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TURNING TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH FOR NEW YORK'S CHILDREN
1999 Bless-A-Child Program Impacts Nearly 5,000 Kids with the
Love of God and a Message of Hope!
What does it cost to save a child? According to Operation Blessing Metro New York director, "It costs everything! And then some." This is the ministry philosophy of the Bless-A-Child project — put children first! According to Esposito, "We are privileged to partner with some of the finest children’s programs in the New York/New Jersey area." This year, New York Christian Resource Center will coordinate over $75,000 in grants, products and services for the summer edition of the Bless-A-Child program with a combined budget (including community matching dollars) of over a half-million dollars!
The resources provided to participating groups include funding from Operation Blessing to bolster local community efforts. Scripture comics, coloring books and Youth Bibles from the American Bible Society enhance the spiritual aspects of each endeavor. Arts and crafts materials including Star Wars and other model kits have been generously donated by World Vision. Plus, Weekly Readers, an assortment of computer education books, dinosaur toys and lots of Hershey’s Chocolate have been provided by Operation Blessing — delivered by OB’s Hunger Strike Force — just in time for the summer programs. All in all, a record 4,797 children will be impacted through the Metro NY summer Bless-A-Child outreach! Esposito continues, "It’s not about money or products — it’s about the heart! In today’s chaotic world, we believe children are God’s priority!" Jesus said, "Let the children come to me!" Through Bless-A-Child, many kids truly find salvation and hope for their future.
"We believe that children are a heritage of the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and as such Jesus calls us to ‘Let the children come to me.’ (Matthew 19:4) We know that ‘from the lips of children, He has ordained praise,’ (Matthew 21:16) and that His promise to us is clear: ‘All your children will be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.’ (Isaiah 54:13) Therefore, we covenant, as the Body of Christ, to bless the children of our communities in the Name of Jesus our Lord."
This is the sacred covenant each of the 25 participating ministries acknowledges as the mission and vision of Bless-A-Child. Working together, hand in hand, with local groups, Operation Blessing (International Bless-A-Child sponsor) and other organizations, the staff and board of New York Christian Resource Center count it a privilege to coordinate the Bless-A-Child program in the Metro New York area. Each of the participating groups sponsors unique programs geared to reach the specific needs of their communities. In Tribeca, Manhattan for instance, a day camp for youngsters and a dance program for young ladies reach dozens of families. In Red Bank, NJ a computer club and after school center inspire hundreds of urban youth each year. From the Bronx to Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties to Coney Island and Newark, NJ— the Bless-A-Child program is making the difference. Whether it’s a baseball club for the boys in Brooklyn or a much-needed week-long sleep-away camp for abused children, the Metro New York Bless-A-Child program is fulfilling the mission. Work release programs, Vacation Bible Schools and other outreaches are also part of this year’s activities.
New York Christian Resource Center welcomes inquiries from interested individuals and faith communities desiring to participate in any of the Metro New York projects. Please call or write or e-mail for details or to receive our recently published 1999 Bless-A-Child newsletter by return mail.
