In the early years of Orlando Children’s Church, it was common to hear this chant echoing around campus or on the buses: OCC is where we want to be! It was catchy and fun, and it gave everyone an excuse to cheer. It was also true! When you’re at OCC, you rarely want to be anywhere else—no matter how chaotic the day seems to be turning out. What we wouldn’t give to have one of those crazy days right now!
While we’re apart, we’re doing our best to stay in touch with kids and meet needs when possible. Your gifts allow us to do more right now while also planning for the day when we can safely meet again.
There’s something very special about our Saturday mornings at OCC. Being together, greeting kids with hugs and high fives, creating a space where every child and teenager can experience love and peace—this is what God has called us to do. OCC is a place where kids know they truly belong, where they can form authentic relationships with other kids as well as adults. It’s a blessing that many of you know, because you’ve been there to experience it.
Thankfully, God is not confined to the OCC campus, and we know that he has not forgotten any of his children during this time. As we celebrated Easter last month, we couldn’t help but feel the weight of that Saturday—the day when everything truly did seem lost. It’s easy to feel that way now, but we must remember that Jesus rose from the grave the following day. Our God is in the habit of making all things new, of bringing beauty from ashes and changing darkness to light.
We don’t know what the future will look like, but we know that God wants OCC serving this community. Please give so that this dream God planted will continue to grow.We are currently at risk of not having the funds to make it through the summer.
So what have we been up to?
Thanks to East Coast Believers Church, Simply Amazing, our heroic bus drivers, and your generous donations, we were able to send food, supplies, art boxes, and books to OCC kids!
We have an app! A group of UCF senior design students took on the challenge of turning our dreams into reality by creating an app that will make Saturday mornings run more efficiently. It allows us to sign in students and volunteers and track bus lists, classes, and so much more. They did a brilliant job, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Our staff has continued (virtual) training on developing a trauma-informed and resilient community. Everything we learn makes us even more excited about the role OCC gets to play in the lives of youth across Central Florida.
The OCC community garden is blooming with beautiful zinnias, and the basil looks delicious! It’s a hopeful reminder that there is growth and beauty yet to come!
Never has the need been so great amongst our population. Our desire is to help whenever we are able, and we have been doing so over the past many weeks. Will you consider donating so that we can continue to share God’s love in this way?
For the safety of all, Saturday activities will remain canceled for the time being. We will let you know as soon as there is a plan to safely resume meeting.
OCC Needs
Prayer! Will you let us know that you’re praying for the OCC kids during this time? Click this link to fill out the very short form.
Financial needs. We are in critical need financially, as expenses continue despite the cancelation of Saturday morning activities.
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