We have a huge praise for the overwhelming success of our Welcome Back to School Breakfast at Guilford Elementary school. This event was the kick-off to our ministry at the school. The entire teaching staff was there and I was given the opportunity to share with them about the different ways Reston Bible Church will be able to come along side them this year. The teachers were told about the water cooler and coffee that we will be providing for them, and about the school supplies and field trip fund that they have already been given. Each teacher was given their snack box, filled with their first month’s supply of snacks for the children that do not bring a snack to school. The teachers were also able to choose items for their student incentives – stickers, pencils, flashcards, etc. Each grade level team was also given a gift card to purchase more supplies.

The teachers were hesitant at first to ask questions about how we could help, but once they started to share the needs of their students it was obvious that they love these kids, and would do just about anything for them. The thing that overwhelmed me is that the school is not asking for big things like better computers that would make their lives easier. The things that I was asked about were small things that would help these children maintain their dignity and be able to learn – things like packages of new underwear for when a child has an accident, or a student who has difficulty reading because he needs glasses that his family can’t afford. Through the generosity of our body here at RBC, we can help with these kinds of things.

It was humbling to hear that this was the first time anyone had brought in breakfast for the staff. Such a simple thing, that meant so much. The teachers were grateful, appreciative and we felt no resistance to our involvement with them. Clearly the Lord has gone before us in this endeavor. A huge thanks to those that donated food, and who came and helped serve.

There are still lots of needs, so if you haven’t already, check out www.restonbible.org/guilford to get involved.