Eager to Follow

Picture Africa.  Somewhere – right now – on the vast continent, smiling, energetic kids follow behind runners as they train.  You might have seen the pictures.  These children are eager to join alongside the training runners as they travel across the countryside, putting in the miles to become the best.  Last week, we were able to experience part of that.

We left the Village Oaks Community center, asking the kids who were inside to leave with us.  As they inquired about where we were going, it became obvious we would have helpers.  Lots of helpers.

“Can we come?”

The answer was easy: sure!

But, the kids had no idea that “coming with us” was going to be hard.  We were going to be driving all over the property delivering Thanksgiving dinner baskets.  And, Village Oaks is big.  Really big.  29 acres big.

As the golf cart rolled away, loaded down with our first round of Thanksgiving dinners, the kids ran alongside and behind the cart.  It was incredible.

 

After an hour of delivering baskets and then returning to the Community Center to pick up more, the kids were showing signs of fatigue.  They were slowing down and their shirts were covered in sweat.

Was this as great as it sounded when they had first asked, “can we come?”  To a few, yes – yes it was!  The kids had seen the joy and thankfulness on the faces and in the words of the residents who received the baskets.  They were able to share in the joy of giving. 

When the kids asked, “can we come?” they didn’t know exactly what they were getting in to.  They only knew that we would be delivering Thanksgiving dinner baskets together.  They knew they wouldn’t be left behind.

Thanks to all the kids who came along to help us deliver the baskets - we are grateful for your help and enthusiasm!

-- Will Dowell

Thanksgiving Dinners

We were able to hand out 30 Thanksgiving Dinners at Willow Pond and Village Oaks over the last two days.  We had a great time and were able to involve some of the kids in the giving.  Enjoy a few pictures below:

 

 

 

 

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Picture Slideshow!

Thanks to Keith Waggoner for his photography skills.  These pictures were taken at Village Oaks recently.  Enjoy the pictures!



-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Basketball Court "Official First Shot"

We had a great time this past Tuesday with the residents of Village Oaks!  After completing the renovation to the basketball court, we held an "Official First Shot" ceremony to usher in the new court.

We gave each kid from the Kids Club a basketball and let them loose to shoot baskets and run around.  Within 15 minutes, residents young and old had joined us on the court.  From grandfathers who hadn't shot a basketball in years to young men who are growing up too fast: we all enjoyed being kids for an hour.

At the end of our time, we gathered about 10 kids from the Kids Club around one of the baskets for the "official first shot."  At the count of 3, the kids shot their basketball at the same time and helped the Village Oaks community welcome the new court.  See the pictures below!

 

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Transformation of Village Oaks

Village Oaks has seen some transformation over the last month thanks to the help of volunteers, residents, and the owners.  Check out the before and after pictures below!

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-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Kids Club at Village Oaks!

We are excited to announce that the Kids Club at Village Oaks is under way!  Kids Club opened last Tuesday to lots of smiling faces.  We are encouraged with the attitudes of the kids at Village Oaks and have been able to work on lots of homework.  Don't worry: there is still plenty of video games, puzzles, and toys going on.

Please pray for Jayda as she directs the community at Village Oaks.  If you are interested in volunteering at Village Oaks, please visit the website and click on the communities tab where you can find information about Village Oaks.

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Gateway Fall Party at Village Oaks

We are excited about our partnership with the City of Dallas Gateway Program.  The Gateway program helps people come out of homelessness by providing a roof over your head and lots of support.  We are thankful for the friends we have made in the Gateway Program and we are excited to work together.

Last Friday we supported the Gateway staff in their Fall Party.  We ate plenty of food (4 or 5 plates for some!) and played several games.  The cakewalk was a crowd favorite, and the walking quickly became dancing.  It was a sight to see and a true celebration!  Thanks for letting us share in the joy with you all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

The Next Rucker Park?

We are excited about the new basketball court at Village Oaks!  The court has been in progress for about a week, and it was finished today!  There are pictures of the transformation below.

Residents are already talking about their basketball skills, and we plan to host tournaments at the court in the spring.  There are some incredible basketball players in South Oak Cliff, and we want to work together towards a safe, competitive place for basketball in the area.  Come down and check out the new court!

Thanks to the owners for making this possible!

 

 

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Willow Pond Fall Festival

We had a great time Friday afternoon at the Willow Pond Pumpkin-Design and Face-Painting Party!  Thanks to Rickey, Suzanne, Jayda, Tim and Rick Mabus for all of your help...it was a great time.  Congratulations to Sebastian, the winner of the pumpkin-design contest. Kids who recited a "Character Quality" from the Kids Club won candy, and 10 kids at the party were given a pumpkin to take home!

-- Behind Every Door Ministries