Next Operation Back To School: August 15, 2009

This unique ministry was born to serve First Hurst's local mission field. Working with six specifically targeted elementary schools and their counselors, each year the week before school starts, Operation Back to School provides school supplies and other back-to-school items to local needy families in a carnival like atmosphere. The concept is modeled after the servant style evangelism of Jesus.

With increased community needs and awareness, Operation Back to School has experience steady growth. The 2006 event helped 632 kids from over 305 families; in 2007 the event blessed 917 students from 385 families. The 2008 goal was exceeded as we furnished school supplies to 1,459 students from 564 families. Supported completely by donations from church members, businesses and fund raising events, the ministry has set a 2009 target of $36,000 to be raised. This will allow us to achieve our goal of ministering to 2,000 children in both the HEB school district and in North Dakota, where we are actively involved in missions.

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

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

Operation Back to School seeks volunteers and donations year-round. The cost to provide one child with all their supplies is $15. For more information, please contact .