Richard Ray: Supplying the Bread of Life to children in need

I recently was able to travel to Harlingen to deliver the first contribution check from the Bivocational/Small Church Association to the Valley Baptist Missions Education Center in support of their Bible for Boys ministry.

Richard RayIt provides Bibles for the many unaccompanied refugee children who are housed at the Missions Education Center until relocation. The U.S. Office of Refugee Relocation leases a portion of the facility as they process each refugee child. The Missions Education Center provides meals, housing, a time of worship and a Bible.

Ephesians 5:1-2 states, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

We are called to follow the example of Christ in all areas of our lives as we walk in the way of God’s love. As the executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, it was my honor to visit the Missions Education Center and show our support to these children who need Christ in their lives. The money we give is just a small example of what Christ wants to give these children. Christ, who gave up himself to deliver us from our oppression as we sought to escape sin and destruction in our own lives, has called each of us to love others to the point that it resembles the love of Christ for all to witness.

Valley Baptist Missions Education Center is showing what Christ’s love looks like as they minister to each child who enters their center. They have taken on the call to provide God’s word to each child, knowing it never comes back void. For the many children who ultimately leave the center, their lives will have been impacted in such a way that it not only could change life here and now, but also eternally.

I think of children who have traveled many miles, overcoming many difficult and dangerous obstacles in search of a safe haven, a place of refuge, and they arrive at the Missions Center where they are provided food, shelter and the Bread of Life. It reminds me of what Peter said in Acts 3:6 when he came across a man who has been oppressed for years through no fault of his own: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

I am thankful we as Texas Baptist have the means to provide many resources in support of those who are suffering, whether through providing food, clothes, clean water, shelter, education or so many other resources.

Unlike Peter, we can provide a type of silver and gold through the many different resources; however, the most important resource we have we give them is the word of God. The Bivocational/Small Church Association is proud to partner with the Valley Baptist Missions Education Center as they demonstrate and live out the love of Christ. Many children may enter the center seeking the resources of life, but they will all leave having tasted the Bread of Life—Jesus Christ.

Remember, God has called you to serve, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website www.bivocational.com.

Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area. You can reach him at [email protected].