Each summer, friends like you provide tools to build the kingdom. One of these tools, backpacks filled with school supplies, is called PowerPacks®. PowerPacks are used by church partners to build relationships and offer hope in Christ.
In August, volunteers in Los Angeles packed 700 PowerPacks, for partners to distribute to kids in need of school supplies and of God’s love. These partners were trained by Cru® to build rapport and to begin gospel conversations.
A few Sundays ago, City Church of Compton, a Cru partner, held an outreach to distribute the PowerPacks. They promoted the event with flyers around the neighborhood. Vivi, a woman at the church, had some people in mind she planned to invite, so she took the flyers to them. Several folks she visited shared challenges they faced. Vivi was moved at how candid these new friends were and rejoiced over the opportunity to meet them.
When Vivi returned to church for the outreach, she hoped to see new families come for the PowerPacks. City Church hosted a free lunch, followed by the PowerPack® distribution. When kids received their backpacks, they were stoked! It was a blessing to see how the packs inspired them as they headed back to school. Towards the end of lunch, Vivi felt a bit discouraged that no one she’d invited had come. But she kept trusting the Lord and gave thanks for the people she met.
Then, the family she’d invited, from just across the street, appeared with all of her kids! Vivi was overjoyed! Not only did they get their backpacks, they stayed a while, allowing further connection!
It was their first time at City Church. PowerPacks ignited a connection that led to follow-up conversations with this family, who later enrolled their children in the church’s after-school program. The kids have begun attending and learning more about Jesus!
Vivi and Compton City Church celebrate the way Cru helps them love their neighbors! They rejoice that, with tools like PowerPacks, they can participate in His work. Your partnership, by your giving and prayers, helps folks like Vivi be the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need!
