“Grace people are gracious!” – Pastor Ken Terry

The ministry of grace and love was in full effect at the annual Back 2 School outreach event this year. Creflo Dollar Global Missions and World Changers Church International hosted their annual outreach on July 30^th at the main campus in College Park, GA, with a festive carnival experience. There was a petting zoo, a train, ice cream, games, and of course, school supplies. While the event focused heavily on supporting local kids on their way back to the classroom for the new school year, this year’s event also provided support and encouragement to teachers and administrators.

Volunteer Cheryl Cooper, a WCCI member for 32 years, said, “I was delighted to come. I love serving, I love my church, and I love being able to make a difference in someone’s life. These events are just wonderful, and I really enjoy being able to help out.”

Organizers had tables separated for elementary, middle, and high school, so the 1,500 attendees could select age-appropriate school supplies already gathered into backpacks. Approximately 1,000 backpacks were distributed to students. In addition to the school supplies, attendees could also take advantage of free medical screenings for their school-aged children. Parents offered their thanks for the provision of on-site barbers for their sons, helping save them time by eliminating the need for a separate barbershop visit before school started.

When asked what she liked about the event, Monroe, Louisiana-native, Teresa Harris, replied, “The fact that everybody who’s in need can come get stuff they need for their children. You know, it’s a little hard out here, just a little bit more for some than for others. So the fact that people have come together to make sure that those who don’t have are able to get things they need for their children’s schooling is amazing.”

Attendee Amanda Graves found out about the 2022 Back 2 School event on Facebook. “I love the social media content that World Changers has. They always keep you informed about what they’re doing in the community. Meeting the people, the ice cream, and the fellowship. They’re doing all of this for our community. I’m really touched. I was able to get backpacks for my kids, and information. I can’t complain about anything. It’s been a wonderful event.”

Volunteers distributed tickets for raffle prizes, and families were able to play their favorite carnival games. Balloon makers and face painters were on-site for the children, as well. Attendee Camille Graham, a World Changers member since elementary school, is now bringing her own children to the event. She stopped by after seeing the signs advertising it and was able to partake in the festivities with her family, even getting her own balloon hat!

The festive atmosphere was appreciated just as much as the supplies and free medical services. Mercedes Artis and her family are members of WCCI. Her children participate in Children’s Ministry, and they all came out to the Back 2 School event. “Everything out here’s been great and wonderful. If I had to pick, my favorite part would be the petting zoo. They get to be with animals, be apart of nature, see God’s creatures. That’s really nice.”

Kids of all ages were excited to ride the train outside and visit the petting zoo that included goats, chickens, rabbits, miniature horses, and guinea pigs. They even had the opportunity to complete arts and crafts projects. Everyone loves ice cream, and there was plenty of it with the ice cream truck parked on-site!

The Rice family loved the opportunity to focus on family and camaraderie. “Coming out and seeing the community enjoy the event. That’s really a blessing to us, seeing that everyone is enjoying themselves and the church is being a blessing.”

Pastor Ken Terry stated, “We have been doing this event for years, and we want to make a mark in this community that can’t be erased. We want to make sure people know that we aren’t just a building on the block, but we’re here to make an impact. We want to touch the lives of kids. We do this because it’s about grace, giving, and impact.”

Volunteers included Cynthia Glaze, a WCCI member since 1997. “It has been a blessing to be out here to pray,” she said. “I’m on the prayer team and we have been out here praying with those that request prayer. It’s a blessing to take part in their lives and see a change in their expression when we believe by faith that their prayers are being answered.” WCCI eMembers came out to serve, as well, including Coletta Redd. “I thought it would be a great thing to do, to communicate and contribute to the community,” she said.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV).

Teachers invest so much into our children, often becoming the gatekeeper of success for the children they teach. Many teachers come out of their pockets each year to purchase supplies for their classrooms, so this year World Changers partnered with the mayor of South Fulton, Khalid Kamau, who said when he learned of the event, “We want to partner and make an impact in this community.” Along with Mayor Kamau, another major partner was Courtney “Bear” Sills, founder and president of Bear Strong, Inc. They assisted in collecting supplies to distribute to teachers at the seven elementary, middle, and high schools supported by this year’s event. Together, we were able to bless teachers with over 500 boxes filled with teacher supplies.

World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Global Missions appreciates every volunteer who served and every person who donated. Collectively, we make a significant impact. If you would like to support this and other Creflo Dollar Global Missions campaigns, feel free to visit us online at www.missions.creflodollarministries.org. People like you change the world, and together, we are World Changers!

“We thank God for this opportunity, and we’ll do it again next year!” – Pastor Ken Terry