BY SHARON PRINTZ
How hard is it to love a child? The Pastor, Deacons and members of Spring Hill Bible Church expressed their love for foster children and their caregivers on Sunday, December 1, by presenting a Foster Kid’s Christmas Carnival.
There were games, prizes, crafts, a balloon twister, photos, and more. All organized by Pastor Kent Gee, Deacon and Firefighter/Paramedic Scot Kortright and a congregation willing to spend time with the kids while sharing love and fellowship. Story Time, cornhole, decorating tiny trees, dart games with sticky balls, a bean bag toss are just a few of the over 15 games and activities enjoyed by the kids during the Carnival.
Cassie Gee taught a Christmas program based on making connections between the different lights we see around Christmas time and the “Light of Jesus.” This lively lesson on “Jesus is the Light” had total audience participation and helped kids and adults focus on the true meaning of Christmas. With so much bad news and devastation in the world, the good news of Christian love and joy is worth celebrating.
Linda Hoins, President of the Foster Parent Association of Hernando County, would like to “Thank the church for hosting the families. The kids had a blast, and loved the games, crafts and food.“ Linda said the number of foster children needing homes continues to grow here in Hernando County and throughout Florida. You may help the children by sending a check to The Hernando Foster Parent Association, PO Box 15195, Brooksville, FL 34604.
The benefits of fostering teach children how to live in healthy relationships. In turn, they will use these lessons to raise their own children. For information on how to become a foster parent, contact Leslie Hosmer at 352-232-5063.
A large bag of wrapped gifts was presented to each family courtesy of the Hernando County Fire Fighters Union Benevolence Fund. The firemen enjoyed shopping for the children and were helped by nurses from local hospitals. Gifts were chosen based on the age and gender of each child.
Six years ago, Scot Kortright started “Shop With A Hero” to benefit local kids, connecting firefighters, paramedics and nurses to the very ones who need a hero in their lives. Scot stated, “I do it for the love of humanity and to spread the love of Christ throughout the community. It brings so much joy.” He also led the wrapping party at SHBC as youth and adults worked together to bring a sparkle to young eyes on Christmas morning.
Throughout the event, delicious food was prepared and served by smiling volunteers who saw that everyone was being fed.
Pastor Kent and Cassie Gee, along with Patrick and Linda Hoins, welcomed the families, culminating in the giving of gifts to each child to tahome and put under the tree. Pastor Kent said, “The purpose of this carnival is to love the kids, play games with them, and celebrate the joy of Christmas together. I want them to say, hey, I had fun when I went to church.”
A group of spirit-filled volunteers decorated the church, inside and out. Drive by Spring Hill Bible Church, 15499 Spring Hill Dr., at night and enjoy the lights!
