As young girls, many of the women at First Baptist Church, Rogersville, never thought about a ministry in teaching children. Instead they were more interested in teaching their dolls. But now many have moved from “make-believe” to the real world of leading youth and children in their home church. And the men, who once raced in the Soap Box Derby as youngsters, are helping boys build their own cars in the Pine Box Derby.
“At First Baptist we have a wonderful team of dedicated people who work with our children and youth,” Pastor Brandon Rainey said. “One of our members, Daphne Love, is very active in this program.”
Although Love and her husband, Mike, have an “empty nest,” they and other families continue to work with children. By ministering to babies and toddlers, teachers come into direct contact with parents. In this position they know of challenges young parents face. And as experienced parents they are able to answer questions and offer advice to others.
Lauren Craig, a member of First, Rogersville, is a mother of three children.
“Daphne taught my daughter in Sunday School and our boys have her as their leader for Royal Ambassadors (RAs),” she said. “Missions are so important to her but she goes beyond what is required of a children’s teacher.
“Daphne and her husband support these children in their baseball games and other sports. They’re in the stands, on road trips and let the kids know they love them. This makes all the difference in the world in our children being involved in church activities.”
A full-time real estate agent, “Miss Daphne” as she is called by the children, leaves her job to teach boys in RAs and returns to work after class. Her career never keeps her from sharing love and many acts of kindness with others.
Loving support
With a concern for all children some church families invite children into their home. If they need clothing, school supplies or loving support — they receive these from church families.
First, Rogersville, also seeks out missions opportunities in the community. Not only focusing on the children, the team also reaches out to the older generation in the area.
Church member Rhonda Galyean has seen how fellow members have a heart for those who need assistance. “Bringing food to shut-ins, playing games or simply spending time to talk and listen to their stories are only a few ways church families make a difference,” she said.
Freedom House in Rogersville is another area in the community where the church ministers. This is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with a primary focus on substance abuse treatment. The center provides outpatient, partial hospitalization and residential long-term treatment care.
Assisting the residents in planting a garden has been a recent focus. Volunteers from First, Rogersville, disk the plot and help plant vegetables for the residents to tend. Fertilizer, seeds and other gardening needs are donated. Women’s Sunday School classes sew new pillow cases and purchase diapers for babies, as Freedom House is the only facility where children are allowed to live with their mothers.
Daphne Love said, “Our church has been blessed by providing firemen and policemen new teddy bears that provide comfort to children in times of emergencies.”
When a child is afraid or in a stressful situation, a new toy can help the child feel reassured that someone loves him or her, she said.
Cleaning schoolyards
Another missions project where Girls in Action and RAs participate is cleaning up schoolyards by picking up trash, raking, mulching and other jobs.
While each ministry outreach is important, the highlight of the year is the car races. Patterned after the Soap Box Derby races, Rogersville has the Pine Box Derby races where men and boys work together to build a racing car.
Rainey said, “Our men are very instrumental in this project. Sometimes a boy is from a single parent home and without a father present. This is when men step in as a substitute dad, help the boys build a car and recruit others to become involved.”
The church also supports Backyard Bible Club that reaches children who may not be in a church program.
In this ministry members go to the housing projects, teach Bible stories and involve children in crafts and activities. Children hear that Jesus loves them and that He is their friend.
First, Rogersville, leaders said they are blessed to have a group of people who are dedicated and passionate about service to God and others.
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