World Changers Church International rolled out the red carpet—literally! After all, a new school year gives students an opportunity to shine; they find or affirm their purpose, create powerful bonds, and discover valuable knowledge that can potentially change their individual communities. As a member of World Changers Church International and a partner of Creflo Dollar Ministries, you get to be a part of this miracle year after year with the Back 2 School Outreach Event.
More than 1,000 adults and children (including some from Atlanta Mission) visited College Park, Georgia, on July 27th for the annual celebration and left ready to illuminate like the stars God created them to be. Change is happening at WCCI, and it’s undeniable.
“I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35, NIV).
This year, the theme was A Star is Born! The mission of every volunteer and staff member was simple: reveal the star potential inside every young person. To accomplish this, World Changers offered several ways to uplift attendees, including free health screenings, food, and school supplies. It was a blessing to be able to witness the stress fade away from parents’ and guardians’ faces as they stepped into the event. With music and lively chatter, everyone felt safe and excited to experience all the event had to offer.
Good health is something we can forget to appreciate, and so WCCI consistently makes available various opportunities for students to be evaluated. For three hours, attendees took advantage of the various health screenings. We administered 50 immunizations! In addition to 90 sports exams, our volunteers recorded 50 eye exams, hearing exams, and dental exams. As a result of 25 off-site diabetic screenings, 3 people discovered they were diabetic and 2 discovered they were prediabetic. Over a hundred free haircuts were given, providing young people the tools not only to feel good but feel confident, as well.
WCCI’s Children’s Ministry set up numerous games and activities with chances to win gifts and prizes. The children particularly enjoyed the dance contest; parents and volunteers alike were amused by the energy and talent on display. Between enjoying treats (ice cream, Italian ice, yummy appetizers) and playing with balloon animals, children bounced basketballs and made new friends. There were also opportunities for face-painting and caricature drawings! People young and old lined up to experience these artistic pleasures.
The smell of popcorn filled the air at this cinematic experience. Attendees were given free hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and drinks while supplies lasted and food was also available for purchase.
In addition to lifting spirits, WCCI volunteers offered an opportunity to heal them too. 245 prayers were reported—and that’s only the ones we know about! God’s grace was felt the entire day, and we were blessed to give out 897 bookbags to students. This year we were also able to distribute free school supplies to teachers. 365 teacher supply boxes were delivered several weeks later to local schools: McNair Middle School, Creekside High School, North Fayetteville Elementary, and Lovejoy Elementary School. To further elevate the local community, we also provided voter registration.
“Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” (Jerimiah 1:7, NIV).
The back-to-school supplies haul can be disheartening and overwhelming for parents. WCCI is grateful for the opportunity to alleviate it. Regardless of categories, boxes, and limitations set by the world, the ability to shape the future is in all of our hands! School outreach programs are important for that reason. The event did not only provide support, rest, and levity; it also displayed the boundless and specific way God loves us as individuals. With this in mind, our goal is that the students and families affected will be empowered to not only fulfill God’s will for their lives but help the next generation do the same.
We are excited to see everyone next time and wish all students a great school year!
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