OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Our task a Goochland Baptist Church is to be witnesses in Goochland County, VA and to the end of the earth. We partner with a variety of faith groups, non-profits, individuals, and other organizations locally, nationally, and internationally and consider it a privilege that we can make a difference in our community and beyond. Adults, youth, and children at GBC have participated in a variety of service projects over the years. Below are just a of the ways you can help.

GoochlandCares

We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Goochland Cares various times throughout the year to serve our surrounding community through organizing their food pantry and clothes closet. Typically, we volunteer with GoochlandCares on the fourth Saturday of each month.

The Giving Map

“…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b

How can YOU as an individual, as a family, as a member of the GBC family impact missions?

Where is your PERSONAL “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the Earth”?

We hope you will prayerfully consider your participation in these mission opportunities during the 2022 Season of Advent and help us decorate our trees with “ornaments of ministry empowerment”.

“…in Jerusalem…”

CARITAS – Located in Richmond since the 1980s, CARITAS strives to provide effective, permanent solutions to individuals and families dealing with the crisis of homelessness and/or addiction. In the past, GBC families have helped provide pots & pans, bed linens, home cleaning kits, and made 16 kitchen tables for CARITAS residents ready to make the move to their own independent living space. Purchasing this ornament for $15 or $30 will help to fund clothing for those living at CARITAS and working their way towards recovery/stability in programs at “The Healing Place” housed at the CARITAS facility.

“…in Judea and Samaria…”

Disaster Relief – The Disaster Relief response of the Baptist General Association of VA strives to “Prepare Now for What Lies Ahead”. They lead training session to empower VA Baptists to be ready to physically respond to crisis situations. In just 2022, they have sent teams to the flooded areas of Buchanan County in SW Virginia, Kentucky, and a Florida response to hurricane Ian. Purchasing this ornament for $75 will fund a “Flood Bucket” full of the tools volunteers are provided to enter a flood disaster area and get to work in the Name of Christ.

“…ends of the earth.”

Haiti – VA Baptists have had a mission partnership with The Source of Light Center in Haiti since 2010. On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Haiti and decimated the capital of Port-Au-Prince. Over 220,000 people were killed. After this catastrophe, the orphanage named The Source of Light Center was created to house and provide all the physical needs for the children left without family members. Purchasing one of these ornaments will provide needs for the children as well as the need for fuel to keep the orphanage running.

Provide shoes or clothing for 5 children at the Source of Light Center orphanage for $10

Provide 3 meals a day for a month for a child at the Source of Light Center orphanage for $54

Provide fuel to run the generator at the Source of Light Center orphanage for one month for $100

Ukraine – When war struck Ukraine, VA Baptists responded. People across VA have responded to the call to pray and to give. Individual donations totaling more than $275,000 , with 100% of these gifts going directly to meet the needs of Ukrainians who need safety, sustenance, and hope. Purchasing this ornament for $50 (or any amount desired) will assure more funding reaching the Baptist effort to meet the day-to-day needs of Ukrainians.

Romania – VA Baptists have had a mission partnership with the Ruth School for the last 15 years. The Roma people of Romania and surrounding countries are discriminated against and stereo-typed as “Gypsy Thieves”. Since the Roma children are either not allowed to attend the local schools or bullied and physically harmed to the point of not attending. The Ruth School in Romania was started to house and provide schooling for these children. Purchasing one of these ornaments will provide the school supplies needed by the individual students or use by the teachers at the Ruth School.

Provide backpacks for 2 Roma children attending the Ruth School for $24

Provide books and other literacy items used to teach Roma children at the Ruth School for $15

Uganda – SoleHope seeks to restore good health and hope for a better and “mobile” future for the children of Uganda by simply providing a pair of shoes, something we take for granted everyday of our lives and of which we own multiple pairs. Jiggers, bugs found in the sand and dirt of the roads and floors where all Ugandans walk every day, bury themselves in the soles of feet and lead to debilitating medical issues that can even lead to the need for amputation. Through the ministry of SoleHope, based in NC, individuals and groups can provide part of the physical supplies needed to make shoes for children in Uganda. The GBC youth group has provided over 100 pairs of shoes over the years. Purchasing this ornament will help to provide funding for a pair of shoes and wound care for 5 children for $50.

How will “The Giving Map” work?

As monetary donations are made, the ornament denoting that specific gift will be moved from the map to a Christmas tree. (The map and the tree are located in the educational building.)The person providing the donation will also be given a duplicate ornament to place on their own Christmas tree in their home as a reminder to pray for this specific place and need.

Donations can be made by using the provided envelope and form to insure that your donation is sent to the appropriate place or organization. The completed form along with either a check made out to GBC or cash can be placed in the envelope and placed in the receptacle provided at the map display. (Note: These donations will be processed and appear on GBC Giving Statements for 2022.)