On July 27, 2013, First Baptist Church of Bicknell, Indiana, looked more like a retail store than like a church, as 115 children shopped for free school clothes with their parents.  Although the clothing giveaway has been an annual event for several years, this is the most students ever served.  The students ranged in age from preschool to high school.  Several students registered for the giveaway ahead of time and church members shopped specifically for their clothes. Other students came with their families the day of the giveaway and the church had plenty of clothes for them to choose as well. Racks were hung and clothes were organized by size. Families came in a few at a time and were assigned to an FBC “personal shopper” as well as given the opportunity to try on the clothes in a makeshift dressing room. The students each received 3 shirts and 2 pairs of jeans, most of which were brand new!

This year, the program received a boost with an award from the ABCUSA Matthew 25 Grant.  Lauren Alexander of the FBC Bicknell Mission Team reports, “This generous gift allowed us to do far more ministry this year and has helped us to clothe more children in our community as well as building relational bridges into the lives of their families. Our mission team was overwhelmed and blessed by the large gift which encouraged us in our ministry and empowered us to point people to Christ!”

First Baptist Church, Bicknell, is truly living into its mission statement to “grow Christ’s kingdom by passionately sharing His truth in love.”