Next Operation Back To School: August, 2008

This unique ministry was born to serve First Hurst’s local mission field. Working with nearby elementary schools, each year on the week before school starts, Operation Back to School provides school supplies and other back to school items to local needy families in a carnival like atmosphere. The concept is modeled after the servant style evangelism of Jesus. The 2006 event helped 632 kids from over 305 families, and the 2007 event helped 917 students from 385 families. The 2008 goal is to furnish 1,300 students with school supplies. Supported completely by donations from church members, businesses and fund raising events, the ministry raised over $25,000 in 2007.   

Each child receives all their needed supplies for their grade level--like easers, glue, markers, crayons, paper, folders, binders, rulers and a new backpack. We also provides other services, like the Hurst Police Department’s free children’s ID’s, face painting, clowns, balloon animals, bounce houses, and popcorn to each child. 

The event also focuses most importantly on the greatest need of children and parents, that of knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Operation Back to School gives a Bible in English or Spanish and a comic book style tract, developed by Samaritan’s Purse, to each child. The families will be followed up on throughout the year and invited to all church functions for the year.

Operation Back to School seeks volunteers and donations year round. The cost to provide one child with all their supplies is $20. For more information, please contact Sylvia Adkins or visit the OBTS website.