8th Graders to YMCA to serve the elderly

Mrs. McKnight took several 8th graders to the Harvey YMCA to minister to the elderly residents. The students were able to serve them drinks and to pray for them. They also took turns sharing poems of encouragement. The residents were glad to see them.

7th Graders to Windmill Nursing Facility

Miss Cooper took some 7th graders to Windmill Nursing Facility to visit and serve residents. They were able to participate in a bowling activity. The students had a chance to show off their bowling skills to the residents. It seemed to entertain and cheer them up. Then the students cheered for each resident as they took a turn using a foam ball to knock down the plastic pins. It was a mutual exchange of fun and energy.

Fourth Graders Help

Mrs. Hoving took several students to help out at Kids Cafe and the Homework Trailer. Once again the students showed a willingness to serve in whatever way they were asked. They served a hot meal to those who came and younger students with their homework.

5A to Harvey House for Final Time

Miss Miston and her 5th grade class traveled to Harvey House for one last time. Because of the upcoming renovation and construction, the food pantry at Harvey House will be closed. But this last time will be memorable for all. Once again the students were able to pray and minister to a couple of ladies who came a few minutes after the students arrived. Several students prayed for them and were able to show Christian love by giving them food and blankets. These ladies seemed to really appreciate the love of Jesus shown to them by the students and their teacher. After this time of ministry, the students went downstairs and opened boxes of canned and boxed items and placed them on the shelves.

5th Graders Help Bag Food For Last Time

Today the 5th graders went to Harvey House with Mrs. Melvin and helped put canned food into bags for those who come on Monday nights for assistance. The students' enthusiasm was evident from the start as they put their heart and soul into the task while putting food into the bags. They got themselves organized: one group pulled items from the shelf, while another organized it on the table, and yet a third group of students helped put it into bags. Director Jackie Rivera reminded students that her goal is to always provide a balanced meal by giving each recipient some vegetables, fruit, and starch in each bag. The students were careful to follow her guidelines as they packaged up the food items. This is the last scheduled night to pass out food because of the construction that will be starting at Harvey House. The 5th graders will not go back for awhile, but have shared that some valuable lessons in service have been learned.

Fourth Grade Students Serve

Mr. Patten and six 4th grade students traveled to Harvey House and either helped serve a hot meal in the Kids Cafe, or helped tutor primary students in the Homework Trailer. They didn't seem to mind that they were giving up some of their own time to help out. They had joyful faces because they were serving with willing hearts, and they did whatever they were asked to do...true servants. Great job!

Fourth Graders Help With After School Program

Mrs. Hoving and six 4th grade students went to Harvey House to help serve at two ministries. Some went to the Kids Cafe to help serve food to the students and some went to the Homework Trailer to help tutor and read to younger students. Their help and service was greatly appreciated.

5B to Harvey House for Week 2 Ministry

Today the 5th grade students from Mrs. Melvin's class visited the Harvey House. Just like yesterday this visit began with a surprise. A needy woman and her children were there to receive some assistance. The students were able to pray with this Christian woman and her daughters. They later filled boxes and bags with food and carried them to her car. The students once again showed an eagerness to serve and help the needy.

5A to Harvey House for Week 2 Ministry

Today the 5th grade students from Miss Miston's class made their second visit to the Harvey House. The visit began with a pleasant surprise. God led a needy person to visit at the same time the students arrived. They were able to observe the kindness of the director, Jackie Rivera, as she helped this man. He was in need of food and shelter. After asking him if he wanted prayer, the students were asked if they would like to pray for this individual. Many were willing and several stood around him and prayed. It was a blessing to hear the sincere prayers of these students. Their prayers brought this man to tears, and later he said he will try not to let them down. The students were able to give this man some necessary food. Later the students helped to unload the food truck and carry boxes and bags of food to the basement storage area. They were later treated by an unannounced mini-concert by one of the workers who sang, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow".

8th Graders Minister at YMCA

Mrs. McKnight and six 8th graders went to a Bible Study at the YMCA in Harvey. They were able to minister by praying for the residents, singing with them, reading a poem, and sharing in a Bible lesson. The residents were very happy to see these young people and to be able to visit with them.

5th Graders Visit Harvey House

Mrs. Melvin took her 5th graders to Harvey House to hear a presentation from Director Jackie Rivera. The students were given a short history of the ministry to the poor and homeless. She said that the verse from Matthew 25:35 has inspired her. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..." She later took the students downstarirs to the food pantry and told them how the food was ordered, delivered and stored. The students asked her many questions and wanted to know what will happen with the food and with the hungry when the Harvey House is closed during construction.