https://www.c2kministries.org Stories of life change and more https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-easter-2026 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> happy easter from c2k ministries </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:46:27 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-easter-2026 thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/remodeling-and-repairs <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> remodeling and Repairs </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> These projects were something that we were hoping to get done last year, but that didn't happen. First, these projects have been funded through the generosity of a few donors. We are very grateful to you for helping make all of this happen. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Workers for this week are Michael Jones, Bill Hrovat, and Mike Sauer. We are super grateful to each of them for the time they are taking out of their schedules to come and help us out. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> So what are we doing? We needed repairs on the shed roof to prevent water leaks, the stove fan needed to be reinstalled and the fan lid moved, the roof reinforced where the furnace stack comes out, large bird nests removed from the attic and a screen put up to prevent them from coming back in, and several outlets were reworked. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> In addition, they have removed our stage, laying new tile, and they are creating shelving units, which will eventually look like cabinets, with countertops, to store all of our books, games, materials and more. It is very efficient as it uses totes for storage versus using a standard cabinet. It is also more cost effective. Here is a short video on what has been done so far and more will be coming tomorrow. </span> </p> </div> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:27:47 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/remodeling-and-repairs thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/weather-update <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Here is a quick update on what is happening down in mississippi </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:57:41 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/weather-update thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-help Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:20:04 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-help thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/merry-christmas-message <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Here is a short merry christmas video for you! </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:47:39 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/merry-christmas-message thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/chirstmas-gifts-gingerbread-winners-and-more <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Check out this quick video to see the impact that you are making! </span> </h3> </div> Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:46:04 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/chirstmas-gifts-gingerbread-winners-and-more thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/snowballs-and-the-store <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Check out this video with a snowball fight and the christmas store </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:16:30 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/snowballs-and-the-store thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/gingerbread-house-contest <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Watch the video and cast your vote below </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:15:39 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/gingerbread-house-contest thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-2025 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thanking you for a wonderful start to this year </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:18:31 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-2025 thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-kingston-hayes <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> overcoming obstacles </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Kingston-Hayes.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Meet Kingston Hayes, first grader. This is the first year that Kingston has been in our program. His older sister, A'Kaylee was in RE&gt;DIRECT last year, and now Kingston, AJ and A'Kaylee are all in RE&gt;DIRECT. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> I remember years ago when we first started our program with seven students, one of which was Lamont. Then a second grader, Lamont would come in, eat, and throw his head down on the table, argue about doing homework, and was not happy at all about even trying. Frustrated does not do it justice. As we continued to push, it became apparent that he did not know how to read, or how to do basic math. Through hard work and a belief that he could do it, Lamont started to overcome and his confidence grew. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> I bring that up to set the stage for Kingston's story which is starting to be rewritten now. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> When Kingston started in August, we knew he had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and that the school had identified that he is behind other students. We also learned that he would lash out in frustration because he wasn't understanding what was being taught. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> At the start of the program, Kingston would get extremely mad to the point of us taking him outside for a walk, allowing him to cool down before coming back in to try again. Words and sounds are hard for him to understand or comprehend and basic math such as 2+2 was not on the radar at all. This was the starting point from which we began. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Kym, Kingston's mom Alexis, and his teacher had a conference call to make sure that everyone was on the same page. They talked about what needed to be focused on and we went to work. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> What has happened since has been extremely cool. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Basic math, not a problem. What was a struggle a few short months ago is no longer a struggle. As a matter of fact, he is extremely confident. Recently, he finished his homework early so we gave him 4 math worksheets with both addition and subtraction. What is funny is that he had never done subtraction before so keep that in mind. While doing the addition worksheet, he says outloud, "this is easy, Mr. Phil!" To his credit, it was because he finished that worksheet in 2 minutes. What was foreign a few months earlier has now become "easy." </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> He then asked how to do subtraction, we showed him, and once again, he went to work and got them all correct. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> His attitude has turned 180 degrees from frustrated and angry, to believing and happy. Confidence is through the roof and he is just excited to learn. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Last week, we finished our activity and we were going to go into a shortened homework time. The moon outside was huge and I wanted all the kids to see it so I took them outside, we talked about creation, and prayed. Needless to say, we didn't get homework done. Kingston comes up to me (Phil), and says, "Mr. Phil, I didn't get my homework done." I encouraged him to get it done when he got home. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The next day he comes into the building, pulls out his notebook, and says, "Mr. Phil, look." He then shows me his spelling words, each word written three times each. Come to find out, he did this all by himself. His mom didn't ask him to do it, he just did it on his own. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> He is growing and it is so encouraging to see! </span> </p> </div> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:12:33 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-kingston-hayes thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/pumpkin-decorating-winners <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> k-2 Group </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_1226.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Keemani Gallion </span> </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/DSC_0057.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> 3-4 Group </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ava Jackson </span> </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/DSC_0011.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> 5+ Group </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Kemiriah Carter </span> </p> </div> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:30:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/pumpkin-decorating-winners thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/our-kids-make-a-difference-in-bolivar-county <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> empty bowls for bolivar county </span> </h3> </div> <div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17H5qymUoN/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank"> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot+2025-10-22+at+11.46.51-AM.png" alt=""/> </a> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Our students partnered with Delta Arts Alliance to create clay bowls for the Delta Arts Alliance fundraiser called "Empty Bowls." Click below to read how this is benefiting people in the MS Delta. </span> </p> </div> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:13:08 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/our-kids-make-a-difference-in-bolivar-county thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/many-students-make-coronation <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> many of our kids made coronations around bolivar county </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> So proud of our students as five of them were voted by their peers for different "positions" in the different coronations that took place around our county. </span> </p> </div> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:37:33 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/many-students-make-coronation thumbnail main image https://www.c2kministries.org/day-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/day-1/"> Day 1 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:03:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/day-1 https://www.c2kministries.org/new-year-and-new-beginnings Sat, 09 Aug 2025 16:04:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/new-year-and-new-beginnings https://www.c2kministries.org/match-kyms-gift <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/match-kyms-gift/"> Match Kym’s Gift </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:59:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/match-kyms-gift https://www.c2kministries.org/new-building-possibility <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/new-building-possibility/"> New Building Possibility </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:02:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/new-building-possibility https://www.c2kministries.org/building-update-06-24-2025 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/building-update-06-24-2025/"> Building Update 06/24/2025 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:01:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/building-update-06-24-2025 https://www.c2kministries.org/its-official <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/its-official/"> It’s Official </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 01 May 2025 18:29:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/its-official https://www.c2kministries.org/omega-psi-phi-fraternity-gives-and-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Gives and Volunteers with C2k Ministries The week before Thanksgiving, I had the chance to go and pick up one of “my boys'” Devin James. For those that have followed for the past years, Devin was a former student in our after-school program. He is currently at Rust College in Holly […] The post Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Gives and Volunteers with C2k Ministries first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/DSC_0959.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <h1> Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Gives and Volunteers with C2k Ministries </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The week before Thanksgiving, I had the chance to go and pick up one of “my boys'” Devin James. For those that have followed for the past years, Devin was a former student in our after-school program. He is currently at Rust College in Holly Springs, MS and doing very well. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Devin is a brother in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Rust College. Upon his return for his Christmas break, he wanted to volunteer at our program. Little did I know that mean’t that he would recruit his brothers from the Delta State Chapter to join with him. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For the past several weeks we have had 2-3 Omega Psi Phi brothers mentoring our kids. What a blessing they have been and even better they have committed to helping us next semester! </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/469882353_967639332058778_2624450274913877896_n-1024x683.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This past week they asked me if they could buy gifts for our kids and of course I said yes because we needed a few things for our store. So they went shopping and bought the things we needed. Again what a blessing for our kids and we are grateful for them and all they are doing! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/omega-psi-phi-fraternity-gives-and-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries/"> Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Gives and Volunteers with C2k Ministries </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 23:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/omega-psi-phi-fraternity-gives-and-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/alpha-phi-alpha-fraternity-inc-omicron-psi-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Psi Volunteers with C2k Ministries For the past semester, Jakori Johnson a leader with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Omicron Psi, has been volunteering weekly with our students. In the past month, Jakori did a week long activity teaching our kids about computers, how to use them correctly, and the […] The post Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Psi Volunteers with C2k Ministries first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_4330-1024x768.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <h1> Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Psi Volunteers with C2k Ministries </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For the past semester, Jakori Johnson a leader with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Omicron Psi, has been volunteering weekly with our students. In the past month, Jakori did a week long activity teaching our kids about computers, how to use them correctly, and the possibilities of what they can do. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Jakori contacted me about a need for service hours and we filled that need. On a Saturday morning, these young men met me at our building at 7am, cleaned our building, top to bottom, pulled weeds around the building, and thankfully got rid of all the vines that were growing around the outside of the building. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_4324-768x1024.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Super grateful to Jakori and all the young men and we look forward to them being part of our volunteer team this next semester! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/alpha-phi-alpha-fraternity-inc-omicron-psi-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries/"> Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Psi Volunteers with C2k Ministries </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 22:40:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/alpha-phi-alpha-fraternity-inc-omicron-psi-volunteers-with-c2k-ministries thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/our-kids-created-giving-jars Our Kids Created Giving Jars Each week we have a different activity and about a week ago, the activity was learning about money. Ms. Edna did a great job as always and taught our kids about giving. As of today, our kids have given $130 through their jars! Ms. Edna did such a great job […] The post Our Kids Created Giving Jars first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/DSC_0967.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <h1> Our Kids Created Giving Jars </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Each week we have a different activity and about a week ago, the activity was learning about money. Ms. Edna did a great job as always and taught our kids about giving. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As of today, our kids have given $130 through their jars! Ms. Edna did such a great job with teaching our kids about given, creating jars and a feasible way for our kids to see what they are giving. Well done all around! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/our-kids-created-giving-jars/"> Our Kids Created Giving Jars </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 22:26:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/our-kids-created-giving-jars thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-is-coming <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-is-coming/"> Christmas is Coming </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:14:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-is-coming https://www.c2kministries.org/keith-johnson-prince-of-the-blues-visits-redirect <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/keith-johnson-prince-of-the-blues-visits-redirect/"> Keith Johnson, Prince of the Blues, Visits RE&gt;DIRECT </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:08:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/keith-johnson-prince-of-the-blues-visits-redirect https://www.c2kministries.org/help-us-be-the-change-this-year Watch this quick video and if possible please help us get some much needed supplies and materials to better reach our students this year. The post Help Us Be The Change This Year first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this quick video and if possible please help us get some much needed supplies and materials to better reach our students this year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/help-us-be-the-change-this-year/"> Help Us Be The Change This Year </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:14:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/help-us-be-the-change-this-year https://www.c2kministries.org/we-need-to-brag-a-bit We know that we are not supposed to boast except in the Lord. So let’s take a moment and look at what God is doing and how He is moving. When we start a new school year, our hope and prayer is that our students grow and increase in their capacity to learn and become […] The post We Need To Brag A Bit first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We know that we are not supposed to boast except in the Lord. So let’s take a moment and look at what God is doing and how He is moving. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When we start a new school year, our hope and prayer is that our students grow and increase in their capacity to learn and become that which we believe God has created them to be. We then step into the year, have hiccups and minor setbacks as students struggle with the love, compassion, expectations, and the reality that we will not accept anything less than then their very best. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When students push through, the results are very clear. The process of allowing room for mistakes is critical. Let’s face it, nobody like to make mistakes; especially in front of other people. We create a space for kids to feel comfortable making mistakes so that we can help them overcome them, and in turn, they feel more comfortable when they head to school. Not only do they know the answer; they know the process to get the answer (more important). </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Let’s talk numbers for a minute because that seems to be one of the things that most people are drawn too. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Getting on a list can be good or bad. When we talk about a principals list or a superintendents list, that could be positive or negative. For me (Phil), I seemed to have a tendency to reach the wrong list while in grade school. That is not the list we are referencing! We are talking the good list and the way it is achieved is through grades. We challenge all of our students to maintain a “C” or above grade average. For some, because of learning disabilities or learning deficiencies, just getting to a “C” is a huge thing. In some situations, our students are a grade or two behind which can present another set of challenges. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That is why these results are incredible. Before speaking about them, let me say that without a great team, NONE of this is possible. Our team is outstanding and the truth is that if we could grow our team, we could reach more students by getting them off the waiting list… another post will come soon about this problem we face. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here are the numbers: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Success-Rate2024.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what does this mean? In this last grade reporting period, 65% of our students made the principals or superintendents list (the good one). Almost 3/4’s of our students are performing at an extremely high level and that is to be celebrated! I started this post by saying, look at God. I will end this post by saying, look at what God continues to do! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/we-need-to-brag-a-bit/"> We Need To Brag A Bit </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:49:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/we-need-to-brag-a-bit thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-message-2023 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/year-end-message-2023/"> Year End Message 2023 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 29 Dec 2023 16:16:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-message-2023 https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2023 Here is a quick video in which we celebrate Christmas and more. We know that you will be blessed! The post Christmas 2023 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a quick video in which we celebrate Christmas and more. We know that you will be blessed! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-2023/"> Christmas 2023 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:12:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2023 https://www.c2kministries.org/a-special-message-from-devin-james Devin has been part of our life since before we moved to Mound Bayou, MS. In this video he shares a really important message that we know you will enjoy. Note: this video is raw video and we let you behind the scenes on this one! The post A Special Message From Devin James first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Devin has been part of our life since before we moved to Mound Bayou, MS. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In this video he shares a really important message that we know you will enjoy. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Note: this video is raw video and we let you behind the scenes on this one! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-special-message-from-devin-james/"> A Special Message From Devin James </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:37:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-special-message-from-devin-james https://www.c2kministries.org/2023-happy-thanksgiving-message <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2023-happy-thanksgiving-message/"> 2023 Happy Thanksgiving Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:02:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2023-happy-thanksgiving-message https://www.c2kministries.org/10-year-celebration-and-more Watch this video, celebrate with us and get the important updates! The post 10 Year Celebration and More first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this video, celebrate with us and get the important updates! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/10-year-celebration-and-more/"> 10 Year Celebration and More </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:26:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/10-year-celebration-and-more https://www.c2kministries.org/2023-year-end-video As this school year has come to a close, we wanted to share with you a few things from the year. The post 2023 Year End Video first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As this school year has come to a close, we wanted to share with you a few things from the year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2023-year-end-video/"> 2023 Year End Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 30 May 2023 14:01:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2023-year-end-video https://www.c2kministries.org/an-incredible-man-and-leader As we were walking through the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN something hit me. We had taken groups of people, and friends to this museum before but I never saw it. Maybe you have had that happen to you when reading a book, or watching a movie. You suddenly […] The post An Incredible Man and Leader first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As we were walking through the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN something hit me. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We had taken groups of people, and friends to this museum before but I never saw it. Maybe you have had that happen to you when reading a book, or watching a movie. You suddenly see something that you never saw before. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Upon concluding the tour before heading across the way to see where Dr. King was shot from, you pass by Dr. King’s room. Like I said, I have passed by this room several times and I never saw this until now. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot-2023-01-16-at-5.54.20-AM.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Dr. King’s briefcase is open and I never really looked inside of it but this day I did. As I studied the contents of his briefcase, I noticed one book, in particular, sticking out halfway. The title of the book struck me, “Strength To Love.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Interestingly, I couldn’t see the author which intrigued me even more. Come to find out it was written by Dr. King and it is a book that I have read every year since getting it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When most people think about Dr. King, they think about the big speech. Funny how we always love the large and sensational, isn’t it? We often forget about the smaller, seemingly insignificant things that don’t cross the tv screen but still take place. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Think about this for a moment. At one moment in his life, his six-year-old daughther asked him this question:  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <b> <em> “Daddy, why do you have to go to jail so much?” </em> </b> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am sure that your daughter or son have probably asked you questions, but that was probably not one of them. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I often joked with some great friends of mine, Pastor Seth Still, and the late Dr. Larry Haywood, about what my response would have been if I was black. If I am honest, I am not sure that I would have responded the way that Dr. King did.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> How did this man, who endured so much, handle things that way he did? How did he not lash out in anger and hate, rather in love and compassion towards the very people that hated him? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <b> Let me conclude by saying this. </b>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Christians, we are the church are we not? This means that live in the world but we are not of the world, right? Doesn’t it mean that we should influence culture rather than letting culture influence us? Isn’t that what Jesus did? I think we can all agree that it was. As a matter of fact, someone created wristbands with the infamous, “WWJD” to remind us in case we forgot. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy, we find roots in scripture because he could not have made it as far as he did without extreme love. That love is ONLY found in Christ and cannot be manipulated or faked in any way. It is genuine and needs no introduction for you can sense it when it walks through the door. It is different for it doesn’t hold grudges, rights or wrongs. It forgives at every turn. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> My hope is that you made it to the end of this writing, maybe contemplate buying his book, but most of all, investigate this real love that is available for all. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> -Phil </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/an-incredible-man-and-leader/"> <b> An Incredible Man and Leader </b> </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:53:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/an-incredible-man-and-leader thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2022 We had an incredible Christmas week. We do want to share that with you and the best way is through video. Before we share, we want to thank you for your continued support in making this happen. Without you, we would really struggle to continue on our mission. Thanks again, Merry Christmas and may God […] The post Christmas 2022 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We had an incredible Christmas week. We do want to share that with you and the best way is through video. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Before we share, we want to thank you for your continued support in making this happen. Without you, we would really struggle to continue on our mission. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thanks again, Merry Christmas and may God continue to bless you as you are a blessing to others. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-2022/"> Christmas 2022 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 19:36:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2022 https://www.c2kministries.org/clean-drinking-water-now-a-permanent-reality-for-one-small-delta-town Clean drinking water is something that everyone should be able to access. For many small Delta cities, this is not the reality. With aging pumps and lines, water boils can happen more and more often, and clean drinking water becomes harder to access. The health issues that occur because of unclean drinking water are numerous. […] The post Clean Drinking Water Now a Permanent Reality for One Small Delta Town first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Clean drinking water is something that everyone should be able to access. For many small Delta cities, this is not the reality. With aging pumps and lines, water boils can happen more and more often, and clean drinking water becomes harder to access. The health issues that occur because of unclean drinking water are numerous. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The City of Mound Bayou, Mayor Leighton Aldridge, and C2k Ministries Inc. are changing that for their town. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Within the last month, C2k Ministries Inc. was contacted by The Water Box, a registered 501(c)(3) organization that believes everyone should have access to clean drinking water. The Water Box was founded by Jaden Smith through the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <br/> After discussing with Mound Bayou Mayor Leighton Aldridge, we knew this would benefit Mound Bayou and the surrounding areas. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The Water Box is a four-stage treatment system that has been designed to address the water safety of communities where the municipal water infrastructure has degraded or been contaminated. Because it is intended to be used by volunteers in the community, the Water Box is simple to operate and maintain. Built from readily available off-the-shelf components, the 3-stage filtration and UV treatment remove the most common mineral and biological contaminants in municipal water, such as lead, arsenic, copper, e-coli, legionella, and many others. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Infrastructure deterioration is prevalent in rural communities such as Mound Bayou. Water system improvement has a priority focus, and options like Water Box provide much-needed relief as we work to replace and repair the old system in Mound Bayou. Water Box can provide access to clean drinking water as we diligently endeavor to provide citizens of Mound Bayou vital drinking water accommodation,” says Mayor Leighton Aldridge of Mound Bayou, MS. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The fantastic thing is that this costs the city nothing. The Water Box covers all costs. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Jackson, MS, has had water issues for years, and it wasn’t until recently that we saw this come to a head. The Water Box has been active in the Jackson area, installing water boxes and providing clean water where needed. On this trip, we were fortunate enough to have a water box in Mound Bayou, MS. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “We are excited to provide clean, safe drinking water to everyone that needs it. Water is not a luxury. It is necessary to sustain life. Without clean water, health issues and health costs rise. This is one way we can easily prevent that, ” says Phil Schank, President of C2k Ministries Inc. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The Water Box is located at City Hall in Mound Bayou, MS and will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 10am-Noon. Please bring your own water jug to be filled. There is a limit of 3 per household. For more information, please visit cityofmoundbayou.com or c2kministries.org. For more information about The Water Box visit 501cthree.org. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/clean-drinking-water-now-a-permanent-reality-for-one-small-delta-town/"> Clean Drinking Water Now a Permanent Reality for One Small Delta Town </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 28 Sep 2022 01:18:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/clean-drinking-water-now-a-permanent-reality-for-one-small-delta-town https://www.c2kministries.org/off-to-a-great-start The RE<DIRECT After School Program is off to a great start this 2022-2023 school year. For daily insight and more, you can head over to our Facebook Page. Ms. Edna Bland and students do a great job with photos, and more! The post Off To A Great Start! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The RE&lt;DIRECT After School Program is off to a great start this 2022-2023 school year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For daily insight and more, you can head over to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/C2kMinistries/" target="_blank"> Facebook Page </a> . Ms. Edna Bland and students do a great job with photos, and more! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/off-to-a-great-start/"> Off To A Great Start! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:32:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/off-to-a-great-start thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/a-flood-and-a-stolen-car So this probably sounds like a weird book title or a made for television event but this really happened. The Flood After returning from Wisconsin, I, Phil, Went to our building on a Sunday to make a few copies. Upon arriving, I noticed debris on the top of the outside window sills. I then opened […] The post A Flood and a Stolen Car first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So this probably sounds like a weird book title or a made for television event but this really happened. </p> </div> <h2> The Flood </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> After returning from Wisconsin, I, Phil, Went to our building on a Sunday to make a few copies. Upon arriving, I noticed debris on the top of the outside window sills. I then opened the door and there was dirt all over the floor. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We just had the floors stripped, cleaned, and re-waxed so this was not a welcome site. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We had a really strong rain the previous Friday but thought nothing of it. Our road flooded, water came rushing through the front door, about 6 inches of it, and like a small tidal wave, moved through the entire building. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When I made it halfway to the back room, there was a terrible smell. I stepped into the backroom (carpet), and heard a “squish” sound. The carpet was completely soaked. Needless to say, I tore out all the carpet while Kym started cleaning, moving, and checking items for damage. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The silver lining is that Kym still had all of the stuff in the front of the building on the stage and because it was elevated, it did not get damaged. Many other things had to be thrown out such as desks, wood cubbie holder, and more. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thankfully we got it all done, cleaned and now we are deciding what to do with the backroom. Carpet will not be part of the answer… </p> </div> <h2> A Stolen Car </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Now this is something. Kym and I were heading to Memphis on August 12. We parked the car at the Hilton Memphis Hotel, directly in front of the building. On Saturday, some friends picked me up and we went to the Fed Ex Cup at Southwind. We spent the whole day there and Kym spent the day at the pool. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We were then leaving early Sunday morning to drive to Wisconsin for the memorial service of a dear friend, Dr. Bob “Lebron” Krieger. We walked out of the hotel and I walked down to get the car. Hitting the key fob, I am not hearing any noise. I get to where my car should be and it is not there. I look to the left and right, and my car is nowhere to be found. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We called the Memphis Police and once the policeman found out it was an Infinity, he proceeded to tell me of the rash of Infinitys that are being stolen in Memphis. Apparently, someone broke into a locksmith shop, stole the key fobs and somehow have them programmed to start Infinitys. Unfortunately, our car was one of them and they have not found the car, 10 days later. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Yes we have insurance and we are sure we will be taken care of. That being said, this was another event that we just didn’t need. Please be praying for us. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-flood-and-a-stolen-car/"> A Flood and a Stolen Car </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:16:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-flood-and-a-stolen-car https://www.c2kministries.org/student-supply-drive Watch this short video to get involved in our student supply drive for this year! You can CLICK HERE to give. The post Student Supply Drive first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this short video to get involved in our student supply drive for this year! You can <b> <span> <a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/c2k-ministries-inc/student-supplies"> CLICK HERE </a> </span> </b> to give. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/student-supply-drive/"> Student Supply Drive </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 10 Jul 2022 15:25:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/student-supply-drive https://www.c2kministries.org/2021-2022-year-end-video A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, prayed for and financially supported all that we are doing in Mound Bayou and Bolivar County. We have big plans for next year! The post 2021-2022 Year End Video first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, prayed for and financially supported all that we are doing in Mound Bayou and Bolivar County. We have big plans for next year! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2021-2022-year-end-video/"> 2021-2022 Year End Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 08 Jun 2022 18:17:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2021-2022-year-end-video https://www.c2kministries.org/grammy-museum-mississippi-guitar-graduation Our kids perform at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi On Saturday, May 7, 2022, our students had their graduation celebration a the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi where they all performed. We have all the videos, unedited below for your enjoyment. Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6+ Photos from the morning The post GRAMMY Museum Mississippi Guitar Graduation first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Our kids perform at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> On Saturday, May 7, 2022, our students had their graduation celebration a the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi where they all performed. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have all the videos, unedited below for your enjoyment. </p> </div> <h2> Grades K-2 </h2> <h2> Grades 3-5 </h2> <h2> Grades 6+ </h2> <h2> Photos from the morning </h2> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_4449-1024x768.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/grammy-museum-mississippi-guitar-graduation/"> GRAMMY Museum Mississippi Guitar Graduation </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 09 May 2022 21:36:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/grammy-museum-mississippi-guitar-graduation thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/monday-morning-blues Our students learn a new song Our students have been working hard on learning guitar and this past Monday, they learned, “Monday Morning Blues.” Take a listen to our 3-5 grade (Monday-Tuesday) group. The post Monday Morning Blues first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Our students learn a new song </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our students have been working hard on learning guitar and this past Monday, they learned, “Monday Morning Blues.” Take a listen to our 3-5 grade (Monday-Tuesday) group. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/monday-morning-blues/"> Monday Morning Blues </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:55:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/monday-morning-blues https://www.c2kministries.org/students-visit-local-music-museums Our students visited the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, MS and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS. As part of our project with the GRAMMY Museum, Cleveland, MS, we have the chance to take kids on field trips to music museums in the area. This past week we had the chance to take our […] The post Students Visit Local Music Museums first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Our students visited the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, MS and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS. </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As part of our project with the GRAMMY Museum, Cleveland, MS, we have the chance to take kids on field trips to music museums in the area. This past week we had the chance to take our students to the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, MS and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS. Both trips were guided tours of the museum and we can’t thank the staff of both museums enough for opening their doors to us. A huge shout out to all of our guitar leaders who attended and hung out with our students. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/019.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/students-visit-local-music-museums/"> Students Visit Local Music Museums </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:51:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/students-visit-local-music-museums thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/we-did-it-again C2k Ministries Inc. reaches platinum status with Guidestar. As a ministry, we go to great lengths to make sure that you know who we are, what we do, and where your donations go. Our accountability and the systems that we have set in place include: An independent audit of our financials every year Being accredited […] The post We Did It Again! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> C2k Ministries Inc. reaches platinum status with Guidestar. </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As a ministry, we go to great lengths to make sure that you know who we are, what we do, and where your donations go. Our accountability and the systems that we have set in place include: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> An independent audit of our financials every year </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Being accredited with the ECFA (big deal considering a small portion of Christian non-profits have done this and we are one of them!) </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Disclosing publically records on Guidestar and achieving Platinum status, the highest status you can recieve. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As we move forward we will continue to do everything that we can to remain 100% transparent and accountable. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/we-did-it-again/"> We Did It Again! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 11 Feb 2022 13:02:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/we-did-it-again https://www.c2kministries.org/the-grammy-museum-project We are really excited to tell you about a project that we are involved with. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, is working with C2k Ministries through a program called Delta Sessions, The Next Step Project. The idea is to nurture the next generation of Mississippi Delta musicians. Over the past two days, our students had their […] The post The GRAMMY Museum Project first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are really excited to tell you about a project that we are involved with. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, is working with C2k Ministries through a program called Delta Sessions, The Next Step Project. The idea is to nurture the next generation of Mississippi Delta musicians. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Over the past two days, our students had their guitars delivered to them and over the next 18 weeks, our students will have a lesson a week, 4 field trips, and a year end concert at the GRAMMY Museum. Take a look at this quick video where most of our kids are holding a guitar for the first time. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/MDNHA_color_72ppi.jpeg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/the-grammy-museum-project/"> The GRAMMY Museum Project </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:59:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/the-grammy-museum-project thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/powerful-2021-year-end-message We have come the end of another year. Take a moment and watch this special year-end message. The post Powerful 2021 Year End Message first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have come the end of another year. Take a moment and watch this special year-end message. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/powerful-2021-year-end-message/"> Powerful 2021 Year End Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 28 Dec 2021 01:04:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/powerful-2021-year-end-message https://www.c2kministries.org/2021-christmas-week-celebration C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Christmas With Their Students Every year around this time, we have a chance to celebrate Christmas with our students. This year was pretty epic with a snowball fight, Christmas gifts, and the Christmas store. Watch this video as we welcome you into Christmas week, C2k Ministries style! The post 2021 Christmas Week Celebration first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Christmas With Their Students </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Every year around this time, we have a chance to celebrate Christmas with our students. This year was pretty epic with a snowball fight, Christmas gifts, and the Christmas store. Watch this video as we welcome you into Christmas week, C2k Ministries style! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2021-christmas-week-celebration/"> 2021 Christmas Week Celebration </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 11 Dec 2021 19:22:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2021-christmas-week-celebration https://www.c2kministries.org/a-special-message-this-thanksgiving This Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for. Our team continues to grow stronger and stronger. The impact that our Mentor Specialists are having on our students is profound. One parent recently commented that, “her daughter is doing WAY better then she was and her teachers even commented about the change.” This Thanksgiving, […] The post A Special Message This Thanksgiving first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for. Our team continues to grow stronger and stronger. The impact that our Mentor Specialists are having on our students is profound. One parent recently commented that, “her daughter is doing WAY better then she was and her teachers even commented about the change.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This Thanksgiving, our students have a short message to share with you. Be blessed this Thanksgiving and thanks for being a blessing to each of us! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-special-message-this-thanksgiving/"> A Special Message This Thanksgiving </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:10:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-special-message-this-thanksgiving https://www.c2kministries.org/a-brand-new-year-begins Not only has a brand new year begun, it has begun in a big way. Home work is obviously an important part of our program. However, we are a holistic program that works on the body, mind, soul, and spirit of a child. Here is a glimpse at the first few weeks! Education Our students […] The post A Brand New Year Begins first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Not only has a brand new year begun, it has begun in a big way. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Home work is obviously an important part of our program. However, we are a holistic program that works on the body, mind, soul, and spirit of a child. Here is a glimpse at the first few weeks! <br/> <br/> </p> </div> <h2> Education </h2> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/240217482_6815455211814048_274060060612261762_n-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our students are being cared for in a pretty special way. They have all the tools and resources they need to not only get great grades, but to become successful future leaders that go out and change families, communities, organizations, and the world. We will do everything short of sin to make sure that our students have what they need to succeed. <br/> </p> </div> <h2> Christian Principles </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our ministry, C2k Ministries Inc., stand for Cross To Kingdom. Not many people know what “C2k” stands for and we want you to know. We teach Christian, Bible-based, principles each month. This year our theme is “Living Out Your Faith.” Our students will learn about the following: Character, Courage, Relationships, Integrity, Positive Attitudes, Values, Humility, Generosity, and Purpose. <br/> </p> </div> <h2> STEM </h2> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/240396792_6810159699010266_3144663228926751659_n-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are excited to partner with Delta State University this year. Their Science Department is committed to coming one week per month to teach our kids about science, chemistry, biology, and more. Our students will be doing experiments and learning why certain things react the way they do. A huge shout out to Dr. Theresa Gaines for taking the lead! <br/> </p> </div> <h2> Money, Budgeting, and Investing </h2> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/240945847_6842182572474645_1445137949745412736_n-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of the staples of our program is our money system. Each day, our students receive three (3) RE&gt;DIRECT dollars. If they perform well that day, they keep the dollars and at the end of the week deposit them into their bank account. We also give money for progress reports and report cards (A’s, B’s, and C’s only). Our students then get to spend those dollars in our store and two (2) times per year there is a rather large store. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This year we are doing all of that but we are also going to be teach about budgeting, tithing, saving, giving, and investing. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is and God was clear about that in scripture. <br/> </p> </div> <h2> Recognition </h2> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/239326513_6805097119516524_5556078266381002218_n-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We love to recognize our students. This is never done in a false way but it is done intentionally. We have a pin program in which our students earn pins based on displaying specific character traits. At the end of this year, one student, from each area with the most pins, will be receiving a large prize. Our leadership is looking to place pins on our students. Positivity is the name of the game. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As you can see, it has been a busy few weeks. Our staff is incredible as they continue to work hard with our students. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Please be praying for a successful year for all involved in RE&gt;DIRECT and C2k Ministries Inc. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-brand-new-year-begins/"> A Brand New Year Begins </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:59:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-brand-new-year-begins thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/being-a-blessing We were blessed to have Michael Jones, Jim Dykema, and Bill Hrovat come down from WI to help work on a few homes during the past week. As reported in an earlier email, Patty, Scott, and Karen came down here from WI about a month ago. Patty worked with Samaritan’s Purse tearing out a few […] The post Being A Blessing first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We were blessed to have Michael Jones, Jim Dykema, and Bill Hrovat come down from WI to help work on a few homes during the past week. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As reported in an earlier email, Patty, Scott, and Karen came down here from WI about a month ago. Patty worked with Samaritan’s Purse tearing out a few final houses. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our ministry was contacted by both of the homeowners, asking if we could replace the drywall. We told them we would get there, but it would be a bit as we had quite the list. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One month later, Michael, Jim, and Bill answered the call and answered it in a big way. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of the homes needed about 2 feet of drywall throughout the house, and there were floor and wall repairs that needed repairs. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_8031.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We had all the supplies delivered, and they went to work and completed the job in no time. </p> </div> <h2> 48 Inches of Standing Water </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The next homeowner reported to me that she had 4 feet of standing water in her home for more than a week. When Patty was with Samaritan’s Purse, they completely emptied this house and removed all the walls. When Michael, Jim, and Bill entered the house with me, it was gutted, with no air conditioning and running water, and our heat index was around 115 and extremely humid. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_3761.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The goal was to get the drywall installed and start rebuilding hope for the homeowner. We had all the drywall delivered with mud and tape, and they started on this home. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Michael, Jim, and Bill went to work. They worked in extreme conditions with heat and humidity. Within a few days, they installed all the walls and got them taped. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Not only is the homeowner blown away, but so was I. I can’t say thank you enough to Michael, Jim, and Bill for all their work while they were here. They blessed us in many ways. Thanks again for all that you did while here! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/being-a-blessing/"> Being A Blessing </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:50:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/being-a-blessing thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/1-month-flood-update Bolivar County, MS Flood Update, July 9, 2021 Here is a quick update for you on what is happening one month later. The post 1 Month Flood Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Bolivar County, MS Flood Update, July 9, 2021 </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a quick update for you on what is happening one month later. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/1-month-flood-update/"> 1 Month Flood Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 09 Jul 2021 12:19:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/1-month-flood-update https://www.c2kministries.org/bringing-hope Bringing hope to one family at a time. I have been keeping you in the loop about Mr. Brown and his house. I wanted to share with you current needs as well as what the end result looks like. Hope you are inspired and blessed by this video. The post Bringing Hope first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Bringing hope to one family at a time. </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I have been keeping you in the loop about Mr. Brown and his house. I wanted to share with you current needs as well as what the end result looks like. Hope you are inspired and blessed by this video. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/bringing-hope/"> Bringing Hope </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:49:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/bringing-hope https://www.c2kministries.org/june-21-2021-update Please be praying because we are supposed to receive a decent amount of rain and storms today and tonight. The post June 21, 2021 Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Please be praying because we are supposed to receive a decent amount of rain and storms today and tonight. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/june-21-2021-update/"> June 21, 2021 Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:21:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/june-21-2021-update https://www.c2kministries.org/thursday-june-17-2021-update If you can volunteer, please contact the Samaritans Purse Volunteer Hotline prior to coming to get the orientation completed so you can hit the ground running. 662-402-3454 is the phone number. Thanks! The post Thursday June 17, 2021 Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> If you can volunteer, please contact the Samaritans Purse Volunteer Hotline prior to coming to get the orientation completed so you can hit the ground running. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 662-402-3454 is the phone number. Thanks! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/thursday-june-17-2021-update/"> Thursday June 17, 2021 Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:58:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/thursday-june-17-2021-update https://www.c2kministries.org/saturday-june-12-2021-update Here is a quick update from what we accomplished yesterday. Know that we took all of this food directly into the community and distributed door to door, specifically with homes that had children. The post Saturday June 12, 2021 Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a quick update from what we accomplished yesterday. Know that we took all of this food directly into the community and distributed door to door, specifically with homes that had children. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/saturday-june-12-2021-update/"> Saturday June 12, 2021 Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:44:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/saturday-june-12-2021-update https://www.c2kministries.org/immediate-needs-update You can give directly to the flood relief efforts here but watch the video first so you know what you are giving to and what we have done today. The post Immediate Needs/Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> You can give directly to the flood relief efforts <a href="https://c2kministries.org/flood-relief/"> here </a> but watch the video first so you know what you are giving to and what we have done today. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/immediate-needs-update/"> Immediate Needs/Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 12 Jun 2021 00:55:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/immediate-needs-update https://www.c2kministries.org/june-11-flood-update <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/june-11-flood-update/"> June 11 Flood Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:27:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/june-11-flood-update https://www.c2kministries.org/june-8-flood-update Thanks to many of you for prayers. It is really bad here. The front literally stalled right over us this morning and ended up dumping almost 22 inches of rain in a very short amount of time. Our sewer system and drainage isn’t even close to equipped to handling something like that so it is […] The post June 8 Flood Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thanks to many of you for prayers. It is really bad here. The front literally stalled right over us this morning and ended up dumping almost 22 inches of rain in a very short amount of time. Our sewer system and drainage isn’t even close to equipped to handling something like that so it is a bit of a mess. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Emergency assistance is in our town specifically at a county level, not sure if FEMA is here or not. I managed to get to Cleveland to buy some sand bags so we have a bit of a barrier on the driveway so that hopefully the rain cant make it up like it was this morning. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We don’t need another monsoon like this morning so please be praying that this next round passes north and misses us! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/june-8-flood-update/"> June 8 Flood Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 08 Jun 2021 20:44:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/june-8-flood-update https://www.c2kministries.org/flooding-june-8-2021 Watch this video and please be praying. It is bad. The post Flooding June 8, 2021 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this video and please be praying. It is bad. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/flooding-june-8-2021/"> Flooding June 8, 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:03:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/flooding-june-8-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/the-end-of-this-school-year C2k Ministries Inc. closes out the 2020-2021 year with an epic store. This year was so different than other years and as I say that, I know it was the same for everyone reading this. Normally we would have 2 large stores during the year; one around Christmas and the other at the year-end. This […] The post The End Of This School Year first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> C2k Ministries Inc. closes out the 2020-2021 year with an epic store. </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This year was so different than other years and as I say that, I know it was the same for everyone reading this. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Normally we would have 2 large stores during the year; one around Christmas and the other at the year-end. This year we didn’t have one at Christmas so this year-end store was “off-the-chain.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> How does our store work? Well during the year, each student receives RE&gt;DIRECT dollars. On a daily basis they receive $3 dollars, and for every “A”, “B”, and “C” they receive (scaled payout) they can receive larger dollars provided parents report to us a picture of their progress report or report card. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Sadly, some parents don’t which then hurts the kids because they are not able to purchase what they would like to in store like this. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> What you won’t see are 2 students upset that they could not purchase something because they were short. The easy thing to do is to cave in (entitlement), the better thing to do (super hard and heartbreaking) is not to give it (empowerment). </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> God designed us to be empowered, Genesis 1-2, sin designed us to be entitled, the rest of the Bible until Jesus settled it. (Another discussion for another time) </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our students are responsible for balancing their account with deposits and purchases. Kids have to make choices based on value (which is inflated). </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We will continue to press into empowerment, and this store is a visible representation of what it looks like. “Go get it” is the cry and then we back it up with the tools and resources needed to make it happen. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> With the video, I was really upset because as we brought kids into the backroom (the store), I was running video and audio and after I ran it for about 10 minutes, I stopped it and it said it could not save because of an “internal error.” That being said, Ms. Edna was back there (she does photography) just snapping pics and I am so glad she was. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The sounds when the kids walked in were ” oh my gosh”, “wooh”, “am I in toy heaven”, as well as others. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> YOU make this happen and we are really grateful. I will never say that our kids deserve anything other than a chance that is backed with solid tools and resources. As cool as this is, we are only scratching the surface of impact and change. We are currently processing what this looks like as a board and ministry and should have a large announcement coming in the next month or so. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thanks for all you do to help create change. Enjoy the fan… (you will get it once you watch the video) </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/the-end-of-this-school-year/"> The End Of This School Year </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 26 May 2021 18:57:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/the-end-of-this-school-year https://www.c2kministries.org/a-great-friend-will-be-missed It is with a very deep heart that we have to write this. Dr. Larry Haywood was one of our board members. Not only was he a board member but Kym and I consider both Larry and his wife Carrie as family. Larry and Carrie showed us what it meant to love one another fully […] The post A Great Friend Will Be Missed first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It is with a very deep heart that we have to write this. Dr. Larry Haywood was one of our board members. Not only was he a board member but Kym and I consider both Larry and his wife Carrie as family. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Larry and Carrie showed us what it meant to love one another fully and we have not met two people with a stronger faith in Jesus. They were not only husband and wife but grandparents as well as great grandparents. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Dr. Haywood passed this Saturday and while we know he is rejoicing in heaven we would ask that you keep his family in your prayers. Larry was an outstanding father, grandfather, leader, teacher, and friend. He will be greatly missed. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-great-friend-will-be-missed/"> A Great Friend Will Be Missed </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 12 May 2021 15:28:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-great-friend-will-be-missed https://www.c2kministries.org/kids-go-skating-and-out-for-pizza As part of our RE>DIRECT store, our students have the chance to purchase a skating/pizza certificate. They use their RE>DIRECT dollars to purchase the certificate and then we take them skating and out for pizza. Here is a short video of the fun we had this past Saturday! The post Kids Go Skating and Out For Pizza first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As part of our RE&gt;DIRECT store, our students have the chance to purchase a skating/pizza certificate. They use their RE&gt;DIRECT dollars to purchase the certificate and then we take them skating and out for pizza. Here is a short video of the fun we had this past Saturday! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/kids-go-skating-and-out-for-pizza/"> Kids Go Skating and Out For Pizza </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 03 May 2021 15:31:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/kids-go-skating-and-out-for-pizza https://www.c2kministries.org/sandra-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/sandra-appreciation-week-2021/"> Sandra Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/sandra-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/samantha-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/samantha-appreciation-week-2021/"> Samantha Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:11:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/samantha-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/linda-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/linda-appreciation-week-2021/"> Linda Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:09:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/linda-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/latonya-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/latonya-appreciation-week-2021/"> LaTonya Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/latonya-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/joyce-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/joyce-appreciation-week-2021/"> Joyce Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:05:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/joyce-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/edna-appreciation-week-2021 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/edna-appreciation-week-2021/"> Edna Appreciation Week 2021 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/edna-appreciation-week-2021 https://www.c2kministries.org/an-easter-message Our students and leaders have a few things they want to tell you. Watch this short video! The post An Easter Message first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our students and leaders have a few things they want to tell you. Watch this short video! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/an-easter-message/"> An Easter Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 14:57:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/an-easter-message https://www.c2kministries.org/march-2021-update Here is a quick video with a few updates regarding the rest of this school year. The post March 2021 Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a quick video with a few updates regarding the rest of this school year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/march-2021-update/"> March 2021 Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 27 Mar 2021 14:19:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/march-2021-update https://www.c2kministries.org/kingston-masters-8th-grade-math-skill This probably wouldn’t be a big deal if Kingston was in 8th grade. The fact is that he is in 4th grade… We are super proud of all of his continued accomplishments which include his incredible grades, his steady determination, and his caring heart. This is a really big accomplishment and who knows what else […] The post Kingston Masters 8th Grade Math Skill first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This probably wouldn’t be a big deal if Kingston was in 8th grade. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Kingston-Final.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The fact is that he is in 4th grade… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are super proud of all of his continued accomplishments which include his incredible grades, his steady determination, and his caring heart. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This is a really big accomplishment and who knows what else he and others will accomplish yet this year! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/kingston-masters-8th-grade-math-skill/"> Kingston Masters 8th Grade Math Skill </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:36:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/kingston-masters-8th-grade-math-skill thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/braylen-writes-a-book Braylen Rimmer, 2nd grader in Cleveland, MS School District, has written his first book called The Phoenix Son. This is the first book in a series and we are excited to be helping him promote this. You can pre-order the book at https://www.thephoenixson.com/ Watch this short video interview with Braylen! The post Braylen Writes A Book first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Braylen Rimmer, 2nd grader in Cleveland, MS School District, has written his first book called The Phoenix Son. This is the first book in a series and we are excited to be helping him promote this. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> You can pre-order the book at https://www.thephoenixson.com/ </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this short video interview with Braylen! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/braylen-writes-a-book/"> Braylen Writes A Book </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/braylen-writes-a-book https://www.c2kministries.org/digital-currency-donations At some point I am sure that you have probably heard the terms “digital currency”, or “cryptocurrency”, or “bitcoin.” This form of currency has created wealth for many people that invested in it early on. This has also created a philanthropic wave but the problem is that many non-profits and churches are not equipped to […] The post Digital Currency Donations first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> At some point I am sure that you have probably heard the terms “digital currency”, or “cryptocurrency”, or “bitcoin.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This form of currency has created wealth for many people that invested in it early on. This has also created a philanthropic wave but the problem is that many non-profits and churches are not equipped to receive a digital currency donation. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Well… we are set up! </p> </div> <h2> How does a digital currency donation work? </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Digital currency (sometimes called “cryptocurrency”) is a digital asset that functions as a medium of exchange, using cryptograpy to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/bitcoin.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The IRS considers digital current be noncash property. If a taxpayer donates appreciated digital currency directly to a church or ministry, the appreciation in value is not subject to federal income tax. While the amount deductible by the giver will vary depending on the facts, if the giver held the digital currency for more than a year prior to the gift, the giver may be entitled to a deduction of the full fair market value of the digital currency contributed. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Churches and ministries should provide gift acknowledgments for gifts of digital currency as is appropriate for any other noncash gift. The gift acknowledgment should describe the gift (e.g., 40 Bitcoin units) and the date of the gift, but not the value of the gift. It is the responsibility of the giver to determine the fair market value of virtual currency in U.S. dollars as of the date of payment or receipt. If no goods or services were provided in exchange for the gift, the gift acknowledgment should state this. If goods or services were provided in exchange for the gift, the quid pro quo rules apply. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Givers could be required to file Form 8283 with their tax return, asking the donee church or ministry to sign Form 8283 acknowledging receipt of the gift. If a church or ministry is asked to sign Form 8283 in connection with a gift of digital currency: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <ul> <li> the giver should additionally be provided with a separate statement that no goods or services were provided in exchange for the contribution, if this is true, and </li> <li> if the digital currency is converted to dollars within three years of receiving it, Form 8282 must be filed within 125 days of converting it to dollars. </li> </ul> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> If churches or nonprofits accept digital currency gifts that are held or exchanged through an account outside of the U.S., IRS requirements for nonprofits and churches to report foreign bank accounts on Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) may apply. </p> </div> <h2> Giving Digital Currency </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Just click the form below to be directed to our online platform for digital currency gifts. All transactions are secure and encrypted. </p> </div> <div> <a href="https://c2kministries.org/donate/" target="_top"> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screen-Shot-2021-02-15-at-9.28.07-AM-432x1024.png" alt="" title=""/> </a> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/digital-currency-donations/"> Digital Currency Donations </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:31:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/digital-currency-donations thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/by-the-numbers At The Core Whether in business or in ministry, sometimes we can get swayed away from what we are really all about and what we are trying to accomplish. Our Mission is to develop programs to help kids fight intergenerational poverty. This fight is a real one as it continues to destroy the very fabric […] The post By The Numbers first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> At The Core </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Whether in business or in ministry, sometimes we can get swayed away from what we are really all about and what we are trying to accomplish. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our Mission is to develop programs to help kids fight intergenerational poverty. This fight is a real one as it continues to destroy the very fabric of a human being. It erodes self worth, and dignity by continually playing the tune, “you don’t matter.” It does not see color because it is not partial yet the economic effects are felt large as it makes people feel like they are “less than.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This presents a problem for someone like me. When we look at the Imago Dei, we can see that we were created to reflect the image and attributes of God. In creation, we see the infinite worth that God placed on human beings. Even if we are not a Christian, we can sense that something isn’t right. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In everything that we continue to do we are guided by five core values. These core values have never changed. They are the foundation of who we are and they guide what we do. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> These five important values keep us grounded as we look at what the future can bring. They help us make wise and sound decisions. They filter out the exterior noise that can sometimes confuse. We believe strongly in our core values and we hope you do too. </p> </div> <h2> By The Numbers </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> During the past year, it is safe to say that COVID-19 turned the world upside down. It has forced everyone to rethink the way we do business, church, ministry, gatherings, birthday parties, funerals, and more. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In putting together this report it is important that we filter the increase/decrease in giving through that lens. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We broke down our giving numbers into four categories: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Individuals <br/> Churches <br/> Businesses <br/> Foundations </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We then present the numbers in percentages related to overall giving numbers. So here are the findings: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In 2019, we saw the majority of our giving come through individuals. For many organizations, individual giving is the smallest giving unit. That is not the case for our ministry and we want to again say “Thank You” to everyone that faithfully gives to our ministry efforts. Thank you for believing in our work, our kids, and our community. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> During 2020, we saw a fairly significant shift in our giving numbers. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> From 2019 to 2020, we saw a decline in our individual giving. That is not shocking given the circumstances that happened in 2020. Individual giving went from 65% down to 49% in a 12 month time period. We are super grateful that it didn’t drop further and we believe that over the next year we will be able to report an increase. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> On the positive side: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Foundations and grant giving organizations saw a sharp increase during the last 12 months. Again, given the circumstances of 2020, funding for shifts related to COVID-19 became available. For instance, we never thought we would need to have air purifiers, masks, hotspots, computers, and more for virtual learning. As a matter of fact, virtual learning was considered more of a “fad” or something “trendy.” How quickly we adapted to this new learning environment all out of necessity. The “fad” quickly became reality and we all had to shift. Mothers and fathers, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles all became teachers in an instant. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In looking at the comparison of numbers our corporate gifts remain low. This is an area that we need to increase and will be focusing on during 2021. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Church giving is another area that we want to focus on in 2021. We believe that there is room for strategic partnerships with more churches that believe what we believe. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are prayerful that our grant giving numbers stay up and that our individual giving increases over this next year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This past year has really been tough and on a good note 2020 is in the rear view mirror. Our prayer for you is that 2021 will be a much better year and that God would continue to bless you as you are a blessing to others. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thanks again for all that you do to help kids fight intergenerational poverty. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/by-the-numbers/"> By The Numbers </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:56:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/by-the-numbers thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/a-final-year-end-message Here is a short 2-minute message just for you! The post A Final Year-End Message first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> Here is a short 2-minute message just for you! </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-final-year-end-message/"> A Final Year-End Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 28 Dec 2020 21:39:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-final-year-end-message https://www.c2kministries.org/2020-year-end-message A Powerful Year End Message The post 2020 Year End Message first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> A Powerful Year End Message </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2020-year-end-message/"> 2020 Year End Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:11:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2020-year-end-message https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-night-recap Here is what was live 15 minutes ago. Enjoy! The post Parent Night Recap first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is what was live 15 minutes ago. Enjoy! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/parent-night-recap/"> Parent Night Recap </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:16:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-night-recap https://www.c2kministries.org/we-are-thankful Here is a short video letting you know how much we thank you for all that you do. The post We Are Thankful first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a short video letting you know how much we thank you for all that you do. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/we-are-thankful/"> We Are Thankful </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:52:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/we-are-thankful https://www.c2kministries.org/love-always-wins C2k Ministries Team Receives Beautiful Notes From Kids and Grandparent. Recently, two students and one grandparent had some really cool things to say to some of our staff members. Before we get to what these students had to say, I was encouraged by one of our teammates to share this with everyone. Often we are […] The post Love Always Wins first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Team Receives Beautiful Notes From Kids and Grandparent. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Recently, two students and one grandparent had some really cool things to say to some of our staff members. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Before we get to what these students had to say, I was encouraged by one of our teammates to share this with everyone. Often we are asked the question, “are you really making a difference?” Well, here is a brief answer to that question which is then backed up by beautiful acts of kindess. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In Galatians 5:22 it says this, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  If you want to know what I see on a daily basis, even when I am not there, it is these things. God has a powerful way of transforming minds, hearts and souls. When we exhibit these things around our workplace, RE&gt;DIRECT and C2k Ministries, it becomes contagious. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Last point, “honor.” It says in Romans 12:10, ” Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” In the days of social media, it is super easy to “artificially” honor others. We give them a quick “heart” or “like” and we move on without ever really honoring them. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When we started working on teamwork in April, “devotion and honoring” were not very high on our list (as you will recall). As we started to discover each other’s voices and personalities, we began a quest for understanding which gave us a chance at growing into these traits. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Today we stand in a much different place. When we slow down and become intentional, both with teammates and kids, it serves everyone really well. It allows us to develop into that which we were created to be versus that which everyone tells us we can’t. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Since moving here (Mound Bayou), I have heard the comments on the outside like, “are you sure you can really make a difference?” When Kym and I moved here we were not sure what kind of difference we might make but we were confident that God would make a difference even when we could not see how. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I was once again reminded of that last night. I leave the program and head home. I open the door and I forgot that Zanyla and Kee were at the house with Auntie Kym doing school work. I was quickly reminded as Zanyla shouts, “UNCLE PHIL.” Kee also greeted me with his version of Uncle Phil as well. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am reminded each day when we have a 16-year-old young man living in our home who has been passed over by many to fail out of a system and we just won’t give up on him. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am reminded when I walk through our doors at home and hear “UNCLE PHIL” shouted like she is standing on the rooftops. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am reminded when I see the comments on Slack, I see the photos when that Edna posts which accurately depict the place that our team has taken this ministry to. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am reminded when Kym and I are blessed beyond belief by y’all with awards, cards, money, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, LOVE, compassion, and more. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am reminded when I see a thank you card from a student like the one that Mallory gave to Joyce yesterday. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Are we sure that we can make a difference? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am CERTAIN that God can and the closer we live to God, the better the fruits of His Spirit have a chance to fill our ministry with all the wonderful things that come from them. I am certain that we become more devoted to one another and we honor others better than ourselves. This confidence can only be found in and through Christ. </p> </div> <h2> Mallory and Mrs. Joyce Pitts </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Recently, a student in Mallory’s grade came down with COVID-19. Although Mallory didn’t ever have COVID, we made the decision to ask her to stay out of the program for 2 weeks. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> During that time, Mrs. Joyce Pitts kept in touch with Mallory and then she received this: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_20201109_200352-1024x768.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In addition, she received this text message from Mallory’s grandmother, “Thank you for being a positive influence in Mallory’s life. You are doing such a great job of being a mentor to Mallory. She is making good progress in her daily school work and other aspects of her achievements in life. You are a valuable person in her life. I am so thankful that you are making a difference in her life.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> What a powerful expression of gratitude. </p> </div> <h2> Tamia and Ms. Edna Bland </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Tamia is the daughter of LaTonya Fields who is part of our incredible team. Tamia has been coming on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s to get some extra help. Tamia has been part of the program for years and some of you might remember her being in Wisconsin on a trip there. Needless to say, she had a blast on that trip! </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/WI-Video-on-Vimeo-2018-07-18-09-29-45-1024x564.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Recently she gave a card to Ms. Edna Bland in appreciation for all that Edna has been doing: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Tamia-6.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Once again we see one of our students expressing gratitude outwardly and it is beautiful isn’t it? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Personally speaking we (Kym and I) are super blessed to have such an incredible team that is not only reaching our students but reaching our community. We are beyond grateful to each teammate for all that they continue to do! </p> </div> <h2> Not Just A Flower </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Yesterday, Zanyla our god-daughter and grand daughter of Sandra Kemp, one of our incredible teammates, stopped at the house asking for Auntie Kym. She wanted to give her a flower because Auntie Kym wasn’t feeling well: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C2k.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Zanyla was carrying a cup with her so I asked, “do you want me to put those in water for you?” </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Zanyla-Final.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by her response, “It’s ok Uncle Phil, the rest of them are for ‘the team.'” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The team that she is referring to is our staff. This darling first-grader picked a few flowers and just wanted to share those with “the team” in hopes of bringing a smile to their faces. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In a time where we are continually bombarded with negative messages, it is great to be a witness to gratitude in such a genuine way. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/love-always-wins/"> Love Always Wins </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 12 Nov 2020 19:19:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/love-always-wins thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/first-nine-weeks-photos C2k Ministries Photo Gallery For The First Nine Weeks The post First Nine Weeks Photos first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Photo Gallery For The First Nine Weeks </h1> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/001.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/first-nine-weeks-photos/"> First Nine Weeks Photos </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 08 Nov 2020 14:14:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/first-nine-weeks-photos thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-students-high-grades C2k Ministries Students Hit High Grades in First Nine Weeks This year has been incredibly challenging on so many fronts. It has changed the landscape of the way we do things in so many ways. From businesses to schools and personal life, 2020 can’t end soon enough. For our students, it would be easy to […] The post C2k Ministries Students High Grades first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Students Hit High Grades in First Nine Weeks </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This year has been incredibly challenging on so many fronts. It has changed the landscape of the way we do things in so many ways. From businesses to schools and personal life, 2020 can’t end soon enough. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For our students, it would be easy to make excuses as to why their grades aren’t as good as they could be. “The computer didn’t work”, or “The internet is bad”, or a myriad of other things. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our program has been built on <b> high expectations </b> and <b> empowerment </b> , not excuses and entitlement and that has proved to be a winning combination. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> With most of our students grades turned in for the first nine weeks, here are the results and they are pretty darn good! </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/A.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For the first nine weeks, 48% of the reported grades came in as A’s! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what does that mean? Almost 1/2 of all reported grades were A’s and there is a bunch we could say about that. How great is it that in the midst of everything that is going on, not to mention the other challenges that many of our students face, they are rising to the challenge and 1/2 of all reported grades came in as A’s. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/B.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 31% of all reported grades came in as “B’s.” For those that are adding, that means 79% of the reported grades came in as A’s and B’s. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Almost 80% of the reported grades came in as a “B” or higher. Here is one thing that we know… When we start well, we have a better chance to develop a strong foundation for what is to come. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 16% of all reported grades came in as “C’s.” When students enter our program, we tell them that there is really no reason why they should have a grade lower than a C. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We say that with a fair level of certainty because of all the tools and resources that they have. The mission of C2k Ministries Inc. is to provide students with programs that fight intergenerational poverty. Through RE&gt;DIRECT, the holistic after-school program, we provide our students with not only tools and resources but they have a Mentor Specialist who is there to guide them with homework and with life. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Out-of-school programs are so important. According to <a href="https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/" target="_blank"> Horizon Education Centers </a> , “Afterschool programs provide structured, supervised programming outside of school hours for children and teens, providing “ <a href="http://youth.gov/youth-topics/afterschool-programs"> academic support, mentoring, youth development, arts and sports and recreation </a> .” Although these programs can benefit all children and youth, there are additional benefits of  <a href="https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/278447/Tips-for-Choosing-an-After-School-Program" target="_blank"> afterschool programs </a>  for working families as they provide a safe haven after school while parents work.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what is the overall outcome as of now? </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/95.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 95% of our reported grades are C’s or better. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Despite all the challenges, hurdles, and curve balls, our students continue to rise up to the challenge and overcome. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We want to say thank you to you for making this possible. Without you, your continued financial support, prayers, and care, it would be extremely difficult to have the impact that we are having. What does it feel like to be part of something that is really making a considerable difference in young lives? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Thanks for all that you do to make this possible! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-students-high-grades/"> C2k Ministries Students High Grades </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:26:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-students-high-grades thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/halloween-2020 C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Halloween It has been a weird year hasn’t it? I guess that probably goes without saying. That being said, RE>DIRECT, has continued to impact the lives of 24 students from two different school districts, serving five different schools. Although the logistics are a little different this year, we continue to help […] The post Halloween 2020 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Halloween </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It has been a weird year hasn’t it? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I guess that probably goes without saying. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That being said, RE&gt;DIRECT, has continued to impact the lives of 24 students from two different school districts, serving five different schools. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Although the logistics are a little different this year, we continue to help kids overcome the challenges that they face by providing them the tools and resources they need to become a successful future leader. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Part of helping kids succeed is letting them unwind a bit and have some fun. We had the chance to celebrate Halloween with our students and what a great time we had! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Be watching for two exciting announcements coming in the next week! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/halloween-2020/"> Halloween 2020 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:29:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/halloween-2020 https://www.c2kministries.org/high-expectations-high-results C2k Ministries Inc. Challenges Students and They Rose To The Occasion So what happens when we create high expectations? Students rise up and meet the challenge. On October 1, 2020, our students had 2,403 questions answered with 67 skills mastered. I challenged them to hit 5,000 questions answered and master 100 skills by October 10. […] The post Our Students Did It! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Challenges Students and They Rose To The Occasion </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what happens when we create high expectations? Students rise up and meet the challenge. On October 1, 2020, our students had 2,403 questions answered with 67 skills mastered. I challenged them to hit 5,000 questions answered and master 100 skills by October 10. If they completed that challenge as a group I would through them a pizza party. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Well, it looks like we will be having a pizza party this week as they blew right through the goal that we set for them. We are so proud of them and all that they are doing! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/high-expectations-high-results/"> Our Students Did It! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:37:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/high-expectations-high-results https://www.c2kministries.org/article-from-the-bolivar-bullet C2k Ministries Featured In The Bolivar Bullet Newspaper Coopwood Publications owner and publisher, Scott Coopwood, wrote a great article in this past week’s paper, The Bolivar Bullet. Thanks Scott for all that you do to help promote the great things that are happening in the MS Delta! The post Article From the Bolivar Bullet first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Featured In The Bolivar Bullet Newspaper </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Coopwood Publications owner and publisher, Scott Coopwood, wrote a great article in this past week’s paper, The Bolivar Bullet. Thanks Scott for all that you do to help promote the great things that are happening in the MS Delta! </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_2926.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/article-from-the-bolivar-bullet/"> Article From the Bolivar Bullet </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 03 Oct 2020 17:04:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/article-from-the-bolivar-bullet thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/mallory-fields C2k Ministries Inc. Proudly Congratulates Mallory Fields We are so proud of all of our students for what they are accomplishing. Mallory Fields, a 5th grade student with RE>DIRECT, was recently awarded, “Student of the Month” at Bell Academy! Way to go Mallory and keep up the good work! The post Student Of The Month first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Proudly Congratulates Mallory Fields </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are so proud of all of our students for what they are accomplishing. Mallory Fields, a 5th grade student with RE&gt;DIRECT, was recently awarded, “Student of the Month” at Bell Academy! Way to go Mallory and keep up the good work! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/mallory-fields/"> Student Of The Month </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 03 Oct 2020 12:10:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/mallory-fields thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/christian-racial-reconciliation Why racial reconciliation is important and possible. Article was written for MS Christian Living Magazine, October 2020 Edition. For the original article, please visit MS Christian Living Magazine. Mission Mississippi’s slogan for the month is “walk together.” So how are we doing? Are we intentional or accidental when it comes to walking together? My wife […] The post What Does Racial Reconciliation Look Like? first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Why racial reconciliation is important and possible. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Article was written for MS Christian Living Magazine, October 2020 Edition. For the original article, please visit <a href="https://mschristianliving.com/2020/columns/mission-mississippi-moments-why-we-need-to-walk-through-samaria/" target="_blank"> MS Christian Living Magazine </a> . </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Mission Mississippi’s slogan for the month is “walk together.” So how are we doing? Are we intentional or accidental when it comes to walking together? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> My wife and I moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, about eight years ago. If you don’t know anything about Mound Bayou, it is an African-American community founded by ex-slaves in 1887. My wife and I live counter to what culture would teach, as we are the only white couple in town. I tell you that only to provide context. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” It would be impossible to walk together without some agreement. Walking together would take intentionality and wouldn’t happen by chance. Walking together would force us to walk through and not around. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>      Walking through and not around allows us to walk with. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  There is an interesting story found in John’s gospel in which we see Jesus going “through” and not around. John 4:4 says it this way: “He had to go through Samaria on the way.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  Jewish people normally would not travel through Samaria. They would go around. In fact, they would travel an extra day to avoid Samaria and its people. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  Jesus went through and not around. Those traveling with Him had to have been questioning this move. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>      Walking through is often counter-cultural. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  If you continue reading John 4, you find that Jesus meets a woman at the well, and her life is changed forever. You also find that, culturally speaking, a Jewish man talking to a Samaritan woman would not have been accepted. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>     </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  Jesus walked through so he could walk with. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The only way we can walk with is to walk through. If we are to walk together, as the Amos passage says, we have to be willing to walk through. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> My wife and I are blessed with many solid relationships. Dr. Larry Haywood is a great example. He’s not only a mentor to me, but really like a second dad. Over the years, we have had a chance to live life together, discuss, debate, and do all of it in love and respect. We walk through, not around. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Mission Mississippi helps us walk through and not around. One particular moment was at their annual conference last year, when my wife and I had a chance to facilitate a discussion with a small, diverse group of high-schoolers. We had rich, deep, honest, challenging conversations in which you could see students’ paradigms shift. If we continue having those conversations, there is great hope for our future. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As a church, you and I can’t walk together without walking through. What does walking together look like? It starts with intentionality. It begins with a heart’s desire to be part of the solution and not the problem. Intentionality leads to conversations, which lead to relationships and prompt us to walk through and not around. The result is walking with and walking together, as Amos 3:3 says. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Comfort is found in staying close to those who look like us, think like us, and have the same beliefs as us. Jesus could have been comfortable and walked around Samaria, yet He had to walk through to walk with. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>  If we want to walk together, we have to be willing to walk through, and that starts with Christians leading the way by taking the first step. #WalkTogether </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christian-racial-reconciliation/"> What Does Racial Reconciliation Look Like? </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 03 Oct 2020 11:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christian-racial-reconciliation thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/encouraging-students-to-dream Successful Non-Profit Encourages Students to Dream Enjoy watching our kids present their visual boards! The post Visual Board Presentations first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Successful Non-Profit Encourages Students to Dream </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Enjoy watching our kids present their visual boards! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/encouraging-students-to-dream/"> Visual Board Presentations </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:34:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/encouraging-students-to-dream https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-kickoff-2020 C2k Ministries Kicks Off 2020 Well, RE>DIRECT kicked off with a bang! For now we have split our students into two groups. Cleveland students meet on Mondays and Tuesdays and North Bolivar students come Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our first few weeks have been incredible. With smaller numbers on a daily basis, we have been able […] The post An Incredible Two Weeks first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Kicks Off 2020 </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Well, RE&gt;DIRECT kicked off with a bang! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For now we have split our students into two groups. Cleveland students meet on Mondays and Tuesdays and North Bolivar students come Wednesdays and Thursdays. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our first few weeks have been incredible. With smaller numbers on a daily basis, we have been able to give individualized attention to students and we can already see a difference. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our program started two weeks earlier than school. We did that to get our students back into the swing of things. We have been meeting from 10am-Noon each day and that will change starting Tuesday September 8, 2020 as that is our first day of school. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In addition to our money system which is designed as an incentive, we also have a pin program. We have 8 different pins that promote things like character, leadership, respect, communication, and more. When a student shows that behavior or trait, we stop the program, have them stand, and give them the pin which they put on their lanyard. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In the past two weeks we have awarded well over 30 pins to different students and we could not be more excited about all of our future leaders! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have been working hard with students and IXL which is a comprehensive, educational online program. Each student gets on their laptop and goes to work on a subject that our team directs them into. The nice thing about IXL is when a student hits milestones, they send a certificate of achievement to our staff to print and award to the student. Each area has a Wall of Fame in which we hang the certificates of achievement. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In conjunction with our bible time, we have been encouraging our students to create visual boards which are a representation of what they want their life to look like in the future. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our bible time has been great as we have explored Psalm 139 and our unique design. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> While the first two weeks have been rich we have a long year ahead and we would ask for your prayers. We are truly blessed to have such a great staff who are extremely intentional with students, please be praying for them. Please pray for our students as they face challenges of remote learning and more. Please pray that we all continue to lead well, encourage well, and love well. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-kickoff-2020/"> An Incredible Two Weeks </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 05 Sep 2020 13:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-kickoff-2020 thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-2020-2021-kickoff-week C2k Ministries Inc starts the 2020 year strong We had a great kickoff week and this video will give you a brief look at what we are doing. For starters, we have taken both school districts and split them. Cleveland students come Monday and Tuesday and North Bolivar students come Wednesday and Thursday. We are […] The post C2k Ministries 2020-2021 Kickoff Week first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc starts the 2020 year strong </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We had a great kickoff week and this video will give you a brief look at what we are doing. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For starters, we have taken both school districts and split them. Cleveland students come Monday and Tuesday and North Bolivar students come Wednesday and Thursday. We are doing this to help with distancing and safety. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For the first 3 weeks we are working through Psalm 139 with the students. We are working with our students to help create visual boards. A visual board helps kids dream a bit by thinking about what they want their future to look like. Ms. Edna has done a great job in teaching this first week! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Although school has not officially started, we made a decision as a team to start and it has already proved to be the right one. We know that God has something special planned for all of us this year and we are excited to see all the good things that take place. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-2020-2021-kickoff-week/"> C2k Ministries 2020-2021 Kickoff Week </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:52:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-2020-2021-kickoff-week https://www.c2kministries.org/what-moving-to-mound-bayou-taught-me What Has Moving To Mound Bayou Taught Me? Written by Kym Schank for Mississippi Christian Living Magazine. Original post can be seen here https://bit.ly/2DStBcv PDF version can be downloaded here https://bit.ly/3gR4cOW Being the daughter of an educator, I learned from my father that I should teach everything I know. In other words, pass on that […] The post What moving to Mound Bayou taught me first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> What Has Moving To Mound Bayou Taught Me? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Written by Kym Schank for Mississippi Christian Living Magazine. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Original post can be seen here <a href="https://bit.ly/2DStBcv" target="_blank"> https://bit.ly/2DStBcv </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> PDF version can be downloaded here <a href="https://bit.ly/3gR4cOW" target="_blank"> https://bit.ly/3gR4cOW </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Being the daughter of an educator, I learned from my father that I should teach everything I know. In other words, pass on that which you have for the benefit of someone else. We teach from a position of understanding and obtaining knowledge about something. The knowing, however, does not come without listening. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I think that we would all agree sharing is a good thing. As Christians, we need to make sure we are sharing the right thoughts. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Teaching has more to do with love and sharing than knowledge. If there is one thing we have found out, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Caring comes from a genuine place of the heart, not a coerced movement of the mind. Caring has the chance to change situations, systems and more, because it prompts people into action. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Years ago, when my husband, Phil, and I started C2k Ministries Inc., we knew that the ministry and all programs would include kids in some way. While developing the organization, we didn’t realize that it would take us, a white couple, to an all African-American community in Mississippi called Mound Bayou. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We didn’t head to Mound Bayou because we thought we needed to “teach” anyone anything. After volunteering for over 20 years, I fell in love with the community, especially the children. About nine years ago, Phil and I felt a strong call to move, and once confirmed by friends through prayer and conversation, we packed everything and moved into the neighborhood. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> God has a funny sense of humor. Phil and I do not have kids of our own. The joke has been that we have had everyone else’s kids for the last 20-plus years, and no matter how hard we run the other way, God always draws us back to working with kids. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We find that most kids (anywhere) struggle academically, socially and spiritually. We provide the tools and resources necessary for them to overcome those challenges and become a successful future leader that changes families, communities, systems and the world. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We knew that we would need to be listeners and bridge builders. We knew what we were doing was a good bit counter-cultural, yet it was God-inspired. Our blessings come from our relationships, getting to know people personally and sharing life. We have dinner, cookouts, swimming parties, Bible studies, and community groups together. We have been able to really listen to one another, earnestly pray for one another, and genuinely love one another because we decided to listen to one another. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Maybe our world could use a bit more of that — there is no institution that can lead that other than the church (you and I). A building is useless without the people in it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That is what I love about Mission Mississippi. They continue to lead the way in racial reconciliation in Mississippi by bringing people together not just to talk but to listen. Last year we had the chance to lead a small group of students at the annual Mission Mississippi conference in Jackson. It was powerful to get the next generation together to talk, listen and understand each other. When you and I act like the church, others can see practical evidence of the gospel. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Going back to 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too”: We can be agents of change. That is a conscious choice we need to make. Teaching together through sharing our lives is a great illustration and demonstration of Matthew 28:20. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/what-moving-to-mound-bayou-taught-me/"> What moving to Mound Bayou taught me </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/what-moving-to-mound-bayou-taught-me thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/can-racial-reconciliation-work Can racial reconciliation really work? The events of the past few weeks have once again sent our country into a polarized state. This is extremely disheartening for the church and those that call themselves followers of Jesus. There is a song that came out recently called Grand Design. One line in the song says the […] The post Can Racial Reconciliation Work first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Can racial reconciliation really work? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The events of the past few weeks have once again sent our country into a polarized state. This is extremely disheartening for the church and those that call themselves followers of Jesus. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> There is a song that came out recently called Grand Design. One line in the song says the following, “You (God) made dust your grand design.” Do we believe that as a Christian, and if so, is that valid for all of humanity or just reserved for those that look like, think like, speak like, and have the same, dare I say “political” beliefs that I might have? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As a Christian, if that statement is true, how should that shape the lens through which we look? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The church should reshape reality, not be driven by it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Living in an all African American community provides us with a little different perspective than most. It certainly provides us with a different lifestyle context.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I was reminded of this the other day when I went out for a run. I used to head to Cleveland, MS (10 miles away) to the track to run, but when COVID-19 took over and shut down the world, parks were not an option. So we created our own. I would leave my house, run through 2 neighborhoods to get to the downtown area where I could then run around the “tracks,” which was roughly six-tenths of one mile. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> While running around the large rectangle, people from our community are exercising, or maybe walking to the store. Either way, we pass each other. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That is when this dawned on me… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Why am I not afraid of someone stopping me, questioning me, or jumping me because I don’t have the same skin color resemblance as that of my community? Why do I not have to think about the ramifications or potential outcomes of moving freely in my community? Why am I “accepted,” or why does it at least appear that way? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have a strong and diverse board of directors.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our Board President is Ms. LaToya Lee, who took over after Dr. Charles Moore and Dave Sonderman. LaToya has extensive knowledge, leadership, and background specific to the non-profit sector. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> LaToya is not only our Board President, but she also is a great friend, and in the light of the recent and past events, she shared a bit of her heart, and I have permission to share that with you now. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I’m exhausted. Mentally and emotionally. It’s easy not to say anything, but not saying anything adds to the injustices of everything. What is everything? The inability to freely speak without filtering your words so you won’t sound like the BLACK victim. The inability to walk freely and not be judged because you’re the BLACK roamer who may steal or break into someone’s house or car. The inability to dine in a 5-star restaurant or stay at a 5-star hotel or resort without being questioned about your career to see how a BLACK person can afford it. The inability to drive a luxury car without being labeled as scheming to get it because you’re BLACK. The inability to be a good parent because you’re single, with multiple children and BLACK. The inability to speak correctly because you’re actually educated but of course because you’re BLACK and you probably received some type of special scholarship (athletic, 1st generation to go to college, minority, untraditional, etc.), it doesn’t really count. I’ve been silent. I’ve prayed. I pray. I don’t hate white people. I HATE INJUSTICE. Love, pray, stand for justice, and speak! I love you, black man…” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As a white person, I have never had to think about, or even contemplate what LaToya and others feel. I can’t imagine, nor do I pretend to know what that has to be like. I will tell you that Kym cried when she read this because this is a good friend of hers.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I started by saying that our hearts are breaking. I also asked the question regarding the song where it states that God made “dust his grand design.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Didn’t he make all of us his grand design, or is that just something that we sing about and we don’t believe? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Shouldn’t our hearts break for what breaks God’s? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Racism and racist acts have no place in God’s kingdom because they are contradictory to the very nature of God. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We lament with our brothers and sisters over what continues to happen. We will speak up and speak out against injustice and stand side by side with our brothers and sisters. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Most of us know what Micah 6:8 says. From the NLT, it is worded this way, “ the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> There are so many great police officers in our country. They serve and protect as they were called to, and to all of you, we say thank you. You willingly put yourself in harm’s way to do what is right. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As a collective church, we can no longer afford to stay silent when it comes to issues like this. We cannot leave the car in the parked position; we have to move and do something.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We need to lament with our brothers and sisters. Our heart needs to break for what breaks God’s, which has nothing to do with our political stance one way or another. God is bigger, and if we sing that on Sunday, then we need to put that into action Monday through Saturday. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our goal as a ministry has been to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. That requires us to stand when we need to stand and have a voice. That prompts us to call things wrong when they are not right. That calls us to push against systems that are not working well and need a change.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> God made dust His grand design, and Jesus simply said, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Lament, pray, speak, and “do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/can-racial-reconciliation-work/"> Can Racial Reconciliation Work </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:12:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/can-racial-reconciliation-work https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-inc-in-mound-bayou C2k Ministries Inc. Helping Students Finish the School Year Strong The Bolivar Bullet– written by Scott Coopwood What started as a passionate idea of one couple over sevens ago has blossomed into something more than they could have imagined. Phil and Kym Schank started C2k Ministries Inc. with a purpose and mission to develop programs […] The post C2k Ministries Inc. in Mound Bayou- Entity helping students finish the school year first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Helping Students Finish the School Year Strong </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> The Bolivar Bullet </em> – written by Scott Coopwood </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> What started as a passionate idea of one couple over sevens ago has blossomed into something more than they could have imagined. Phil and Kym Schank started C2k Ministries Inc. with a purpose and mission to develop programs to help kids fight intergenerational poverty. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> RE&gt;DIRECT, a holistic after-school program, is one such initiative and has been working with students for the past seven years. RE&gt;Direct expanded their scope from primarily working in the North Bolivar Consolidated School District to now working with students from Bell Academy, Pearman Elementary, and Nailor Elementary.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Our focus remains on our students from Mound Bayou and our direct surrounding areas,” comments Phil Schank, President of C2k Ministries. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “During the COVID-19 outbreak, we had to make several changes, and they are working,” says Schank. “We could no longer meet at the building, so we had to get creative,” he continues. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The RE&gt;DIRECT team consists of five current Mentor Specialists; Joyce Pitts, Edna Bland, LaTonya Fields, Sandra Kemp, and Linda Dorsey. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Schank and the team (Mentor Specialists) had a video conference with Principal Miller of I.T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou to discuss ways to keep kids engaged in their school work. After that meeting, the team decided to go to work, and the results have been incredible. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Our Mentor Specialists went to the schools, picked up the study materials, and hand-delivered them to each student,” Phil said. “Our team let both parents and students know that we would be checking in to see how their homework is coming and to help answer questions,” Phil continues. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Guess what? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It worked! Daily, the RE&gt;DIRECT team is meeting with students in person or over the computer or phone to help with homework, care for them, and help in any way possible and the parents have responded.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Listen to the comments from one parent, Genevlyn Norris, who had this to say, “My son Christian Norris attended C2K Ministries after school program, and I would first like to thank everyone who is involved with the program. You guys are the best. I would like to send a special thank you to my son’s “teacher”, Mrs. Pitts. She is such a nice and caring person. She constantly checks on Christian and continues to help with his school work (in person and over the phone). She takes her time with him and makes sure that he has an understanding of his work. Since she’s been working with him, he is more confident in himself and completing his school work. Christian and I are both very grateful for her. Thank you all so much!”  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Our program is in high demand because we get results,” comments Schank. “We are not a baby-sitting service. We are a program designed to help develop successful future leaders that change communities, organizations, systems, and the world,” Phil continues.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Every year they have had the program there has been a waiting list of between 15-20 students. “We have strong incentive programs for students to do well. We expect our students to perform at high-levels, and most kids rise to the occasion,” Phil comments. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “It is amazing what can happen when you look a student in the eyes and tell them that you believe in them and that they can do this,” Schank says. “We encourage them to rise to the individual that God created them to be. When we believe in them, they start to believe in themselves, and that changes everything,” Phil continues.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Mrs. Joyce Pitts, one of our Mentor Specialists, recently commented about this experience, “Mr. Phil, I want to express to you and Mrs. Kym, my appreciation for your GREAT leadership. Look at ALL the positive heartwarming rewards we would have missed if you all hadn’t suggested that we keep in contact with our students during this pandemic. GREAT VISION!!!”  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> On a recent trip to see one of their students, Kingston Tucker, Edna Bland, Mentor Specialist had these comments, “I went to Kingston’s house on Thursday and saw Kingston and his cousins outside playing. This brought back for me kids just outside playing and not worrying about a virus we’re facing. They were playing with the dog and Kingston said, ‘Ms. Bland, I did not see you,’ and introduced his cousins. Even though, the question will always be asked about homework; these children just enjoy someone coming to their house to visit. Kingston’s adult cousin asked, ‘You are here to see Kingston and the the answer was yes.’ And his reply was, ‘That’s great.’”  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The impact that RE&gt;DIRECT and C2k Ministries are making in their communities is profound. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As with a growing program, there are growing pains, one of which is expansion. “God didn’t call us to do small things with our time. He called us to do something BIG,” comments Schank. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “We have several other programs and ideas that require a building of our own. Currently, we have the land, but we need the funding for the Youth Center,” Phil says. “With it, we can expand our programming to include more students, start our Leadership Development Program, Delta Music Academy, among others. We have big plans, and we have a big God,” says Schank.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-inc-in-mound-bayou/"> C2k Ministries Inc. in Mound Bayou- Entity helping students finish the school year </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 27 May 2020 16:25:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-inc-in-mound-bayou thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-intro-video <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/parent-intro-video/"> Parent Intro Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 11 May 2020 17:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-intro-video https://www.c2kministries.org/investing-in-lives C2k Ministries Inc. making a difference in the lives of kids We do our best to communicate what is happening with our program; specifically our students. Our students are doing great and it is solely due to our Mentor Specialists, Joyce, Edna, Sandra, LaTonya, and Linda. They are rockstars and the impact that they are […] The post Investing In Lives first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. making a difference in the lives of kids </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We do our best to communicate what is happening with our program; specifically our students. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our students are doing great and it is solely due to our Mentor Specialists, Joyce, Edna, Sandra, LaTonya, and Linda. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> They are rockstars and the impact that they are making is creating ripples in our community! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> All of our Mentor Specialists are out seeing our students on a regular basis, at least 2-3 times a week. Sometimes they just check in. Sometimes they are going to do work. Either way there is a sense of accountability and genuine love and care that is really going above and beyond. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Then this happened… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Enda went to see Kingston and well, hear it from in her words: </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I went to Kingston’s house on Thursday and saw Kingston and his cousins outside playing. This brought back for me kids just outside playing and not worrying about a virus we’re facing. They were playing with the dog and Kingston said, “Ms. Bland, I did not see you,” and introduced his cousins. Even though, the question will always be asked about homework; these children just enjoy someone coming to their house to visit. Kingston’s adult cousin asked, “You are here to see Kingston and the answer was yes.”   And his reply was, “That’s great.” Kingston is completing his homework.  <b> Kingston prayed before I left, please listen. </b> “ </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Audio is a bit hard to hear so please be patient. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Erica, the grandmother of Zhy’Keria (first grader) said this while on the phone with me (Phil), </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Y’all are such a blessing to us and the community. You are so committed to students. This is just great!” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In the midst of this crisis, God continues to use people to accomplish good and this is just another example. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So proud of our team! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/investing-in-lives/"> Investing In Lives </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 05 May 2020 18:43:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/investing-in-lives thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/thank-you Phil and Kym Thank You For Your Prayers The post Thanks for the prayers first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Phil and Kym Thank You For Your Prayers </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/thank-you/"> Thanks for the prayers </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:15:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/thank-you https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-easter-2020 C2k Ministries Inc. brings joy to students this Easter. C2k Ministries Inc., took to the community delivering Easter gifts to children that participate in the holistic after-school program called RE>DIRECT. The post Happy Easter 2020 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. brings joy to students this Easter. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> C2k Ministries Inc., took to the community delivering Easter gifts to children that participate in the holistic after-school program called RE&gt;DIRECT. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/happy-easter-2020/"> Happy Easter 2020 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 12 Apr 2020 11:52:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-easter-2020 https://www.c2kministries.org/easter-update C2k Ministries Inc. Wishes You A Happy Easter The post Easter Update first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Wishes You A Happy Easter </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/easter-update/"> Easter Update </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:11:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/easter-update https://www.c2kministries.org/celebrating-mound-bayou-ms Celebrating Mound Bayou, MS For Black History month, I thought it would be great to honor our town and the history of our city.  A little quiz… How did Black History month come to be? Carter Godwin Woodson, referred to as “the Father of Black History”, believed that blacks should know their past in order […] The post Celebrating Our Town first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Celebrating Mound Bayou, MS </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For Black History month, I thought it would be great to honor our town and the history of our city.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A little quiz… How did Black History month come to be? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Carter Godwin Woodson, referred to as “the Father of Black History”, believed that blacks should know their past in order to participate intelligently in the affairs of our country. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In February 1926, Woodson sent out a press release announcing the first Negro History Week. He chose February because the month contained the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent men whose historic achievements African Americans already celebrated. (Lincoln’s birthday was February 12; Douglass, a former slave, hadn’t known his actual birthday, but had marked the occasion on February 14.) </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> You can read more here about <a href="https://www.history.com/news/the-man-behind-black-history-month" target="_blank"> Carter Godwin Woodson </a> if you like. </p> </div> <h3> Here’s What’s Become Of A Historic All-Black Town In The Mississippi Delta </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Credits:  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2017/03/08/515814287/heres-whats-become-of-a-historic-all-black-town-in-the-mississippi-delta"> https://www.npr.org/2017/03/08/515814287/heres-whats-become-of-a-historic-all-black-town-in-the-mississippi-delta </a> </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screen-Shot-2020-02-26-at-11.00.12-AM-1024x674.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed it “The Jewel of the Delta.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Booker T. Washington praised it as a model of “thrift and self-government.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Mound Bayou, in the Mississippi Delta: a town founded in 1887 by former slaves, with a vision that was revolutionary for its time. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> From the start, it was designed to be a self-reliant, autonomous, all-black community. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For decades, Mound Bayou thrived and prospered, becoming famous for empowering its black citizens. The town also became known as a haven from the virulent racism of the Jim Crow South. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “It’s almost like it was an inverted or alternate universe, where being black was a positive thing,” says Rolando Herts, director of the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I came to Mound Bayou both to learn about the unique history of the town and to see what has become of it today. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A drive through town reveals a place that has fallen, hard. There are just a few businesses left: a convenience store, a gas station, a funeral home. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The population is down below 1,500, a fraction of what it once was. More than half the children in Mound Bayou live below the poverty level. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what happened? “I think desegregation happened,” says Herts. “This is a case we’ve seen across the country in which black communities, people who had more options, left those communities to move to the suburbs, or to move to urban areas with more opportunities, and took their know-how and their resources with them.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> But stop for a moment and imagine the Mound Bayou that was, and to picture what a remarkable feat it was to build this town in the first place. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Back in 1887, the founders — freed slaves Isaiah T. Montgomery and his cousin, Benjamin T. Green — bought 840 acres of Mississippi swampland that was covered with dense hardwood forest. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> According to  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/supplemental/booker_t/ch07_02_booker_t_washington_rediscovered.pdf"> Booker T. Washington’s account, published in 1907 </a> , Montgomery led the first small group of prospective black settlers there by train: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screen-Shot-2020-02-26-at-11.00.42-AM-1024x797.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> “You see,” he said, waving his hand in the direction of the forest, “this is a pretty wild place.” He paused, and the men looked hesitatingly in the direction he had indicated, but said nothing. </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> “But this whole country,” he continued, “was like this once. You have seen it change. You and your fathers have, for the most part, performed the work that has made it what it is. You and your fathers did this for some one else. Can’t you do as much now for yourselves?” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> The men picked up their axes and attacked the wilderness. </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> It was back-breaking work, but they succeeded. Mound Bayou became prime cotton land, and word spread of the economic opportunity there. </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> It was not the ordinary Negro farmer who was attracted to Mound Bayou colony. It was rather an earnest and ambitious class prepared to face the hardships of this sort of pioneer work. The scheme was widely advertised among the Negro farmers throughout the state and drew immigrants from all parts of Mississippi, and a certain number from other states. </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As Herts tells me: “They wanted the best of the best. They wanted the most highly educated people who were entrepreneurial, who were going to come in and contribute something to making this community even more competitive, even better.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> By the time Annyce Campbell was born in Mound Bayou in 1924, the town was thriving. “You name it, we had it!” she tells me proudly. “We had everything but a jail, to tell you the truth!” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The 92-year-old Campbell clearly recalls the heyday, when Mound Bayou was home to dozens of businesses, three cotton gins, a sawmill, a cottonseed oil mill, a bank — all of them black-owned. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Mound Bayou boasted several schools, a train station, a Carnegie library. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> By 1942, Taborian Hospital opened, serving blacks from all over the Delta. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Herts, of Delta State University, points out how revolutionary that was for the time: “Just being able to walk through the front door of a hospital and immediately receive the care that you need. Not having to go through a back door. Not having to wait for the white patrons to get their needs serviced first. That happened here in Mound Bayou.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Taborian Hospital is shuttered now. The home of Mound Bayou’s founder, Isaiah Montgomery, is abandoned, its foundation cracked and crumbling. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Screen-Shot-2020-02-26-at-11.01.06-AM-1024x757.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Montgomery and his co-founder, Benjamin Green, are buried in a small cemetery in town. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Every year, people gather graveside for Founders’ Day, with a memorial service and wreath-laying. “It gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the founding of Mound Bayou,” says Eulah Peterson, 68, who was born and raised in Mound Bayou. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “This was certainly a big undertaking in 1887,” Peterson continues. “We were, what, 32 years from slaves being freed. Some 130 years later, we’re still here. While we’re not where we’d like to be, we’re still here.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Peterson’s family roots in Mound Bayou go back to 1903. Her maternal grandfather, born into slavery, was 7 when the slaves were freed. He and Peterson’s grandmother moved to Mound Bayou from Louisiana, attracted by the promise of this “utopian society,” as Peterson puts it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Eulah Peterson moved back to Mound Bayou once she retired, after spending nearly two decades away. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “People said, ‘Why are you going home to Mound Bayou?’ and I said, it’s because Mound Bayou is close enough to anything that I want to do and far enough away from anything I don’t want to be bothered with.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Peterson is a former alderman and vice mayor, and is now running for mayor. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I ask if it saddens her to think about what Mound Bayou used to be, and what it is now. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I would not necessarily say sad,” she replies, “because I’m a realist. People are different, times are different, a sense of what was is not here. But,” she adds, ” I do feel that Mound Bayou will survive. Not necessarily the way it was, but maybe different and better in some ways.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Peterson envisions the Mound Bayou of the future as a retirement community, attracting more people who moved away but want to come home and help revive their hometown. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I’ve not given up on the thought that we can get more people who are willing to come back to Mound Bayou.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> The “ </em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.npr.org/series/512460254/our-land"> <em> Our Land </em> </a> <em> ” series is produced by Elissa Nadworny. </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/celebrating-mound-bayou-ms/"> Celebrating Our Town </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:15:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/celebrating-mound-bayou-ms thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-year-end-message C2k Ministries Inc. Shares Year-End Message The post 2019 Year-End Message first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Shares Year-End Message </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2019-year-end-message/"> 2019 Year-End Message </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 26 Dec 2019 18:35:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-year-end-message https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-christmas-celebration 2019 Christmas Celebration We talked with our students about gifts that come with no strings attached. You didn’t earn it and there is nothing you could do to deserve it. The gift is just given. God gave us a gift with no strings and nothing we could do to earn it. That gift is Jesus. […] The post Christmas Finale first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> 2019 Christmas Celebration </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We talked with our students about gifts that come with no strings attached. You didn’t earn it and there is nothing you could do to deserve it. The gift is just given. God gave us a gift with no strings and nothing we could do to earn it. That gift is Jesus. This is a hard time of the year for many people. It is filled with hopelessness and very little joy. We need to be sensitive to this reality while we tell others about the most incredible gift ever, Jesus.  </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Watch this short video and realize that this might be it for some of our kids when it comes to Christmas. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2019-christmas-celebration/"> Christmas Finale </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 20 Dec 2019 15:12:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-christmas-celebration https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-store-2019 2019 C2k Ministries Christmas Store Every year, we have a large Christmas store where our students have a chance to spend their RE>DIRECT dollars that they have earned all semester. We are super thankful to those of you that helped buy gifts from our Amazon List to make this store as good as it was! […] The post Christmas Store 2019 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> 2019 C2k Ministries Christmas Store </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Every year, we have a large Christmas store where our students have a chance to spend their RE&gt;DIRECT dollars that they have earned all semester. We are super thankful to those of you that helped buy gifts from our Amazon List to make this store as good as it was! Watch the quick video and see the excitement and joy in the kids eyes. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-store-2019/"> Christmas Store 2019 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:49:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-store-2019 https://www.c2kministries.org/gingerbread-houses-2019 Students Make Gingerbread Houses The kids spent time yesterday building and creating their gingerbread houses. It’s Christmas week at RE>DIRECT! The post Gingerbread Houses 2019 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Students Make Gingerbread Houses </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The kids spent time yesterday building and creating their gingerbread houses. It’s Christmas week at RE&gt;DIRECT! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/gingerbread-houses-2019/"> Gingerbread Houses 2019 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:58:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/gingerbread-houses-2019 https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-night-december-2019 C2k Ministries Inc Celebrates Parent Night The post Parent Night December 2019 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc Celebrates Parent Night </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/parent-night-december-2019/"> Parent Night December 2019 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 13 Dec 2019 16:42:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/parent-night-december-2019 https://www.c2kministries.org/give-through-the-cash-app C2k Ministries Inc. now offers mobile giving through Cash App. We have created a user name for the cash app. Those that want to give through the cash app can now do so. Our cash app username is $lovecamedown. The post Give Through The Cash App first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. now offers mobile giving through Cash App. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have created a user name for the cash app. Those that want to give through the cash app can now do so. Our cash app username is <b> $lovecamedown. </b> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/give-through-the-cash-app/"> Give Through The Cash App </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:47:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/give-through-the-cash-app https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-giving-is-critical C2k Ministries Inc. Year-End Giving Statistics The post Year-End Giving is Critical first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Year-End Giving Statistics </h1> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Giving-1024x576.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Funding-1024x831.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/States-1024x576.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/year-end-giving-is-critical/"> Year-End Giving is Critical </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:21:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/year-end-giving-is-critical thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-thanksgiving Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving 2019 We have much to be thankful for. The post Happy Thanksgiving first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving 2019 </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have much to be thankful for. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/happy-thanksgiving/"> Happy Thanksgiving </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:00:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-thanksgiving https://www.c2kministries.org/creative-education-ideas Successful Non-Profit Attacks Education Problems Our education system is broken. Many would argue with this statement but the statistics are staggering and clear in favor of some sort of change. The late Sir Ken Robinson is the most-watched speaker in TED’s history. His 2006 talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity” has been viewed online over 60 […] The post Creative Education Ideas first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Successful Non-Profit Attacks Education Problems </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our education system is broken. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Many would argue with this statement but the statistics are staggering and clear in favor of some sort of change. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The late <a href="http://sirkenrobinson.com/about/" target="_blank"> Sir Ken Robinson </a> is the most-watched speaker in <a href="https://www.ted.com/" target="_blank"> TED’s </a> history. His 2006 talk, “ <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en" target="_blank"> Do Schools Kill Creativity </a> ” has been viewed online over 60 million times and seen by an estimated 380 million people in 160 countries. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> While this talk was in 2006, many of the facts and statements still exist in 2020. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The video you just watched was something that we created from the book <a href="http://sirkenrobinson.com/product/creative-schools-the-grassroots-revolution-thats-transforming-education/" target="_blank"> Creative Schools </a> by Sir Ken Robinson. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> With any seemingly large issue, the tendency is to not do anything. People have said that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The same would be true with the educational system and the reform needed. It will take organizations, like ours, to be the change. This requires organizations to dare to think differently, to do differently, and to understand that the way that things have been done might need to change. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/creative-education-ideas/"> Creative Education Ideas </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 09 Oct 2019 05:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/creative-education-ideas https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-hosts-parents C2k Ministries Inc. Hosts First-Ever Parent Night On Thursday, October 3, we celebrated our first-ever parent night. Watch the short video to see what happened! The post First-Ever Parent Night first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Hosts First-Ever Parent Night </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> On Thursday, October 3, we celebrated our first-ever parent night. Watch the short video to see what happened! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-hosts-parents/"> First-Ever Parent Night </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 05 Oct 2019 16:59:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-hosts-parents https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-brooklyn-rimmer C2k Ministries Inc Introduces Brooklyn Rimmer So yesterday, Brooklyn Rimmer, a fifth grade student, walked in to our program wearing a gold medal around her neck. I walked over by her and asked what the medal was for and she had no problem sharing her accomplishment… State testing and state test results are used for […] The post Meet Brooklyn Rimmer first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc Introduces Brooklyn Rimmer </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> State testing and state test results are used for many things. While I would like to report that most of those things are positive, that would be a lie. As a matter of fact, our state, as well as a few others, use these results in determining the prison pipeline and negative outcomes. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Brooklyn was awarded this medal for not only being one of the top students in her grade but for outperforming the standards that the state has set. She didn’t just outperform either, she “killed it.” We are so proud of her and we felt that you would be too! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/meet-brooklyn-rimmer/"> Meet Brooklyn Rimmer </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:46:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-brooklyn-rimmer thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/starts-off-strong-2019 C2k Ministries Inc Starts Off Strong I need to brag a little about what is happening. I am not doing this from a place of pride but a place of excitement. RE>DIRECT is in its sixth (6) year and we have had some incredible people volunteer and be part of our staff. We have worked […] The post Off To An Incredible Start first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc Starts Off Strong </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I need to brag a little about what is happening. I am not doing this from a place of pride but a place of excitement. RE&gt;DIRECT is in its sixth (6) year and we have had some incredible people volunteer and be part of our staff. We have worked with over 175 students in that period of time and those kids have been loved all along the way. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_0506-e1487985322334.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> There is something special happening this year and I really believe that it has much to do with our current team. Our Mentor Specialists are doing an incredible job. Megan, as our Program Director, is doing a great job in coordinating and leading, and I could not be more pleased with what is happening. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/MG_2809.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/MG_2803.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We created a positive pin system in which we honor kids with pins for character, leadership, respect, as well as other traits. When our leaders see one of our students producing consistent results, they immediately stop the program and shine the light on that student and award them with a corresponding pin. Those pins are proudly worn on the student’s lanyard. We are “killing it” in terms of building up and not tearing down, and inspiring kids to be great, not just good. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C2k-Ministries-Inc3811.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C2k-Ministries-Inc3792.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Because of our strong, Christian roots, our kids are responding by accomplishing what they need to and I believe that we are going to see AMAZING results over the course of this year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The love of Jesus is not just being heard but more importantly, being felt because we have strong Christian leaders working with our kids daily. Through them, the love of God is being shared, felt, and accepted, and once Jesus is on the inside, He starts to reflect on the outside. </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C2k-Ministries-Inc3832.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/C2k-Ministries-Inc3768.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Life change is happening and our program is operating on an extremely high and effective level. God is up to something huge and it is humbling to be a part of it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am telling you this to say thank you for being an important part of this narrative. <b> YOU </b> are helping to change lives. <b> YOU </b> are making distant dreams become something believable. <b> YOU </b> are helping kids develop into the successful leaders we believe they can be. <b> YOU </b> are giving kids the chance to be all that God created them to be. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Be watching for important updates, exciting stories, heartwarming testimonies, and more as we continue to press on in all that God has for us. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For those that are involved in this story, we are super grateful. If you want to get involved in this story, just click the button to get started! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="http://c2kministries.org/donate/"> Get Involved Now </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/starts-off-strong-2019/"> Off To An Incredible Start </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:06:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/starts-off-strong-2019 thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/first-week-recap-video See What Happened During The First Week at C2k Ministries Here is a short video showing some of the great things we did this week at RE>Direct. The post 2019-2020 First Week Recap Video first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> See What Happened During The First Week at C2k Ministries </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a short video showing some of the great things we did this week at RE&gt;Direct. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/first-week-recap-video/"> 2019-2020 First Week Recap Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 16 Aug 2019 11:48:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/first-week-recap-video https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-2020-kickoff-video Successful Non-Profit Kicks Off the 2019-2020 Year Here is a quick video from yesterday at RE>Direct! The post 2019-2020 Kickoff Video first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Successful Non-Profit Kicks Off the 2019-2020 Year </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Here is a quick video from yesterday at RE&gt;Direct! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2019-2020-kickoff-video/"> 2019-2020 Kickoff Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 13 Aug 2019 15:56:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2019-2020-kickoff-video https://www.c2kministries.org/the-boys-of-summer Using Baseball To Teach Life Lessons I am coaching youth baseball again this year, and these are my new “boys of summer.” We have started the season off 4-0 tied for first place. Baseball is yet another platform that can be used to teach life lessons. For the third year in a row, I have […] The post The Boys Of Summer first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Using Baseball To Teach Life Lessons </h1> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/boys-of-summer-2f22fac5.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I am coaching youth baseball again this year, and these are my new “boys of summer.” We have started the season off 4-0 tied for first place. Baseball is yet another platform that can be used to teach life lessons. For the third year in a row, I have previous players as my assistant coaches. This year they are Lamont White and Darrin Norsworthy. We will keep you updated as our season progresses. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/the-boys-of-summer/"> The Boys Of Summer </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:05:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/the-boys-of-summer thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/staff-changes C2k Ministries Inc Says Thank You We are sad to announce that Loise and Brenda, two of our incredible Mentor Specialists are stepping down. They were both incredible staff members and will be greatly missed as we continue to move forward as a ministry and program. That being said, we have hired Edna Bland, who […] The post Staff Changes first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc Says Thank You </h1> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/Loise-Fipps.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are sad to announce that Loise and Brenda, two of our incredible Mentor Specialists are stepping down. They were both incredible staff members and will be greatly missed as we continue to move forward as a ministry and program. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That being said, we have hired Edna Bland, who is a retired banker, as well as Sandra Kemp, who is a family friend as well as a long time educator. We are excited to see how God uses these two ladies with our incredible team. We will be reporting more about them to include pictures and bios soon. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Please be praying for our staff meeting on July 16 as we plan and prepare for the next year. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/staff-changes/"> Staff Changes </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:55:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/staff-changes thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/latoya-lee-board-president LaToya Lee Becomes New Board President Over this past weekend during our annual board meeting, Dr. Charles (Chuck) Moore stepped down as Board President. Chuck has served faithfully for the past three years as our Board President, and with the advice of others, he needed to clear his plate a bit to increase his capacity […] The post An Important Board Change first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> LaToya Lee Becomes New Board President </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/latoya-lee-board-president/"> An Important Board Change </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:42:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/latoya-lee-board-president thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-2019-comes-to-a-close C2k Ministries Ends The 2019 Year Strong The 2018-2019 school year came to a close at the end of May. This school year presented many challenges that we did not have in previous years. We had to move out of the Delta Health Center as they expanded and needed the wing that we were occupying. […] The post 2018-2019 Comes To A Close first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Ends The 2019 Year Strong </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The 2018-2019 school year came to a close at the end of May. This school year presented many challenges that we did not have in previous years. We had to move out of the Delta Health Center as they expanded and needed the wing that we were occupying. To be clear, the Delta Health Center, specifically CEO John Fairman and the Board of Directors were beyond generous to us. Mr. Lonni always made sure everything was clean and the garbage was taken out, it truly was a blessing and we are grateful for the time spent there. We enjoyed about 2 weeks at St. Gabriel Mercy Center until their Board of Directors decided that we were not a good fit. We are still baffled by the decision but either way we needed to move again. The last move took us to Cleveland, MS. Crosstown Fellowship Church, a church with a mission of restoring diversity and unity through authentic faith in Christ, opened its doors to our program. Seth Still (Board VP), Dr. Larry Haywood (Board Member), and I planted this church so the transition to it was natural although it presented logistical challenges. Because we now have to drive on the freeway for 10 miles we needed a new van and we also need to find drivers to pick up kids at 3 different schools and get them to the program. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The students presented new challenges as we worked through behavior issues and even had to remove a few students from the program. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In the midst of it all, we kept true to the gospel and the powerful message and we saw some cool results specifically in reading. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 71% of our students increased their reading grade level by at least 0.5 years. <br/> 14% increased by 1.0 years <br/> 15% increased by 1.5 years </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 100% of our students are moving on to their next grade and we had several students make honor roll, principals list, as well as the administrators list. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are excited about the new upcoming year and we are expecting great things as we progress towards finally getting our own building and facility. More to come about that soon. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2018-2019-comes-to-a-close/"> 2018-2019 Comes To A Close </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-2019-comes-to-a-close https://www.c2kministries.org/powerful-after-school-program C2k Ministries asks students “what they like” about RE>DIRECT. It is true that kids say some funny things. We asked some of our kids what they most like about RE>Direct. Here are some of their answers. The post What Do You Like? first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries asks students “what they like” about RE&gt;DIRECT. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> It is true that kids say some funny things. We asked some of our kids what they most like about RE&gt;Direct. Here are some of their answers. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/powerful-after-school-program/"> What Do You Like? </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:29:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/powerful-after-school-program https://www.c2kministries.org/how-wide-is-home-plate So How Wide Is Home Plate? Story is imported from Chris Sperry Twenty years ago, in Nashville, Tennessee, during the first week of January, 1996, more than 4,000 baseball coaches descended upon the Opryland Hotel for the 52nd annual ABCA’s convention.           While I waited in line to register with the […] The post How Wide Is Home Plate? first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> So How Wide Is Home Plate? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Story is imported from <a href="https://www.sperrybaseballlife.com/stay-at-17-inches/" target="_blank"> Chris Sperry </a> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Twenty years ago, in Nashville, Tennessee, during the first week of January, 1996, more than 4,000 baseball coaches descended upon the Opryland Hotel for the 52nd annual ABCA’s convention. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>           </span> While I waited in line to register with the hotel staff, I heard other more veteran coaches rumbling about the lineup of speakers scheduled to present during the weekend. <span>   </span> One name kept resurfacing, always with the same sentiment — “John Scolinos is here? Oh, man, worth every penny of my airfare.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> Who is John Scolinos, I wondered. <span>   </span> No matter; I was just happy to be there. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> In 1996, Coach Scolinos was 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching career that began in 1948. <span>   </span> He shuffled to the stage to an impressive standing ovation, wearing dark polyester pants, a light blue shirt, and a string around his neck from which home plate hung — a full-sized, stark-white home plate. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> Seriously, I wondered, who is this guy? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>           </span> After speaking for twenty-five minutes, not once mentioning the prop hanging around his neck, Coach Scolinos appeared to notice the snickering among some of the coaches. <span>   </span> Even those who knew Coach Scolinos had to wonder exactly where he was going with this, or if he had simply forgotten about home plate since he’d gotten on stage. <span>   </span> Then, finally … </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> “You’re probably all wondering why I’m wearing home plate around my neck,” he said, his voice growing irascible. <span>   </span> I laughed along with the others, acknowledging the possibility. <span>   </span> “I may be old, but I’m not crazy. <span>   </span> The reason I stand before you today is to share with you baseball people what I’ve learned in my life, what I’ve learned about home plate in my 78 years.”  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Several hands went up when Scolinos asked how many Little League coaches were in the room. <span>   </span> “Do you know how wide home plate is in Little League?” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>           </span> After a pause, someone offered, “Seventeen inches?”, more of a question than answer. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “That’s right,” he said. <span>   </span> “How about in Babe Ruth’s day? <span>   </span> Any Babe Ruth coaches in the house?” Another long pause. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “Seventeen inches?” a guess from another reluctant coach. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “That’s right,” said Scolinos. <span>   </span> “Now, how many high school coaches do we have in the room?” <span>   </span> Hundreds of hands shot up, as the pattern began to appear. <span>   </span> “How wide is home plate in high school baseball?” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “Seventeen inches,” they said, sounding more confident. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “You’re right!” Scolinos barked. <span>   </span> “And you college coaches, how wide is home plate in college?” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “Seventeen inches!” we said, in unison. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “Any Minor League coaches here? <span>   </span> How wide is home plate in pro ball?”…………“Seventeen inches!” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “RIGHT! <span>   </span> And in the Major Leagues, how wide home plate is in the Major Leagues? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “Seventeen inches!” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “SEV-EN-TEEN INCHES!” he confirmed, his voice bellowing off the walls. <span>   </span> “And what do they do with a Big League pitcher who can’t throw the ball over seventeen inches?” <span>   </span> Pause. <span>   </span> “They send him to Pocatello !” he hollered, drawing raucous laughter. <span>   </span> “What they don’t do is this: they don’t say, ‘Ah, that’s okay, Jimmy. <span>   </span> If you can’t hit a seventeen-inch target? <span>   </span> We’ll make it eighteen inches or nineteen inches. <span>   </span> We’ll make it twenty inches so you have a better chance of hitting it. <span>   </span> If you can’t hit that, let us know so we can make it wider still, say twenty-five inches.’”  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Pause. <span>   </span> “Coaches… what do we do when your best player shows up late to practice? or when our team rules forbid facial hair and a guy shows up unshaven? <span>   </span> What if he gets caught drinking? <span>   </span> Do we hold him accountable? <span>   </span> Or do we change the rules to fit him? <span>   </span> Do we widen home plate? “ </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> The chuckles gradually faded as four thousand coaches grew quiet, the fog lifting as the old coach’s message began to unfold. <span>   </span> He turned the plate toward himself and, using a Sharpie, began to draw something. <span>   </span> When he turned it toward the crowd, point up, a house was revealed, complete with a freshly drawn door and two windows. <span>   </span> “This is the problem in our homes today. <span>   </span> With our marriages, with the way we parent our kids. <span>   </span> With our discipline. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We don’t teach accountability to our kids, and there is no consequence for failing to meet standards. <span>   </span> We just widen the plate!” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>           </span> Pause. <span>   </span> Then, to the point at the top of the house he added a small American flag. <span>   </span> “This is the problem in our schools today. <span>   </span> The quality of our education is going downhill fast and teachers have been stripped of the tools they need to be successful, and to educate and discipline our young people. <span>   </span> We are allowing others to widen home plate! <span>   </span> Where is that getting us?” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> Silence. <span>   </span> He replaced the flag with a Cross. <span>   </span> “And this is the problem in the Church, where powerful people in positions of authority have taken advantage of young children, only to have such an atrocity swept under the rug for years. <span>   </span> Our church leaders are widening home plate for themselves! <span>   </span> And we allow it.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “And the same is true with our government. <span>   </span> Our so-called representatives make rules for us that don’t apply to themselves. They take bribes from lobbyists and foreign countries. <span>   </span> They no longer serve us. <span>   </span> And we allow them to widen home plate! We see our country falling into a dark abyss while we just watch.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> I was amazed. <span>   </span> At a baseball convention where I expected to learn something about curve balls and bunting and how to run better practices, I had learned something far more valuable. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> From an old man with home plate strung around his neck, I had learned something about life, about myself, about my own weaknesses and about my responsibilities as a leader. <span>   </span> I had to hold myself and others accountable to that which I knew to be right, lest our families, our faith, and our society continue down an undesirable path. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> “If I am lucky,” Coach Scolinos concluded, “you will remember one thing from this old coach today. <span>   </span> It is this: “If we fail to hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right; if we fail to hold our spouses and our children to the same standards, if we are unwilling or unable to provide a consequence when they do not meet the standard; and if our schools &amp; churches &amp; our government fail to hold themselves accountable to those they serve, there is but one thing to look forward to …” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> With that, he held home plate in front of his chest, turned it around, and revealed its dark black backside, “…We have dark days ahead!.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> Note: Coach Scolinos died in 2009 at the age of 91, but not before touching the lives of hundreds of players and coaches, including mine. <span>   </span> Meeting him at my first ABCA convention kept me returning year after year, looking for similar wisdom and inspiration from other coaches. <span>   </span> He is the best clinic speaker the ABCA has ever known because he was so much more than a baseball coach. <span>   </span> His message was clear: “Coaches, keep your players—no matter how good they are—your own children, your churches, your government, and most of all, keep yourself at seventeen inches.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> <span>            </span> And this my friends is what our country has become and what is wrong with it today, and now go out there and fix it! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> “Don’t widen the plate.” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/how-wide-is-home-plate/"> How Wide Is Home Plate? </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:15:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/how-wide-is-home-plate https://www.c2kministries.org/valentines-day-2019 Students CelebratesValentine’s Day 2019 The post Valentines Day- 2019 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Students CelebratesValentine’s Day 2019 </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/valentines-day-2019/"> Valentines Day- 2019 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 18 Feb 2019 13:27:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/valentines-day-2019 https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-is-a-featured-ministry-with-nashville-apparel-co Delta Vintage, Nashville TN, Sponsors C2k Ministries Through Merchandise Sales Proprietor and Designer, Claire Brandon, recently launched Delta Vintage Clothing with the specific intent to explore, represent and support a region that has been written off. After many years in New York City working for Harper’s BAZAAR and fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Under Armour, and Tommy […] The post C2k Is A Featured Ministry With Nashville Apparel Co. first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Delta Vintage, Nashville TN, Sponsors C2k Ministries Through Merchandise Sales </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Proprietor and Designer, Claire Brandon, recently launched Delta Vintage Clothing with the specific intent to explore, represent and support a region that has been written off. After many years in New York City working for Harper’s BAZAAR and fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Under Armour, and Tommy Hilfiger, Claire began Delta Vintage on Instagram in 2017 as a lifeline to her family, their relationship to the Mississippi Delta, and my own ability to have a creative idea. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I am overjoyed to be partnering with C2k Ministries, Delta Arts Alliance, and GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, to support after school programming in the Mississippi Delta. Shop the screen print collection below and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the program of your choice. I am overjoyed to be partnering with C2k Ministries, Delta Arts Alliance, and GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, to support after school programming in the Mississippi Delta. Shop the screen print collection below and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the program of your choice”, says Claire Brandon. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are excited to partner with Claire and her efforts. See her website at  <a href="https://deltavintageshop.com/collections/screenprint"> https://deltavintageshop.com/collections/screenprint </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-is-a-featured-ministry-with-nashville-apparel-co/"> C2k Is A Featured Ministry With Nashville Apparel Co. </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:35:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-is-a-featured-ministry-with-nashville-apparel-co https://www.c2kministries.org/redirect-moves-to-a-new-building C2k Ministries Inc. Moves To A New Facility As we reported in another email, we have moved to our new church building in Cleveland, MS. As you can see from the photos, the building is under construction with walls being built and rooms being constructed. While this is a blessing it has also come with […] The post RE>Direct Moves To A New Building first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Moves To A New Facility </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/redirect-moves-to-a-new-building/"> RE&gt;Direct Moves To A New Building </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:33:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/redirect-moves-to-a-new-building thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/pitching-clinic-takes-place-with-mlb-coach-doug-henry Kansas City Royals Coach, Doug Henry, Visits Mound Bayou, MS for Pitching Clinic This past weekend we were blessed to have some very good friends, Doug and Monique Henry come and visit us. Monique serves on the board of directors and Doug was a former Major League Baseball player as a relief pitcher. Doug spent […] The post Pitching Clinic Takes Place With MLB Coach Doug Henry first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Kansas City Royals Coach, Doug Henry, Visits Mound Bayou, MS for Pitching Clinic </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our boys left not only encouraged but with a few good things that they could be working on. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are so grateful to Doug and Monique in making the short trip down 12 hours to make a difference in the lives of our boys! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/pitching-clinic-takes-place-with-mlb-coach-doug-henry/"> Pitching Clinic Takes Place With MLB Coach Doug Henry </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:27:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/pitching-clinic-takes-place-with-mlb-coach-doug-henry thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-message-2018 A Special Video Message to the Supporters of C2k Ministries. The post Christmas Message 2018 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> A Special Video Message to the Supporters of C2k Ministries. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-message-2018/"> Christmas Message 2018 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 00:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-message-2018 https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2018 C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Christmas with Students The post Christmas 2018 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Celebrates Christmas with Students </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-2018/"> Christmas 2018 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 15 Dec 2018 18:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2018 https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-thanksgiving-2018 Wishing You A Happy Thanksgiving The post Happy Thanksgiving 2018! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> Wishing You A Happy Thanksgiving </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/happy-thanksgiving-2018/"> Happy Thanksgiving 2018! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 22 Nov 2018 14:33:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/happy-thanksgiving-2018 https://www.c2kministries.org/giving-tuesday-statistics So How Does Giving Tuesday Work and What are the Statistics? #GivingTuesday is a super important day for organizations across the world. Our organization, as well as countless numbers of others, benefit greatly from the charitable contributions made by individuals and institutions. #GivingTuesday started 7 years ago as it connects diverse groups of individuals, communities, […] The post How Does Giving Tuesday Work? first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> So How Does Giving Tuesday Work and What are the Statistics? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://www.givingtuesday.org/about"> #GivingTuesday </a> is a super important day for organizations across the world. Our organization, as well as countless numbers of others, benefit greatly from the charitable contributions made by individuals and institutions. #GivingTuesday started 7 years ago as it connects diverse groups of individuals, communities, and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. Here are some statistics: </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/21.7-Billion-Impressions.png" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We hope that you will consider our ministry and after-school program in your <a href="https://www.givingtuesday.org/about"> #GivingTuesday </a> decisions. There are many great organizations that you could support. We believe that our organization is helping to break generational poverty by providing kids with the tools and resource necessary to become successful future leaders. For more information about <a href="https://www.givingtuesday.org/about"> #givingtuesday </a> , you can use <a href="https://www.givingtuesday.org/about"> this link </a> . </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/giving-tuesday-statistics/"> How Does Giving Tuesday Work? </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:46:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/giving-tuesday-statistics thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/rich-and-famous-ashton What happens when kids dream? These moments come along once and a while and when they do we want to share them. Watch the short video and see what Ashton is doing. The post Rich and Famous Ashton first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> What happens when kids dream? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> These moments come along once and a while and when they do we want to share them. Watch the short video and see what Ashton is doing. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/rich-and-famous-ashton/"> Rich and Famous Ashton </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:22:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/rich-and-famous-ashton https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-kickoff-video C2k Ministries Inc. kicks off RE>DIRECT, a holistic after-school program. 2018 has kicked off and we are geared for a great year! The post 2018 Kickoff Video first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. kicks off RE&gt;DIRECT, a holistic after-school program. </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 2018 has kicked off and we are geared for a great year! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2018-kickoff-video/"> 2018 Kickoff Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:19:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-kickoff-video https://www.c2kministries.org/taking-students-to-wisconsin C2k Ministries Inc Takes Students to Wisconsin We have been really blessed so far on this trip. Swimming, hanging out, hiking, tubing and more. Watch the video. Do you think everyone is enjoying their visit? The post A Quick View Of Our Wisconsin Trip first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc Takes Students to Wisconsin </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We have been really blessed so far on this trip. Swimming, hanging out, hiking, tubing and more. Watch the video. Do you think everyone is enjoying their visit? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/taking-students-to-wisconsin/"> A Quick View Of Our Wisconsin Trip </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:33:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/taking-students-to-wisconsin https://www.c2kministries.org/a-powerful-message-from-dr-charles-moore-board-chairman What Does A Successful Non-Profit Look Like? Two weekends ago I traveled to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for our annual C2K Ministries board of directors’ meeting. The actual meeting and state of the ministry are outstanding. What we say we do, we do well, and things we are dreaming about seem to be coming into focus […] The post A Powerful Message From Dr. Charles Moore- Board Chairman first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> What Does A Successful Non-Profit Look Like? </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Two weekends ago I traveled to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for our annual C2K Ministries board of directors’ meeting. The actual meeting and state of the ministry are outstanding. What we say we do, we do well, and things we are dreaming about seem to be coming into focus and approaching reality. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> While I was at Phil and Kym’s home, Phil hosted a pre-game gathering for most of the boys on the Little League team for which he volunteers as the coach. Picture this; eleven boys arrive in at Phil’s front door. They come alone, in pairs, or small groups. As each arrives they pile onto the couches and engage the Xbox or watch the action. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of the boys once finished eating, approaches Phil saying, “Coach, my uniform pants are broken, the button’s gone.” Sure enough, he shows the pants he’s wearing and the top button is torn off. Phil heads to a closet asking the boy what size he wears and produces a new, plastic-wrapped pair. Later I asked Phil where the uniforms came from, knowing that our C2K budget doesn’t cover Little League uniforms. It didn’t surprise me that Phil and Kym buy the uniforms and the food. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> After dinner, its time to head to the field for pre-game practice. The boys pile into the van and we drive the several blocks to the stadium. Mound Bayou is a small, quiet community but no one would mistake it for a wealthy community. During the short drive residents frequently hail Phil with waves and smiles. Following the van with my car, I get the same friendly treatment. Clearly, Phil and Kym are appreciated in this community! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Warming up, after some stretching, the boys pair up playing catch. Throws are crisp, catches are clean with sharp smacking sounds from well-thrown balls. Later, Phil hits balls for fielding practice and the boys catch and quickly toss the balls to first base as they hone their skills. This is a well-coached team! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Soon, as game-time approaches, people begin to gather in the stands. Anticipation and excitement in the community are high. Unfortunately, as game-time arrives and then passes and then becomes embarrassingly late, it becomes clear the opposing team will not be showing up tonight. Phil sighs and fields his team. They toss out the first pitch and declare a forfeit. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Before they depart, once again Phil gathers the boys by the van and builds their pride helping them to remember the first game with the no-show team resulted in a 35-2 victory and probably contributed to tonight’s forfeit. He reminds them the next game is the next night at the same time and tells them to arrive an hour early for pre-game practice. He hands out a granola bar to each and then they bow in prayer once again before splitting up for the night. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That night Phil and I went to dinner with several board members and employees of C2K’s Re&gt;Direct program. Reminding myself that in his role as coach, Phil is acting, not as the Executive Director of C2K Ministries, but as a Mound Bayou community member who is working with boys, none of which are even part of the RE&gt;Direct ministry. I asked Phil about the boys. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Recently, Phil was writing about his relationship with the boys in his community. This excerpt of that writing will further highlight the impact he is having on these young men. <br/> When Kym and I moved to our town, we were the “new kids on the block.” We were kinda like the new shiny toy that was just opened on Christmas, not to mention, we were the only white couple in town. Because we had relationships already in place with kids in the community, often they would swing by. Those encounters would normally go like this, </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “knock, knock, knock.” <br/> I would open the door to see three boys standing there. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Hey guys, how are you doing?”, I would ask </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Good” was often the one-word reply. I fully knew that for some, “good” did not mean what I believed it to mean but either way. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Phil, gimme two bucks” was often a common phrase. In the first month, I did exactly what they asked for. My compassionate heart broke knowing the situation that some of them were in. If this is my small part to play, then Kym and I are going to play it well. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I had read several books about charity. I read anything from “When Helping Hurts”, to “Toxic Charity”, to “Charity Detox” and more. I knew that I was breaking the rules, but for a period I did it anyway. It was not until a knock at the door a few weeks later. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Same kids are at the door asking for the same thing. If I am them, I would have done the same thing. After all, they just had to ask, and they received. What a great concept. This time, they decided to up the amount and ask for more. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This is where it all changed. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The boys came into the house, and I asked one of them to do something for me. I remember it like it was yesterday. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Do me a favor, open the front door and tell me what the sign says in my yard,” I said. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Phil, there isn’t a sign in your yard,” he replied </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I repeated my request, “open the door and tell me what the sign says.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “Phil, there ain’t no sign,” was the response again. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I asked for a third time that he open the door and look for me which he did. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I told you. There ain’t no sign out here”, he replied </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This is where it got fun, and this is where it all changed. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I simply said, “so you are telling me that there is no sign that says Schank Bank or ATM outside?” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> There was a moment of pause and a quick response, “Phil, we just want to go to the pool.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “I get what you want to do but we are going to change the question. From now on, ask us if we have any work,” I replied. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I no longer have kids that know me asking me for two bucks. They ask if I have any work. It is actually funny because when I am with a group of kids, inevitably one that does not know me will ask me for a dollar. The kids that do know me will give a quick laugh and say, “ask him if he has any work.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It is not uncommon to have a group of kids at our house on a Saturday morning when our doors open at ten in the morning. They are all there looking for some work. We do our best to manufacture anything that we can to teach these kids what it feels like to earn it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I saw this in action several times over the weekend. These boys, all of his team and clearly about a dozen older boys who have been on his previous teams but are now too old to play, alumni so to speak, literally admire and respect Phil and Kym so much that their behavior and lives are changing for the better. During the hot dog dinner at his home, without thinking too much about it, as Phil walked by one of the youngest boys sitting at his table, eagerly devouring his meal, Phil patted the boy on his head. I wish everyone could have seen the gleam in that little boy’s eyes. I got the impression that no one in this boy’s life, certainly not a man, had ever patted him on the head before. Watching it, I discovered tears in my eyes. <br/> I could not be more proud of the impact C2K Ministries is having in Mound Bayou! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The Re&gt;Direct program is making school fun for 20 students every year. Most students have all A’s and B’s and many have made great strides in their academics. Add to that the impact Phil and Kym have in the community through living and coaching and . . .well . . . loving the people around them. Pray for this ministry, consider supporting it financially, schedule a visit and come ready to serve. You will not regret it! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-powerful-message-from-dr-charles-moore-board-chairman/"> A Powerful Message From Dr. Charles Moore- Board Chairman </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 09 Jul 2018 16:52:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-powerful-message-from-dr-charles-moore-board-chairman thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-the-successful-idea-of-one-passionate-couple C2k Ministries Inc. Featured In The Delta Business Journal Magazine This story is taken from the Delta Business Journal by Aimee Robinette. Click here for PDF copy of article. Six years ago, an earnest couple packed up a 17-foot U-Haul filled with all their belongings and headed South. Armed with purpose, determination and an idea, […] The post C2k Ministries- The Successful Idea of One Passionate Couple first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h1> C2k Ministries Inc. Featured In The Delta Business Journal Magazine </h1> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This story is taken from the Delta Business Journal by Aimee Robinette. Click here for <a href="http://c2kministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/C2k-Ministries-In-Delta-Business-Journal-Web.pdf" target="_blank"> PDF copy </a> of article. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> S </span> ix years ago, an earnest couple packed up a 17-foot U-Haul filled with all their belongings and headed South. Armed with purpose, determination and an idea, Phil and Kym Schank landed in Mound Bayou, an independent black community founded in 1887 by former slaves. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> The idea was C2k Ministries, an afterschool program for students, which originated from a thought. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “Mound Bayou was not an unfamiliar place, although it might seem odd for a white couple to move to an all African- American town,” says Schank. “Twenty years ago, Kym started to volunteer in Mound Bayou because of her brother. He volunteered through the Christian Brothers program which led him there. Kym wanted to see what he was doing and loved the community. Over several years she drove down, two times a year by herself, to spend a week volunteering.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Kym fell in love instantly with the community and its around 1,533 residents. She saw much potential in the children she met and longed to continue doing what she could when she could. “That led to us bringing youth groups down for spring break trips and more. Eventually, we felt God calling us to pick  up everything we had and move,” he adds. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “When we moved South, we were familiar with Mound Bayou. We had established friendships and were comfortable. The </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> outpouring from several in our community made a significant impression on us.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> The first year, the Schanks were not exactly sure what type of help they would provide. They did know however, it would be something that involved children. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “After researching after-school programs for one year, we decided that we would start one. During our second year of living in Mound Bayou, we started a program called RE&gt;Direct. During our first year, former mayor Darryl Johnson allowed us to host our program in the facilities building,” Schank says. “After one year, we were asked to move out. We contacted Sister Donald Mary, the former executive director of St. Gabriel Mercy  Center, to see if we could use their church.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> The Schanks were granted their request and they moved into the church, only to be informed they would have to move after Sister Donald Mary retired. “Once again, we had to find a place for our program, which now had grown to twenty students,” Schank says. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “CEO John Fairman and the board of directors at the Delta Health Center have come through hugely,” he adds. “They gave us a part of the Education and Training Center building (the old DHC building) to conduct our program. We are so grateful to them for all that they have done and continue to do for our community and kids.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> RE&gt;Direct, a holistic after-school program, currently serves twenty students from the North Bolivar School District. “We find that many kids struggle academically, socially, and spiritually and our organization provides the tools and resources to help them overcome the challenges they face and become a healthy and productive citizen in their community,” says Schank. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “When kids arrive, they get a healthy lunch comprised of a protein, fruit, and bottle of water. Group ‘A’ gets on their laptop computers for forty minutes using a reading comprehension program called Fast forward. Every student has increased their comprehension by at least one grade level over the past year, and some have increased two grade levels or more. Group B’ would be getting help with homework. Forty minutes later the groups switch. During the last forty minutes of the program, students will do one of many activities; STEM, teamwork projects, an art project (through Delta Arts Alliance), bible time, games, free time and others.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Schank says they hold students to higher standards with the program. Parents fill out a comprehensive application and attend one of two parent meetings just for their student to qualify. Students and parents must comply with all rules and expectations. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “Because our program is in high demand—we currently have 18 students on a waiting list—we have a three, unexcused absence policy,” he explains. A student cannot miss more than three days without a qualified excuse. If he or she does miss, that student is removed from the program, placed on the bottom of the waiting list, and the next student on the list is accepted. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “We have strong incentive programs for students to do well. For instance, we have RE&gt;Direct dollars which is a money program where kids can earn dollars to purchase real items,” Schank says. “Every student has a checkbook that they need to balance, make deposits, and write checks from. We open our store weekly where kids can use those dollars to buy real items. Two times a year we open a large store with computers, tablets, games, bikes and more. We also offer a trip to  Wisconsin for one week where kids get to live in a house on a lake and enjoy all the fun that comes with it. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> The program is showing signs of success. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> “One of our students who was behind in school recently skipped two grades because of the progress that he has made,” Schank says. “Another student who struggled to get a grade above a ‘C’ is now getting all ‘A’s’ and ‘B’s.’ It is amazing what can happen when you look a student in the eyes and tell them that you believe in them and that they can do this,” Schank says. “We encourage them to rise to the individual that God created them to be. When we believe in them, they start to believe in themselves, and that changes everything.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> As with a growing program, there are  growing pains, one of which is expansion. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> To learn more about C2k Ministries or would like to contribute to the program, log-on to c2kministries.org. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/c2k-ministries-the-successful-idea-of-one-passionate-couple/"> C2k Ministries- The Successful Idea of One Passionate Couple </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 16 Jun 2018 16:41:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/c2k-ministries-the-successful-idea-of-one-passionate-couple thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-statistics C2k Ministries Inc. shares statistics from 2018 year The post By The Numbers first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2018-statistics/"> By The Numbers </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:41:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2018-statistics thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-2018-year-end C2k Ministries Inc. ends 2018 year strong The post 2017-2018 Year End first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2017-2018-year-end/"> 2017-2018 Year End </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:02:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-2018-year-end https://www.c2kministries.org/dont-miss-this 2017 is about to come to a close. You need to hear this short message about life change. The post Don’t Miss This first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> 2017 is about to come to a close. You need to hear this short message about life change. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/dont-miss-this/"> Don’t Miss This </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 29 Dec 2017 20:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/dont-miss-this https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-party-2017 Every year we have done our best to provide a gift or two for each student in our after-school program. Our board stepped up this year and bought just about every gift you will see. Special thanks to Andrew and Maddie Feder for taking one of the students! This can be a really difficult time […] The post Christmas Party 2017 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Every year we have done our best to provide a gift or two for each student in our after-school program. Our board stepped up this year and bought just about every gift you will see. Special thanks to Andrew and Maddie Feder for taking one of the students! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This can be a really difficult time for some of our students. For some, their Christmas is not filled with presents under the tree. The joy that is brought through a gift is really cool. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> During the 3 weeks leading up to this party, we walked through the real Christmas story and the joy that can be felt through Jesus. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We hope that you find joy as you watch this short video. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-party-2017/"> Christmas Party 2017 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 18 Dec 2017 19:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-party-2017 https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-store-2017 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-store-2017/"> Christmas Store 2017 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-store-2017 https://www.c2kministries.org/ginger-bread-houses <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/ginger-bread-houses/"> Ginger Bread Houses </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:13:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/ginger-bread-houses https://www.c2kministries.org/latonya-fields-mentor-specialist-and-more LaTonya was born and raised in Mound Bayou, MS. Actually, LaTonya is the daughter of Loise! Currently, she is raising her 2 children, Tyler and Tamia in Mound Bayou. Tamia is one of our 5th-grade superstars. LaTonya works as a substitute teacher for the North Bolivar Consolidated School District as well as the Cleveland School […] The post LaTonya Fields: Mentor Specialist and More first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/LaTonya-e1513002423102-225x300.jpg" alt="" title=""/> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/latonya-fields-mentor-specialist-and-more/"> LaTonya Fields: Mentor Specialist and More </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:32:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/latonya-fields-mentor-specialist-and-more thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/magic-with-ashton <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/magic-with-ashton/"> Magic With Ashton </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 30 Nov 2017 20:37:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/magic-with-ashton https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-message-for-you <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/thanksgiving-message-for-you/"> Thanksgiving Message For You </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:18:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-message-for-you https://www.c2kministries.org/megan-munro-program-director Megan grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin where both her parents are educators. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Special Education. In the past ten years, Megan has worked in a wide variety of educational settings and has had the privilege […] The post Megan Munro- Our Program Director and More! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/megan-munro-program-director/"> Megan Munro- Our Program Director and More! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:27:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/megan-munro-program-director thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/loise-fields-fipps-mentor-specialist There are people that you have a chance to come across in life that strikes you as someone special. Loise is that type of person and we are so glad to have her on our team.   Loise was born and raised in Mound Bayou, MS. This is a huge asset for us. Let’s face […] The post Loise Fields-Fipps: Mentor Specialist and More first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/loise-fields-fipps-mentor-specialist/"> Loise Fields-Fipps: Mentor Specialist and More </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 10 Nov 2017 21:01:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/loise-fields-fipps-mentor-specialist thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/pumpkin-time Megan Munro, Program Director of RE>Direct, had this to say about this past Thursday: Creative chaos, that’s what happened yesterday. I supplied students with pumpkins and just about every craft supply imaginable, and watched as they let their imaginations run wild. For almost a full hour they worked on their pumpkins. They painted, glittered, and bedazzled […] The post Pumpkin Time first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Megan Munro, Program Director of RE&gt;Direct, had this to say about this past Thursday: Creative chaos, that’s what happened <span> yesterday. </span> I supplied students with pumpkins and just about every craft supply imaginable, and watched as they let their imaginations run wild. For almost a full hour they worked on their pumpkins. They painted, glittered, and bedazzled to their hearts’ content, and it was beautiful. The mess was huge, but the memories created were even bigger. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/pumpkin-time/"> Pumpkin Time </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:21:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/pumpkin-time https://www.c2kministries.org/story-time-ashton Ashton is our 1 grader and has quite the imagination. 2 days ago he said, “Phil, let me tell you a story.” I pulled out my phone and took video of this little gem. Enjoy! The post Story Time With Ashton first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Ashton is our 1 grader and has quite the imagination. 2 days ago he said, “Phil, let me tell you a story.” I pulled out my phone and took video of this little gem. Enjoy! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/story-time-ashton/"> Story Time With Ashton </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:32:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/story-time-ashton https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-homecoming-parade-redirect-school-program-mound-bayou-ms So much work was put into this float by Megan, Brenda, Lois, Latonya and Linda. Our staff was incredible and put together one major, memorable event for our students. Pay attention to what happens when a kid eats too much candy… Priceless! The post 2017 Homecoming Parade- RE>Direct After School Program, Mound Bayou, MS first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So much work was put into this float by Megan, Brenda, Lois, Latonya and Linda. Our staff was incredible and put together one major, memorable event for our students. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Pay attention to what happens when a kid eats too much candy… Priceless! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2017-homecoming-parade-redirect-school-program-mound-bayou-ms/"> 2017 Homecoming Parade- RE&gt;Direct After School Program, Mound Bayou, MS </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:02:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-homecoming-parade-redirect-school-program-mound-bayou-ms https://www.c2kministries.org/a-pressing-need C2k Ministries Inc of Mound Bayou, MS is in need of 2 vans for their after-school program. We have been nursing the one that we have along for the past 3 years. Problem is that we can’t do anything outside of our community because the vans would not make it. Contact Us if you can […] The post A Pressing Need first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> C2k Ministries Inc of Mound Bayou, MS is in need of 2 vans for their after-school program. We have been nursing the one that we have along for the past 3 years. Problem is that we can’t do anything outside of our community because the vans would not make it. Contact Us if you can help. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> [themify_button bgcolor=”red” size=”large” link=”/contact-us”]Contact Us[/themify_button] </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/a-pressing-need/"> A Pressing Need </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 12 Oct 2017 18:03:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/a-pressing-need https://www.c2kministries.org/is-the-bible-being-taught GREAT QUESTION! Short answer is absolutely “YES”. This year, we are taking the kids through the gospel of John. We have planned out the whole years teaching. The truth is that we not only teach the bible to our students, but we try to model Jesus in all that we do and are. Kids don’t […] The post Is The Bible Being Taught? first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The truth is that we not only teach the bible to our students, but we try to model Jesus in all that we do and are. Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. In building solid relationships, this is a critical step in building trust. When trust is built, we know that kids are not just hearing but they are listening. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We want them to hear but we really want them to listen and then apply. We know that lives can change with Jesus. Everything that we do is done with that in mind. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/is-the-bible-being-taught/"> Is The Bible Being Taught? </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:35:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/is-the-bible-being-taught thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-homecoming-prep Megan and our team have been working hard on preparing for this weeks Homecoming parade. This is the first time that our organization will have a float in the parade and we are really excited about it. A big thanks to Megan for taking this on as well as Brenda, LaTonya, Loise and Linda. Our […] The post 2017 Homecoming Prep first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Megan and our team have been working hard on preparing for this weeks Homecoming parade. This is the first time that our organization will have a float in the parade and we are really excited about it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A big thanks to Megan for taking this on as well as Brenda, LaTonya, Loise and Linda. Our team rocks! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2017-homecoming-prep/"> 2017 Homecoming Prep </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:25:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-homecoming-prep https://www.c2kministries.org/vowels-make-difference It has been said that pictures can say a “thousand” words. In this case, the change of a vowel made all the difference for one of our students on their homework. Recently, Megan Munro, our Program Director, was sitting with one of our younger students. This is so innocent yet so funny that we had […] The post Vowels Make A Difference first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Recently, Megan Munro, our Program Director, was sitting with one of our younger students. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> This is so innocent yet so funny that we had to share it. If we all think back into our suppressed memories, I am sure we can remember a time where we did something equally innocent, yet funny. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Enjoy and know that she helped him correct his mistake. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/vowels-make-difference/"> Vowels Make A Difference </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 30 Sep 2017 12:54:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/vowels-make-difference thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/real-creativity C2K Ministries (C2K) has been working with the youth in Mound Bayou as an organization since 2012, but its origin goes back further with events that could only have been orchestrated by the Lord. Phil and Kym Schank (pictured below) have worked with kids for almost 20 years through mentoring and tutoring. Initially, their work […] The post REAL Creativity first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> I got a chance to speak with Phil recently to see how things were going with C2K. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Ryan Weary: </span> <span>  How are you doing today? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Phil Schank: </span> <span>  I’m doing well. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  How have things been going at C2K? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  They have been going well. Right now, we are serving 20 kids. We are excited about Re&gt;Direct (the afterschool program) and for the reading program software Fast ForWord that we have on our computers now. We just got it this year, but it has already had a big impact on the students. Three (3) out of the 20 students have increased their reading comprehension levels by two grades, fourteen (14) of the students have increased their levels by one grade and the remaining three (3) have increased their grade by half a grade. I am also excited about our staff; it’s been great. Things are going well. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  That is wonderful, Phil! For those who may not know, could you give me a breakdown of what goes on and who helps out at C2K? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  Sure. Our staff starts with Megan Munro, our Program Director. She oversees the program every day from top to bottom and handles the scheduling for all activities. Next is Linda Dorsey, our Family and Child Coach. She counsels the children on things like bullying and anything else that the children deal with that affect[s] their lives. Once a month, she meets with the children’s parents. We also have three (3) mentor specialists, Loise Fields-Fipps, LaTonya Fields and Brenda Jackson, who help out four (4) days a week to be a consistent presence in the children’s lives. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Arts and music have a way of expanding creativity in the mind of a child. We have partnered with the Delta Arts Alliance for about two (2) years to help us with that goal in mind. We are in the process of working on a music aspect to our program. The Grammy Museum in Cleveland, MS, is including us as part of a pilot program they want to implement. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Beyond that, we have volunteers that help us from local colleges through Reformed University Fellowship, and the fraternities Alpha Phi Alpha and the Pikes. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  Wow! The students are definitely blessed to be in your program. What are some of the programs or opportunities that you guys are involved in outside of the classroom in Re&gt;Direct? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  For our outside of the program experience, we make everything that we do incentive-based. For instance, we have a “money management” program called Re&gt;Direct dollars. Students earn “dollars” for behavior, grades, participation, and etc. They have to balance out their “checkbooks” and make a deposit each week. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We have a store that opens every week where they can buy items from it. They have to  </span> <span> write “checks” and balance their books in order to buy anything. It teaches them basic financial principles. In the store itself, there are “certificates” that they can buy for field trips ( </span> <span> such as the one shown on the left </span> <span> ). There is a price attached to it, and they get to bring a friend if they purchase one. We want them to understand the value of something and let them make decisions based on those values. We have taken them on group trips as well, but they still have to buy a certificate for that type of trip. There is an attainable amount that they have to raise. The importance is on creating incentives for them. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  Indeed. I really like that angle with having field trips with tangible values. With all the awesome things happening there, has the ministry dealt with any issues lately? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  The only two issues we have had are needing to have better communication with the parents and a need to expand to accommodate our students. Although we remind our parents that we need to be informed if they change a phone number, sometimes it can still fall through the cracks. More often than not, this leads to other issues. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  That’s understandable. What are some of the dreams that you have for the kids, for the program as a whole, and for the community? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  That 100% of the students that come through the programs will grow up to be solid, productive Christians in the community. The dream is that they would be mentors and take those principles on throughout the rest of their lives. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We also would like to get some land and create a youth center so that we can expand the program and increase the capacity. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  We pray those dreams will become reality. What continues to drive you in your work with C2K? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  The drive comes from seeing a lot of social inequality. That’s not how God designed it and we are called to do something about it. Every one of these kids deserves opportunities. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> RW: </span> <span>  Amen. What can we pray with you for? </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> PS: </span> <span>  Pray that we continue to hear well what God is saying, follow it, and for property to be able to expand and accommodate the waiting list we have. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/real-creativity/"> REAL Creativity </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 30 Sep 2017 12:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/real-creativity thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-kickoff-video <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2017-kickoff-video/"> 2017 Kickoff Video </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:09:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2017-kickoff-video https://www.c2kministries.org/pajamas-bleach-bible-study So what do pajamas, bleach and a bible study all have in common? Not much except they all took place on the same day right in our house. Let us explain… Kym and Brenda (a high capacity volunteer this last year), started a young ladies bible study at our home. Bible study… CHECK! The girls put […] The post Pajamas, Bleach and a Bible Study first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what do pajamas, bleach and a bible study all have in common? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Not much except they all took place on the same day right in our house. Let us explain… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Kym and Brenda (a high capacity volunteer this last year), started a young ladies bible study at our home. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Bible study… CHECK! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The girls put together the name, rules and community outreach. Pretty cool. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The girls wanted to do a “brunch” and come in their PJ’s. CHECK! </p> </div> <div> <a href="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_0325.jpg" target="_top"> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/e1d7e216/dms3rep/multi/IMG_0325.jpg" alt="" title=""/> </a> <span> </span> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So what does bleach have to do with this? We thought you would be curious…. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The girls went to wash their hands. A few of them put soap on their hands and then grabbed the bleach spray bottle and sprayed their hands with bleach. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Kym saw what they were doing and blurted out, “what are you doing?” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of the girls replied, “washing our hands” as if it is normal to put bleach on your hands when you wash them. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Kym said, “you don’t wash your hands with bleach.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of the girls replied, “Yes we do. Sometimes we will take showers with it because the water is brown and dirty.” </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Now, this all being said, we have not had brown water in quite some time. Most of these kids live across town so maybe it is different for them. Either way, could you imagine taking a shower using bleach? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Needless to say, Kym and Brenda are instructing the girls on not using bleach. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When we hear stories like this our minds normally think about remote places in Africa, Asia or otherwise. Truth is in the richest country in the world we still have simple needs such as water and food. Basic necessities for survival. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Kym and Brenda are doing such a great job with these young ladies! These girls are engaged and it is cool to watch as they discover how God has created them, made them and loved them so much that He sent Jesus! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Please be praying for them as they continue to meet! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/pajamas-bleach-bible-study/"> Pajamas, Bleach and a Bible Study </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:07:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/pajamas-bleach-bible-study thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/2016-2017-comes-close This past year has been incredible. Our students continued to perform at levels most would not expect.   The difference? We set high expectations and the kids rose to them.   Reading levels increased because of Fastforward.   Math skills increased because of Dreambox.   On average, 97% of students received “C’s” or higher   […] The post 2016-2017 Comes to a Close first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/2016-2017-comes-close/"> 2016-2017 Comes to a Close </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Wed, 17 May 2017 13:54:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/2016-2017-comes-close https://www.c2kministries.org/what-do-the-numbers-mean Great question… They actually do stand for something and it is fairly significant. At the beginning of the past school year, we purchased a reading comprehension program called FastForward. The program boasts The program boasts that it will increase a student’s reading comprehension level over the course of a year (in varying degrees). This could […] The post What Do The Numbers Mean first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Great question… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> They actually do stand for something and it is fairly significant. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> At the beginning of the past school year, we purchased a reading comprehension program called FastForward. The program boasts </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The program boasts that it will increase a student’s reading comprehension level over the course of a year (in varying degrees). This could be signicifcant, to say the least… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> So here is the breakdown and it is pretty incredible! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <b> 29% </b> of our students gained 1/2 year in reading level. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> And check this out… <b> 14% </b> of our students gained 1.5 years in reading level! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> How about making an impact in the life of a child who views reading through a different lens? </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A whole other world opens up and possibilities become real. This is what we get to do on a daily basis. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The <a href="http://cfnm.org" target="_blank"> Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi </a> made this possible through a grant last year and we are hopeful that when we apply again, they will grant us the chance to continue this great work! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> What is the value on something like that? “Priceless” comes to mind but it seems Mastercard already took that. But seriously, it is priceless and our kids are just incredible! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/what-do-the-numbers-mean/"> What Do The Numbers Mean </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 05 May 2017 19:41:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/what-do-the-numbers-mean thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/ecfa-accredited-approved C2k Ministries Inc. Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced today the accreditation of C2k Ministries, operating in Mound Bayou, MS. ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising. C2k Ministries joins a growing […] The post ECFA Accredited and Approved first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <h2> C2k Ministries Inc. Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced today the accreditation of C2k Ministries, operating in Mound Bayou, MS. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=43828"> C2k Ministries </a> joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 27 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal.  When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> “We are pleased to accredit a ministry committed to help students develop educationally, socially, and spiritually through a holistic after-school program,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Founded in 2012, C2k Ministries ( <a href="http://www.c2kministries.org"> www.c2kministries.org </a> ) provides tools and resources to those that struggle academically, socially and spiritually to help them overcome their challenges and become a successful and productive contributor in society. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> To learn more about C2k Ministries and their stewardship opportunities, visit <a href="http://www.ecfa.org/ServantMatch.aspx?ID=43828"> ServantMatch® </a> , ECFA’s program that matches God’s servants with the stewardship options of ECFA members based on ministry sectors and categories.  It is ECFA’s newest online feature that allows you to quickly and easily find giving opportunities. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising, and board governance.  For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit <a href="http://www.ECFA.org"> www.ECFA.org </a> or call 1-800-323-9473. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/ecfa-accredited-approved/"> ECFA Accredited and Approved </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Mon, 10 Apr 2017 15:01:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/ecfa-accredited-approved thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/celebrating-yuniya-phillip Click to watch the exciting news about Yuniya Phillip! The post Celebrating Yuniya Phillip first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Click to watch the exciting news about Yuniya Phillip! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/celebrating-yuniya-phillip/"> Celebrating Yuniya Phillip </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 30 Mar 2017 14:36:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/celebrating-yuniya-phillip https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-me-now When peer on peer mentoring starts taking place it is a really cool thing. When it happens from a kid that nobody really gave a chance it becomes powerful. This is exactly what is happening here! The post Look at me now first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> When peer on peer mentoring starts taking place it is a really cool thing. When it happens from a kid that nobody really gave a chance it becomes powerful. This is exactly what is happening here! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/look-at-me-now/"> Look at me now </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 18:41:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-me-now https://www.c2kministries.org/streets-no-name If you are a music fan just seeing those words brings about thoughts of the popular U2 song. Names are a powerful thing. Everyone has one and just about everyone loves to hear theirs called (unless of course it is an angry mom voice casting the call). Funny that just the other day I had […] The post Where the Streets Have No Name first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> If you are a music fan just seeing those words brings about thoughts of the popular U2 song. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Names are a powerful thing. Everyone has one and just about everyone loves to hear theirs called (unless of course it is an angry mom voice casting the call). </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Funny that just the other day I had boys over at the house talking to them about baseball for this summer. I asked them to write down their name and address on a sheet of paper. Last year I made the mistake of practicing with the kids before I had the release forms signed. It’s one of those essential things… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Back to the story. I watched as most of these boys didn’t know their address. <i> “Phil, you know where I live” </i> was the common response. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <i> “I know I know where you live. I need your address so that I can mail forms to you” </i> , I said. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Many of our kids live on streets that have no name. At least they don’t know what the name of the street is. Truth is that the streets do have a name but any have just been forgotten. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Being forgotten is a terrible feeling. I remember one time when I was at the store with my parents. Being in about the 3rd grade I wandered off to the bathroom. When I came out my parents were not there. Did they leave me? Where did they go? Did they forget about me? It is a terrifying feeling being forgotten. Needless to say they were down about 4 aisles and when they heard my voice they came to the rescue. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Jesus has a way of entering into the world of the seemingly <em> “forgotten” </em> . The places where the streets appear to not have a name, Jesus appears. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Daily we encounter this unspoken feeling that is felt by kids. Every person wants to know that they have worth and that they are loved and not forgotten. Yet some of the places that our kids walk tells them the opposite. Truth is that when you hear something enough it can start taking root. This forgotten feeling leads to living on a street that nobody knows. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> God enters calmly into the fray of life with a “no matter whatness”. <em> “No matter what you have done and no matter where you have been, I will take you back” </em> , said God. <em> “I haven’t forgotten about you for I know your name. I know where you live. I know everything about you.” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> What happens when we live in this ‘no matter whatness’ of God is a demonstration of importance and value. The consistency in our showing up and being available allows for moments to naturally take place and for us to be swept right along in the current of God. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We get to breathe worth and value into young lives. Father Greg Boyle in his book Tattoos on the Heart says it this way, <em> “Compassion isn’t just about feeling the pain of others; it’s about bringing them in toward yourself.” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It’s at this intersection where the street begins to take on a name and the forgotten are no more. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/streets-no-name/"> Where the Streets Have No Name </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Fri, 10 Mar 2017 18:03:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/streets-no-name https://www.c2kministries.org/the-slow-work-of-god It was just a few days ago. I drive our van, as I normally do each day, over to the school to pick up our students. Seems like a typical day. Well… A “typical” day for us is filled with all things “un-typical” and today is going to be one of  “those” days. It’s a […] The post The Slow Work of God first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It was just a few days ago. I drive our van, as I normally do each day, over to the school to pick up our students. Seems like a typical day. Well… </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> A “typical” day for us is filled with all things “un-typical” and today is going to be one of  “those” days. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> It’s a funny thing when the things that we consider ‘regular’ are disrupted by the irregular. The slow work of God is about to show up in an amazing way. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As the kids file into the van, the noise level increases as it always does. All the kids want my attention and the air is filled with all of the stories from the day’s events. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <em> “Phil, Phil, Phil… Um, I got a sticker today because my teacher said I did good.” </em> , says Madison. She continues, <em> “lot’s of the other kids didn’t get one because they weren’t good.” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Story after story pour through the airwaves of the van and my mind races to catch all of them but I am sure I only heard a few. Then the slow work of God shows up. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> One of our students, Lamont, gets into the front seat of the van as he normally does. We exchange the typical <em> “what’s up/how was your day” </em> words to one another. I notice that he has his black history project rolled up with a big old rubber band around it. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> As I am listening to one of the other students tell me a story from the day, I see Lamont taking the rubber band off his project and he begins to unroll it. I am watching him as he stares at the project. By this time the story that the other student was telling me is fading into the distance. Lamont has a look about him. Then it happens. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Lamont says, “Phil”, as if to grab the attention that he already had. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I reply, <em> “yeah, what’s up.” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Lamont doesn’t speak another word but bends down the corner of his project to show me something. It’s a grade. Specifically a 90%. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The slow work of God has once again invaded the space that I am occupying. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> I simply said to him, <em> “Lamont, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you and all you are doing. How does that feel?” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Lamont replies with a grin, <em> “great.” </em> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Reading and basic math skills at the age of 10 were not in his ballpark. Heck, they weren’t even in the parking lot of the ballpark. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Oh the powerful, slow work of God. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Persistent love breaks through all things no matter how hard the core. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Just a few short years later, fractions, reading and more are all part of Lamont’s design but it wasn’t until the slow work of God really changed it all. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> That slow work of God is apparent in every one of our students. It sometimes shows up in really big ways and other times it peaks through in something small. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> In a world where we try to quantify everything with numbers and data, it is nice to sit back and see the visible manifestation of a really big God disrupting a kids life with His slow work. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p>   </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/the-slow-work-of-god/"> The Slow Work of God </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:57:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/the-slow-work-of-god thumbnail https://www.c2kministries.org/this-will-make-you-smile In our store, kids have a chance to use their RE>Direct dollars to purchase certificates to things like basketball games & pizza, roller skating & pizza, etc. This past Saturday we took a group to the Delta State basketball game. Take a look at what happened at halftime! The post This Will Make You Smile first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/this-will-make-you-smile/"> This Will Make You Smile </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:09:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/this-will-make-you-smile https://www.c2kministries.org/what-a-parent-had-to-say See what one of our parents has to say about all that we are doing and the HUGE difference we are making! Press play and watch the short video! The post What a Parent Had To Say first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> See what one of our parents has to say about all that we are doing and the HUGE difference we are making! Press play and watch the short video! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/what-a-parent-had-to-say/"> What a Parent Had To Say </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:59:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/what-a-parent-had-to-say https://www.c2kministries.org/this-is-joy Great things are happening and they happen because of a true team effort. We are so grateful to all of you for all you do for our kids! The post This is JOY! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Great things are happening and they happen because of a true team effort. We are so grateful to all of you for all you do for our kids! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/this-is-joy/"> This is JOY! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:57:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/this-is-joy https://www.c2kministries.org/very-grateful Enjoy this video as you see joy come to life. The post Very Grateful first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Enjoy this video as you see joy come to life. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/very-grateful/"> Very Grateful </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:54:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/very-grateful https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-our-staff Our staff: Megan Munro-Program Director, Linda Dorsey- Family and Child Coach, Loise Fields-Fipps- Mentor Specialist, LaTonya Fields- Mentor Specialist. The post Meet Our Staff first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our staff: Megan Munro-Program Director, Linda Dorsey- Family and Child Coach, Loise Fields-Fipps- Mentor Specialist, LaTonya Fields- Mentor Specialist. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/meet-our-staff/"> Meet Our Staff </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:43:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/meet-our-staff https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-2016 I’m not sure what else we really need to say. The strides that have been made are incredible, our kids are super and God is doing some awesome things. We are incredibly grateful for everyone and the investment, prayer, and belief you place in this ministry to do what is seemingly impossible; only believing that […] The post Thanksgiving 2016 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> I’m not sure what else we really need to say. The strides that have been made are incredible, our kids are super and God is doing some awesome things. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We are incredibly grateful for everyone and the investment, prayer, and belief you place in this ministry to do what is seemingly impossible; only believing that anything is possible through our great God </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Feeling the “giving” in Thanks’giving’? Go to our </span> <span> <a href="http://www.c2kministries.org/donate" target="_self"> donate page </a> </span> <span> and make a contribution to help this continue! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> There is going to be an email coming soon with a really important update… Stay tuned! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/thanksgiving-2016/"> Thanksgiving 2016 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:42:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/thanksgiving-2016 https://www.c2kministries.org/speaks-for-itself This week has been one of the best weeks we have ever had. For the past several years we have been working hard towards this day and it has happened. A big thanks to Megan who serves as our Program Director, Linda who serves as our family and child coach, Loise Fipps who serves as a […] The post Speaks for Itself first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> This week has been one of the best weeks we have ever had. For the past several years we have been working hard towards this day and it has happened. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> A big thanks to Megan who serves as our Program Director, Linda who serves as our family and child coach, Loise Fipps who serves as a Mentor Specialist and LaTonya Fields who also serves as a Mentor Specialist. It is largely because of our staff that we have such incredible results. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Our volunteers base has been amazing as well. Because we have a high level of volunteers it allows us to have 1 leader for about every 2 students or so. With a ratio like that, the students can’t help but win! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We are rolling out 2 new computer programs; Dreambox for math and Fast Forward for reading comprehension. With the addition of these 2 programs, it will be exciting to see what the next reporting period brings! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/speaks-for-itself/"> Speaks for Itself </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:41:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/speaks-for-itself https://www.c2kministries.org/look-who-came-to-visit We were so blessed to have Doug and Monique Henry come for a short visit. What a blessing they are to us as friends as well as to the ministry. Monique serves on our Board of Directors and has added great wisdom and knowledge to our team. Doug has had a connection with our kids […] The post Look Who Came To Visit first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We were so blessed to have Doug and Monique Henry come for a short visit. What a blessing they are to us as friends as well as to the ministry. Monique serves on our Board of Directors and has added great wisdom and knowledge to our team. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Doug has had a connection with our kids and if referred to as “coach” because of his coaching with the Kansas City Royals. The kids were excited to see both of them! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/look-who-came-to-visit/"> Look Who Came To Visit </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:40:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/look-who-came-to-visit https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-what-the-kids-accomplished Our program has been in existence now for a few years and as with anything it can take a little time to really start seeing “visible” fruit. On a day to day basis, we see things taking place with our students but it is often hard to communicate all of that. We get into the […] The post Look at What the Kids Accomplished! first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Our program has been in existence now for a few years and as with anything it can take a little time to really start seeing “visible” fruit. On a day to day basis, we see things taking place with our students but it is often hard to communicate all of that. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We get into the habit of communicating the big things and this my friends is really </span> <span> BIG! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We </span> <span> challenged </span> <span> our kids at the beginning of the semester to get all their </span> <span> grades above a “C” </span> <span> . With lots of hard work, intentionality and more, here are the results: </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> 94% </span> <span> of our students finished with all grades higher than a “C” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> 59% </span> <span> of our students finished with all grades higher than a “B” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> 36% </span> <span> of our students finished with all “A’s” </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> As a matter of fact, we had </span> <span> only 1 “D” on any report card </span> <span> and absolutely no “F’s”. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Here are the students that received these high marks and we could not be any more proud than we are and you should be too! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/look-at-what-the-kids-accomplished/"> Look at What the Kids Accomplished! </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:38:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-what-the-kids-accomplished https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-us Jaidha Dancy (3rd Grade), Robert Gray (2nd Grade), Lakendra Burrow (6th Grade), KJ Knight (Kindergartern) and Kamien Bady (6th Grade) we all involved in this years coronation. We are really proud of all of them as they represented well. Pretty cool that we had 25% of our students selected for this years coronation. We were […] The post Look at Us first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Jaidha Dancy (3rd Grade), Robert Gray (2nd Grade), Lakendra Burrow (6th Grade), KJ Knight (Kindergartern) and Kamien Bady (6th Grade) we all involved in this years coronation. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We are really proud of all of them as they represented well. Pretty cool that we had 25% of our students selected for this years coronation. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We were so excited for the experience that these students had! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/look-at-us/"> Look at Us </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:36:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/look-at-us https://www.c2kministries.org/tom-brokaw-and-a-very-large-check No. Tom Brokaw didn’t give our ministry money. But Mr. Brokaw did hear about our ministry at a recent gathering at the GRAMMY Museum. The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, www.cfnm.org  has helped our ministry accomplish its goals for the past 2 years by granting us funds for certain items that we needed. We were […] The post Tom Brokaw and a Very Large Check first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> No. Tom Brokaw didn’t give our ministry money. But Mr. Brokaw did hear about our ministry at a recent gathering at the GRAMMY Museum. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, </span> <span> <a href="http://www.cfnm.org/" target="_blank"> www.cfnm.org </a> </span> <span>  has helped our ministry accomplish its goals for the past 2 years by granting us funds for certain items that we needed. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We were the only highlighted organization at the event of about 250 people. We were gratful to hear about Mr. Brokaw’s story and his fight with cancer. One of our superstar students, Jaihda Dancy attended with us and we were happy to have her with us! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We are thankful to Tom Pittman, President, Peggy Linton, Community Development Director, Scott Hollis, Chairman, Scott Coopwood, Vice Chairman as well as the complete Board of Directors for making this happen. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We will be showing a video soon about the difference that the computers are already making! POWERFUL! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/tom-brokaw-and-a-very-large-check/"> Tom Brokaw and a Very Large Check </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:34:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/tom-brokaw-and-a-very-large-check https://www.c2kministries.org/very-large-shirts Although it may not seem like a big deal for some watching this video, please understand that our kids have no arts program at school. In many cases there is no music program other than our marching band Because of a cool partnership with Delta Arts Alliance in Cleveland, MS, we are able to offer […] The post Very Large Shirts first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Although it may not seem like a big deal for some watching this video, please understand that our kids have no arts program at school. In many cases there is no music program other than our marching band </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Because of a cool partnership with Delta Arts Alliance in Cleveland, MS, we are able to offer arts to our kids every week. HOW COOL IS THAT! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We are very grateful to Delta Arts Alliance for all they continue to do for the kids in RE&gt;Direct! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/very-large-shirts/"> Very Large Shirts </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:32:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/very-large-shirts https://www.c2kministries.org/nehemiah-and-diligence For the past couple weeks we have been talking about diligence. This week we had the chance to talk about Nehemiah and the story of him facing adversity and being diligent in not only cleaning Jerusalem but repairing the walls. We used the resources that we had to create the scene and take the kids […] The post Nehemiah and Diligence first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> For the past couple weeks we have been talking about diligence. This week we had the chance to talk about Nehemiah and the story of him facing adversity and being diligent in not only cleaning Jerusalem but repairing the walls. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We used the resources that we had to create the scene and take the kids through it. Enjoy! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/nehemiah-and-diligence/"> Nehemiah and Diligence </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:31:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/nehemiah-and-diligence https://www.c2kministries.org/community-foundation-northwest-mississippi For the past two year, the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi has been giving financially to Re>Direct, our after-school program. Because of the strides that were made last year, we wanted to increase capacity in learning. Part of that is through technology and they have taken on a large part of that by allowing us […] The post Community Foundation Northwest Mississippi first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> For the past two year, the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi has been giving financially to Re&gt;Direct, our after-school program. Because of the strides that were made last year, we wanted to increase capacity in learning. Part of that is through technology and they have taken on a large part of that by allowing us to purchase Fast ForWord reading software used to increase reading comprehension, computers, charging station and more. We are so grateful for the impact that this generosity is going to make in our community. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/community-foundation-northwest-mississippi/"> Community Foundation Northwest Mississippi </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:30:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/community-foundation-northwest-mississippi https://www.c2kministries.org/the-kings-daughters-and-sons-circle-number The King’s Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two blessed us this year in a huge way. After a visit to our program, we made it known that we could increase capacity if we could hire 2 ladies from our community as part time Mentor Specialists. Not only does that help our program but it also helps […] The post The King’s Daughters and Sons Circle Number first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> The King’s Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two blessed us this year in a huge way. After a visit to our program, we made it known that we could increase capacity if we could hire 2 ladies from our community as part time Mentor Specialists. Not only does that help our program but it also helps our community directly as well. They provided the funding for a full year for Lois Fipps and LaTonya Fields and we could not be more excited about the changes that has already made! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/the-kings-daughters-and-sons-circle-number/"> The King’s Daughters and Sons Circle Number </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:29:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/the-kings-daughters-and-sons-circle-number https://www.c2kministries.org/real-christian-foundation As we continue to grow and build the ministry, we have formed great partnerships with different local foundations and businesses and we wanted to give each of them a shout out. The impact that each of these foundations has on our ministry is incredible. The impact that they are having in the Mississippi Delta is even […] The post Real Christian Foundation first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> As we continue to grow and build the ministry, we have formed great partnerships with different local foundations and businesses and we wanted to give each of them a shout out. The impact that each of these foundations has on our ministry is incredible. The impact that they are having in the Mississippi Delta is even greater as we are only one of many ministries and non-profits that have been blessed! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Our budget this year would have been much harder to accomplish if these organizations did not help us with specific needs. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> REAL has been a great help to us for the past 4 years. Their goal is to provide exposure, structure and resources to rural, Christian ministries. This past year they blessed us with training and financial resources that went towards staff expenses. This allowed us to free up cash flow that we would not have been able to! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/real-christian-foundation/"> Real Christian Foundation </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:26:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/real-christian-foundation https://www.c2kministries.org/mentos-challenge Our kids don’t get to do many science experiments so much of what they are learning is straight out of the book. We figured we would take some theory and make it real by taking mentos and dropping them in some diet soda. 3 bottles competed, students created predictions before heading out and then recorded […] The post Mentos Challenge first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Our kids don’t get to do many science experiments so much of what they are learning is straight out of the book. We figured we would take some theory and make it real by taking mentos and dropping them in some diet soda. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> 3 bottles competed, students created predictions before heading out and then recorded the results.  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Not only fun but educational as well. A big thanks to the minty fresh taste of mentos and to all of our diet soda manufacturers. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/mentos-challenge/"> Mentos Challenge </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:25:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/mentos-challenge https://www.c2kministries.org/state-representative-abe-hudson-visits This past monday we were blessed to have State Representative, Abe Hudson come to the REDirect After School Program and visit. Not only did he talk with our students but he challenged them in many ways. He propelled them into thinking about what the Mississippi Delta could be like and asked for thoughts and ideas. […] The post State Representative Abe Hudson Visits first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> This past monday we were blessed to have State Representative, Abe Hudson come to the REDirect After School Program and visit. Not only did he talk with our students but he challenged them in many ways. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> He propelled them into thinking about what the Mississippi Delta could be like and asked for thoughts and ideas. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Thanks for the visit we sure were blessed to have you! </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/state-representative-abe-hudson-visits/"> State Representative Abe Hudson Visits </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:23:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/state-representative-abe-hudson-visits https://www.c2kministries.org/working-hard-playing-hard Our kids have been working hard the past two weeks so this Thursday was reward day! Check out the short video. The post Working Hard-Playing Hard first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Our kids have been working hard the past two weeks so this Thursday was reward day! Check out the short video. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/working-hard-playing-hard/"> Working Hard-Playing Hard </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:22:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/working-hard-playing-hard https://www.c2kministries.org/our-championship-team FRONT ROW (Left to Right): Kawaski, Terrick, Cordarrian, DJ. BACK ROW (Left To Right): Coach Marquel, Jerome, Mysone, Coach Phil, Buck, Devin, Lamont, Coach CJ. Not pictured: D’Andre, Matthew, Mark and Tommy. This past summer I had the chance to coach some incredible boys. Our team not only finished in First place but we beat […] The post Our Championship Team first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> FRONT ROW (Left to Right): Kawaski, Terrick, Cordarrian, DJ. BACK ROW (Left To Right): Coach Marquel, Jerome, Mysone, Coach Phil, Buck, Devin, Lamont, Coach CJ. Not pictured: D’Andre, Matthew, Mark and Tommy. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> This past summer I had the chance to coach some incredible boys. Our team not only finished in First place but we beat our competition by a combined score of 116-28 in 9 games.  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Couldn’t be more proud to be a head coach and it had nothing to do with a record or score differential. Watching these boys grow, listen, learn and come together was what it really is all about. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/our-championship-team/"> Our Championship Team </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:20:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/our-championship-team https://www.c2kministries.org/mueller-family-visit Our good friends the Mueller’s came this week and paid us a visit. Lucky for them our program was in full swing so they are getting a full look into why we do what we do. Best yet they get to see firsthand the incredible kids that we are blessed with. Watching the Mueller girls, […] The post Mueller Family Visit first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Our good friends the Mueller’s came this week and paid us a visit. Lucky for them our program was in full swing so they are getting a full look into why we do what we do. Best yet they get to see firsthand the incredible kids that we are blessed with. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Watching the Mueller girls, Grace and Paige interact with our students has been incredible. Jennifer has added her motherly touch while Ben has brought a great problem solving touch! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We are not only grateful for their friendship but for their visit and we know that their impact is being felt in many ways!  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/mueller-family-visit/"> Mueller Family Visit </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:19:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/mueller-family-visit https://www.c2kministries.org/teaching-the-bible Today Megan did a great job of teaching about Noah and his being diligent to obeying God. We spent a good 40 minutes walking kids through various skits, talks, exercises and more all designed to hear the gospel. Fun and engaging we dove right in and so did our students! The post Teaching the Bible first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Today Megan did a great job of teaching about Noah and his being diligent to obeying God. We spent a good 40 minutes walking kids through various skits, talks, exercises and more all designed to hear the gospel. Fun and engaging we dove right in and so did our students! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/teaching-the-bible/"> Teaching the Bible </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:17:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/teaching-the-bible https://www.c2kministries.org/all-about-choices We are surrounded by some incredible people that are making a difference in the lives of kids. Linda Dorsey, RE>Direct Child and Family Counselor, is one of those people and we are grateful to have her on the team. Listen to her words about this year! The post All About Choices first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> We are surrounded by some incredible people that are making a difference in the lives of kids. Linda Dorsey, RE&gt;Direct Child and Family Counselor, is one of those people and we are grateful to have her on the team. Listen to her words about this year! </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/all-about-choices/"> All About Choices </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:16:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/all-about-choices https://www.c2kministries.org/sneak-peak-for-2016-2017 Our program this year is going to look completely different than it did last year. Instead of kids being seated by grade we are approaching this by subject and allowing kids to make the choices on where they need to go for help.  We are expecting great things this year and we are grateful to […] The post Sneak Peak for 2016-2017 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Our program this year is going to look completely different than it did last year. Instead of kids being seated by grade we are approaching this by subject and allowing kids to make the choices on where they need to go for help.  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> We are expecting great things this year and we are grateful to everyone. Watch for more video updates! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/sneak-peak-for-2016-2017/"> Sneak Peak for 2016-2017 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:14:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/sneak-peak-for-2016-2017 https://www.c2kministries.org/overcome Truth is that Kym and I have never had to overcome the things that many of our kids have had to overcome. Our kids are such champions. Despite everything being against them they continue to listen to what we are telling them and press on. Systemically there are powers, yes powers, that are working against […] The post Overcome first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Truth is that Kym and I have never had to overcome the things that many of our kids have had to overcome. Our kids are such champions. Despite everything being against them they continue to listen to what we are telling them and press on. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Systemically there are powers, yes powers, that are working against our kids. I used to say that all things are equal to include the “playing field”. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> For the past year our kids have been presented choices. We have told the kids all year that choices will dictate outcomes and they will either be good or bad, “make a wise choice” is something that you will hear regularly. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Several of our kids saved well over $1,000 of their RE Direct dollars for the trip to Kansas City. This was a hard thing for them to do and there were so many that were struggling at the end just for a chance to go. In the end, 4 paid for the trip (6 had enough money) and 3 went with us and we had a blast. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> How is this even possible? Well Coach Doug Henry BLESSES us and our kids each year with a tour, ticket to a game and more. We can’t thank him and the Kansas City Royals enough. Y’all have no idea the impact you have had on a small town from rural MS… We are not talking about McComb either Dyson…  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Have you ever had a kid say this? “Is this (the bed) all for me?” To which I replied, “yes it is.” Then I hear, “I have never had a bed all to myself.”  See we have no actual context for a qeustion like that. We didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in our mouths but at least I always had my own bed. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> When we say something like “Becuase every kid matters” it isn’t a slogan, it isn’t a tagline, it isn’t something clever that we came up with. It is something that we all believe to the core. If every kid mattered to Jesus, then every kid matters to us and we will fight for them. We will be their voice when they have none. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> So what is life all about? It’s about our heros above. Those kids who work tirelessly to overcome all of the obstacles. We are not the heros, they are and we get  chance to participate in their journey. What an incredible chance to do something much bigger than yourself. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Because every kid matters. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/overcome/"> Overcome </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:10:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/overcome https://www.c2kministries.org/lamont-a-true-story With all that we do we strive to be an engine for spiritual and social change. We believe that this change, lasting change, is only possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. When all is said and done, a life conformed to Christ matters the most. In the meantime, how does the gospel intersect at […] The post Lamont- A True Story first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> With all that we do we strive to be an engine for spiritual and social change. We believe that this change, lasting change, is only possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. When all is said and done, a life conformed to Christ matters the most. In the meantime, how does the gospel intersect at the corner of I have no food to eat or no warm clothes. You can read about those ideas in some of the previous posts. Let me tell you about life change in the form of a boy named Lamont. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Lamont is the brother to 5 others in his family. He has a single mom that does her best to make it on what the government provides. When we met Lamont over 2 years ago he started showing up at the house because his older brothers, Randolph and DeAngelo (D) were coming over. We encouraged Lamont to enter our after-school program and he did. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Here was a typical day when we first started working with Lamont; comes in happy and eats the food provided, then we would fight for 20 minutes about getting homework out because it is “hard”. The first problem was that it really was hard. At that time Lamont was in 3rd grade at the age of 10. He really could not read, had a hard time writing and spelling and basic math, 4+6, was difficult without counting on fingers. The thing that was necessary at that time was that he knew, for a fact, that we loved him and had his best interests in mind. Let’s face it… in his world Santa wasn’t exactly dropping down the chimney! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Once we established that fact then we moved to the fact that his back was up against a wall and that this would require an immense amount of hard work. It would not be easy but it would be worth it and that he could possibly catch up to others over time. Well, he was held back in 3rd grade again which was not as much of a set back to him because in the midst he was starting to see small victories. </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Fast forward to now- 12 years old and in 4th grade. Lamont reads, writes, does double digit multiplication and fractions and leads his other 4th graders in math proficiency in our rocket math assessments. He isn’t where he should be however the strides that he has made are incredible.  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> I told him once that I was proud of him for the hard work and that it was paying off. Lamont’s reply, “yeah Phil, but I had to change my attitude.”  </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <span> Lamont professes to love God and our hope and prayer is that God is more tangible to him than He has ever been. All the intentionality on the part of Megan in running the program, setting things up intentionally and doing a fantastic job as well as Linda working directly with the families in visits to homes, working with the school system and more are all designed that kids would SEE that God loves them. Building strong relationships, being real and tangible, speaking truth in love, and loving in ways people may never have experienced were all things that Jesus did. We are just taking a “page” out of the greatest book ever written and following our Savior in hopes that others come to know Him. We love Lamont as a son, much like we love all the other kids and we know that he has a great future ahead of him! </span> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/lamont-a-true-story/"> Lamont- A True Story </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:05:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/lamont-a-true-story https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2015 Although this video does not completely represent everything that we do on a daily basis, it does provide a great look at the heart of what we do. Jesus loved kids and so do we. Thanks for helping in the way that you do to make all that we do possible. Here are a couple […] The post Christmas 2015 first appeared on C2k Ministries Inc.. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> Although this video does not completely represent everything that we do on a daily basis, it does provide a great look at the heart of what we do. Jesus loved kids and so do we. Thanks for helping in the way that you do to make all that we do possible. Here are a couple pics to look at. </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="/christmas-2015/"> Christmas 2015 </a> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <a href="https://c2kministries.org"> C2k Ministries Inc. </a> </p> </div> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:03:00 GMT https://www.c2kministries.org/christmas-2015