The goal of the Orphan Ministry team is to provide opportunities for Lake Pointe Church families and Life Groups to serve orphans internationally and children in foster care locally. We believe that participation in these areas of service is directed in scripture in James 1:27. We hope these service opportunities will not only help these children and show them God's love, but that they will also grow compassion in those who are serving.
International Opportunities
South Africa
One of Lake Pointe Church's partnerships in South Africa provides homes for 44 orphans who are HIV positive. This home is called Rehoboth Children's Village, and their staff is dedicated to serving God through ministering to these children.
Your Life Group or your family can participate through sponsorship of one or more children at Rehoboth. If you would like to get involved, contact Ted and Rebecca Barlow at orphanministry@gmail.com
Additionally, Lake Pointe Church will be sending a mission team to South Africa, where team members will spend part of their time ministering to the children at Rehoboth. This trip is planned for July, 2009. More information can be found at: http://www.lakepointe.org/Reach/Go.aspx.
Iraq
Lake Pointe Church's new partnership in Iraq is focused on evangelism and orphan care. Our team members are requesting financial support as they begin their ministry in Iraq. Through partnering with the team in Iraq, your Life Group will be able to minister to orphans.
For more information, contact Ted and Rebecca Barlow at orphanministry@gmail.com
Lake Pointe Church will be sending mission teams to Iraq. More information will be provided when it is available.
Local Opportunities
Clothes Drive - Texas Baptist Home for Children
For children who are 13 years old and older upon entering foster care, there is a critical need for basic clothing and supplies. In many cases, these children are placed into foster care with little to no ability to prepare. Since we often think of infants or young children entering foster care, we don't often provide support for older children who are in a critical need.
There is a clothes drive now occurring to provide clothing and basic supplies (toiletries, towels, etc) for older children being cared for at Texas Baptist Home for Children.
Drop off your new or nice, used clothing for ages 13+ and toiletries in the drop box in W214 (Rockwall Campus) any time throughout the week. Girls' clothing is especially needed. The donations will be collected on September 15th and October 15th.
If you or your Life Group would like to join orphan ministry team members in delivering the donated items, please contact Ted and Rebecca Barlow at orphanministry@gmail.com
Childcare for Foster Parent Support Group - Buckner
Buckner has a foster support group that meets once a quarter on Saturdays from 8:45am-4:15pm. This is an important group for Buckner foster families. Your Life Group could serve either the morning or afternoon session to assist with childcare. The morning group serves from 8:45am-12:30pm and an afternoon volunteer group serves from 12:00pm-4:15pm.
There are usually 20-25 children ages 2-12 in attendance, and Buckner needs 10-15 people (adults only) for each volunteer shift. This is a great way to serve these children and the foster families who are caring for them.
The support group meets in January, April, July and October. If you would like to participate or have any questions, contact Ted and Rebecca Barlow at orphanministry@gmail.com
Quarterly Fellowship Events - Texas Baptist Home for Children
Texas Baptist Home for Children provides an opportunity for Life Group to host fun activities each quarter for the children being cared for in group homes. The children in TBHC's group homes range in age from 6 to 17, and this would be a great opportunity to interact with these children and show them love. They need to know that people care for them.
If your Life Group is interested in participating in one of these events, please contact Ted and Rebecca Barlow at orphanministry@gmail.com
If you have any general questions about these service opportunities, or you would like to discuss other opportunities to serve, please email: orphanministry@gmail.com