CRPC Jumps on Board With '4KIDS' By: Robin Revier

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." -Jer. 29:11

CRPC Jumps on Board With '4KIDS'

We are excited to announce our new affiliation with 4KIDS, an incredible organization that primarily ministers to the needs of children in crisis situations.

It's hard to fathom that every day right here in our own communities, 8-12 children are removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect? That is a staggering statistic! 4KIDS is an organization whose primary goal is to meet the needs of these victims. Since 1999, they have provided housing and care for thousands of foster children.

1 John 3:17 - "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother In need, yet closes his heart against him, How does God's love abide in him?"


There are many facets to this ministry, as the journey through foster care is just that...a journey!

The following is the order in which each case is addressed:

Safeplace 4KIDS-

This particular ministry meets the immediate needs of the child upon removal of the home. As you can imagine, this is a most sensitive situation so the atmosphere caters to the emotional distress that follows. Safeplace 4KIDS is staffed by trained volunteers and employees who are passionate about alleviating the terror and fear that accompanies a child who is so uncertain of his/her future.

Placement In A Foster Family-

Locating the appropriate foster family is the primary function of this department. This is not always an easy task, and many difficult challenges can come into play, such as shortages of foster homes, age issues, is the child alone or part of a sibling group, to name a few.


Residential Homes-

4KIDS has established a number of 'family style' homes to care for these children at various stages of their journey. These homes are staffed by dedicated individuals (houseparent's) who are prepared, and eager to extend the love and support that these kids so desperately need.

Permanent Solutions-

4KIDS offers classes and support services to biological parents in the hope that these families may be reunited. Unfortunately, reunification is not always possible and in those cases, 4KIDS will assist in placing children with loving adoptive families.

Independent Living Program-Spirit of Success Institute-

If foster children reach the age of 18 without being adopted or reunited with their biological family, they are often lacking even the most basic life skills and social support. The 4KIDS Independent Living Program-Spirit of Success Institute, provides them with an entire staff, and volunteers to guide them on their journey into adulthood.


Some Interesting Facts-

As of 4/30/09 4KIDS had 149 kids in their care. That is a 32% increase over the 110 kids in their care as of 4/30/08. What is really interesting is that operating costs came down 8% over the same period. God is doing amazing things in, with, and through this ministry; not the least of which is engineering a new partnership between CRPC and 4KIDS.


Answering The Call-

If you believe in your heart that God is calling you to be a part of this ministry and you'd like to learn more, please log on to the 4KIDS website at: http://www.4kidsofsfl.org/

You might also consider attending the 'Vision Tour' on July 2, from 12-2 p.m. at the 4KIDS of South Florida office, 827 S State Road 7 # 1 B, North Lauderdale, FL (954) 979-7911 (behind 'Second Chance' thrift store on 441.)


May God give you wisdom and discernment as you prayerfully consider your role in this vital ministry.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will guide you with my eye.
-Psalm 32:8


For further inquiries concerning this outreach, please contact- Chickie Alexander @ 954-334-5069 or email at: CAlexander@crpc.org

Avondale Project By: Robin Revier

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Acts 26:18

The 'Avondale Project' was established in 2004 by Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. 'Avondale' is located in Pompano Beach and is considered a minority community consisting of 60% Mexican, 30% Haitian, 10% African American, and others.

In Matthew 22:38-40, Jesus makes quite clear the responsibility of the believer when he states that loving God is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

K.P Yohannan in his book 'Revolution in World Missions' says, "We cannot love others if we ignore their spiritual needs. Just the same, we cannot say we love others if we ignore their physical needs. Jesus came for both."

Coral Ridge Church is pleased and privileged to partner with others who are committed in this particular outreach to effect this precious community for the gospel of Christ, and to meet their various spiritual and physical needs according to God's Word. Our main goal is to exercise a holistic approach to "Transformational Community."

"One Hope" (formerly "Book of Hope") is the research component to the project responsible for quantitative (amount) and qualitative (condition) research.This outreach is being monitored by other churches as well, with the primary objective being that of taking it to a national level.

Calvary Chapel, CRPC, and One Hope will hold a 'Stake Holders' strategic planning meeting on July 28th. Please mark this on your calendar as a reminder to pray for the leaders who will be trusting God for the direction of this vital ministry.

CRPC attendees, please make a note of the following date:

July 18th - CRPC will host a 'point of entry' meeting, which will be the first of many meetings to follow. If you have an interest and believe God is calling you to serve in this capacity, please contact Debbie, 954-334-5201 or dbroek@crpc.org for more details.

Luke 4:18 - "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

May God bless you and give you discernment and wisdom as you consider your involvement.

Psalm 32:8 - "I will teach you and instruct you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."

From Duane Mellor, Director of Outreach

It is a new day in our church. Many of you are ambassadors for the ministry of Evangelism Explosion. In the last few days our new Pastor has asked me to help us move forward with the Outreach Department. Because of the changes that you have already received I believe that it is imperative that you understand what will happen with EE in the future at our Church.

EE will remain a vital ministry to the life and body of our Church and the world. The classic version will be the version we use to teach and train others. There will be no changes to the times for Wednesday morning and Thursday Evening. As requested by Pastor Tullian, we will continue to keep EE operating the same way it has over past years. He asked me to keep the ministry of EE a constant for the Church.

We are all still being blessed by the past work of the Church. Apart from my parents, Dr. Kennedy has had the most significant influence on my life. I graduated from Westminster Academy which he founded. I graduated from Knox Theological Seminary which he founded. I worked on the executive staff over the last 12 years of this Church, which he founded. I have trained people all over the world through Evangelism Explosion, yet another ministry also founded by Dr. Kennedy. I say this to show Dr. Kennedy’s influence and that my whole life was directed by his leadership. We will not forget his work and ministry.

As servants of Christ we will need to work together. It is my hope that we embrace our rich heritage at Coral Ridge while looking forward to our new Pastors leading. Change is difficult at times, but it is also transforming. There are many new faces that will be introduced to EE because of the influx of young people. This ministry can even become more of a force in our Church with the development of these young people. The torch will continue to be passed on through the generations, but it will be necessary that we begin to trust those who God has sovereignly appointed. Tullian is our Pastor. He is a friend to me and the staff. He has a sincere love for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. His heart is to reach the lost and transform this community as well as the world.

I love both Dr. Kennedy and Tullian because of their love for the Lord and their love for people. As we move forward we must support the work of this Church together, past and present, so that we can reach the lost world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your continued service. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord (I Corinthians 12:5). Let us serve together under the same banner.

Duane Mellor
Director of Outreach
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church