Purpose
- We go to the worst neighborhoods in Lubbock
- Bring the children to church
- Feed them a nutritious meal and teach them about Jesus
There are many disadvantaged children that do not go to church or know Christ. We provide transportation and bring them to Church, Vacation Bible School, Bible Clubs and Events so they can hear about the unconditional love and grace of God experienced through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Why These Children?
The thief has come to destroy the lives of these children, steal their hope and condemn them to poverty and defeat. John 10:10
There are many children in Lubbock who live and play in rundown apartments and neighborhoods where there is poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and crime. Many have no father or their father is in jail. The mothers are struggling to keep enough food to feed a house full of children.
These children are not going to get up one day and say “Hey Mom, can you take me to church so I can learn about God.” No way! They don’t even know that they need to know about God unless someone tells them. Rom 10:14 Even if they did think of this, they would not have a way to get to church or even know where to go.
Our Prayer
We want to love these children and give them hope for a better future . But hope without Christ is really no hope at all. Our prayer is that these children will experience a new Life in Christ. John 10:10 This new Life will change them now and will change them forever.
A Ministry of Melonie Park Church
6602 Indiana Ave
Lubbock, TX 79413
(806) 797-4136
How We Got Started
My name’s Joel. My wife Betsy and I live about half a block from an apartment complex. For several years God has given me a heart for the people who live there. We have invited them over to our house several times for a cookout and fun activities for the kids.
In May of 2009, I was in the hospital recovering from getting three stints put in my heart. My friend, Tim was visiting me and I told him that I was going to invite men from the apartments to come to a Bible study at my house. I asked if he would help and Tim said yes. I’m sure he felt sorry for me so what else could he say.
We started knocking on doors and inviting men to come. Over a few weeks we had several come but what we noticed were all the children playing around the apartments. Also, during this time I learned about City Church Amarillo and the ministry they had to the disadvantaged children in Amarillo.
So, Tim and his wife Linda and Betsy and I drove to Amarillo to check out City Church, who at the time were delivering sack lunches to about 2000 disadvantaged children every day. On the way home, I believe God gave all of us a heart to share Jesus with the disadvantaged children in Lubbock.
Tim and Linda Johnson
Tim and Linda have been leading Children’s Church at Melonie Park Church for over 9 years. They have also instructed children’s sports camps for over 20 years. They are great with children and have a heart for sharing the love of Jesus.
Joel and Betsy Tardy
Joel led Children’s Church at Melonie Park Church for about 8 years. Joel and Betsy have a heart for children in need. Three of their twelve children are adopted.
Volunteers
None of this would be possible without the many volunteers who give their time to visit the children, play with them, give rides, cook meals, bake cookies, teach, help with special events, and love these children and their families. Thanks to all of these helpers, the love of Jesus is being shared with many who do not know Him.