for about two years. But we were reluctant. Even disobedient to Him in some ways. We had so many questions and were only focusing on the “what ifs.” But the Lord was patient with us, and we could feel him saying, “Trust me.”
DSS brought our first placement to us Nov. 30, 2016. All we knew was that she was 4 months old and needed a home. We had bought all of the supplies and were ready and excited. But nothing really prepares you for that moment when they bring her in your home and then leave within minutes. She was screaming, and we all just froze. What kind of formula does she need? What has she been exposed to? How does she like to be held? Should she sleep in the crib or the rock n sleep? So many questions, and we didn’t have the answers. But you just do the same thing you do with your biological children. You love them, and you figure out all the other details along the way.
We aren’t saying fostering is easy, because it’s not. Honestly, it’s one of the most difficult things we’ve ever done. But it has also brought us immense joy. One thing people always say is, “I could never do that. I would get too attached.” And they are right. You get too attached. But that is exactly what they need! They need someone to get attached. Someone to love and pray over them. Stand for them and support them. And we are honored and humbled to be the family God chose to care for our foster child. Ephesians 3:20states, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” She is our immeasurable more.
Do you have a great idea for a local mission project or outreach event? We’d love to hear it and help you care for the community. We have set aside a portion of our missions budget just for ideas like yours. Apply today to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION
The people of God are to take care of the children of God. Our Foster & Adoption Care Team (FACT) helps families who are currently fostering or adopting or who want to get started with fostering or adopting. Our team also mobilizes volunteers who simply want to love on our foster & adoptive families with donations, date nights, childcare and more.
Provide Childcare
provide childcare at the church for our foster/adopt parent date nights
Join a Wrap-Around Group
become a member of a wrap-around group for a specific foster/adopt family that will minister to that family and their specific needs for a time period set by the FACT team and the foster/adopt family
Lead a Foster/ Adopt Support Group
help lead a foster/adopt support group at the church that would meet on a consistent basis for a certain period of time
Bring Opportunities
help provide educational opportunities for foster/adopt families either by being the liaison to bring opportunities to the church, or by leading them yourself
Help + Plan With FACT Team
help the FACT leadership team in planning and carrying out our annual FACT luncheon
Provide Your Skill
providing a skill set that you possess that you think would benefit the FACT ministry at The Mill
