Growing Deeper
As we look toward our 17th year as Orlando Children’s Church, it is impossible to ignore God’s provision. Our desire is, and always has been, to share the hope and love of Christ with children across Central Florida. But what does it mean to offer hope and love like Christ? If we look at the example Jesus set for us, it means bringing healing and freedom from oppression; it means bringing restoration where there once was brokenness. This is something no one can do alone—it truly takes a village.
This season has been about growing deeper in our ability to live out this mission. By his grace, God has opened up the door for us to partner with some amazing churches and organizations so that we can better love and care for the children, volunteers, and everyone involved with OCC.
- In addition to regularly sending volunteers, AdventHealth has met with OCC to explore ideas and discuss how to best meet the needs of those we serve. Their care for the community goes beyond medical services, and they have been a great resource.
- Celebration Church sent a huge team of volunteers for their serve day, allowing us to give back to First Baptist Church of Maitland by cleaning, mulching, and doing repairs around campus. First Baptist Church of Maitland has a heart for the community and generously allows OCC to meet on their property every Saturday. It is a blessing to witness how God uses the strength and resources of each church to serve and strengthen the others.
- Northland Church and Trauma Healing Institute at American Bible Society have shared their Healing Hearts Club resources with OCC and have trained some of our leaders in how to recognize the effects of trauma and move children toward healing. We are excited about this partnership and the potential to see lives changed.
We can’t do it alone
Each of us is just one member of the body. To reflect Christ and care for one another takes everyone working together and bringing their gifts and resources. There isn’t space to mention all the people, churches, and organizations that continually enable us to keep going—and to keep growing. We’re so grateful to those who share their strengths with us and look forward to the ways they will bring even more flourishing to the children at OCC.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
OCC NEEDS
- Prayer! It is a huge encouragement to know that the children are being prayed for each week. Will you commit to praying on Saturday mornings?
- We currently need an additional $10,000 per month to keep the buses running and cover basic costs. Monthly financial gifts are a tremendous blessing to OCC.
- We have an Amazon wishlist of our most-needed items.
- Join us! We’d love to have you volunteer on Saturday mornings.
OCC DREAM LIST
- For every OCC bus to be adopted by a church or company
- New metal picnic tables (assembled, if possible)
- iMac for the OCC office