Family

Back to School Prayer Lays a Foundation for Success

Shelly Pond
8 Aug 2017
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prayer

As students return to school, people throughout South Florida will once again gather in prayer at their local elementary, middle and high schools on the Saturday before school starts to pray for the local campuses. Initiated by First Priority, a ministry passionate about connecting the church to reach the campus for Christ, Back to School Prayer 2017 simply encourages every person from every church to meet at their school’s flagpole at 9 a.m. and spend an hour in prayer. If you cannot access the flagpole, gather by the main school sign along the road. For Palm Beach County public schools […]

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Kids Can Feel Confident about Heading Back to School

Chrissie Ferguson
3 Aug 2017
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For many children, the first day back to school is an exciting one. Students are ready to take on the year with new haircuts, backpacks, school attire and supplies. But for less fortunate children, whose families are unable to afford these things, the first day back to school can be a little more daunting. In an effort to make sure that all children throughout south Florida feel ready and confident for the new school year, many local organizations are holding Back to School Drives this fall. Here are just a few of them.   Urban Youth Impact – Back 2 […]

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Interruptions

Stephan Tchividjian
26 Jun 2017
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interruptions

My wife and I were having an important discussion a number of years ago, one of those husband and wife discussions that center on schedules, budgets, decisions, etc.  Important stuff, right? Our three-year-old daughter did not hesitate to interrupt our discussion because she was thirsty and she needed her “dink” right now.  She would not stop interrupting until we stopped our conversation to meet her immediate need. Lisa and I were out of town on vacation when our beach day was interrupted by a text from our daughter that stated, “Just so you both know… I refer to the time I was […]

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Summer Hosting Gives Colombian Orphans a Chance to Experience Family

Shelly Pond
5 Jun 2017
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For the Past 10 years, Adoption by Shepherd Care has brought a small group of orphan children ages 9 to 14 from Colombia to South Florida. This Summer Hosting Program gives the kids an opportunity to experience life with a family in the United States for a few weeks when they will go on outings to the beach, attend a pool party and visit the Wow Factory indoor playground and party center. “We give them a nice two weeks,” said Nidia Sica, director of international programs for the adoption agency. However, the events are designed as an opportunity for families […]

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Vacation Bible School Provides Play, Praise and Passion

Gabriella Morris
1 Jun 2017
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Every summer since I was five years old, I would anxiously await the beginning of the week where I got to don a brightly colored shirt every morning and join the sea of children my age wearing the same shirt. The drive to church was specifically allotted for memorizing the energetic motions and lyrics of the thematic songs that I would sing with all my peers during every worship time. I still memorize those songs one week out of every summer, but now it’s to teach them to five year olds dancing in the same place I did thirteen years […]

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EPIC Approach Places Powerful Tolls in the Hands of Parents

Shelly Pond
16 May 2017
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  Kids in the foster care system are survivors. Due to no fault of their own, they have faced abuse, neglect or abandonment, often having to learn how to cope on their own at a young age in whatever way they can. In some cases, these children experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, which can produce symptoms such as irritable behavior, angry outbursts, problems with concentration and sleep disturbances, among others. These behaviors can present a challenge for even the most loving and well-intentioned foster parents. That’s why 4KIDS of South Florida has developed a therapeutic model for parenting […]

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Getting to Know Those with Autism Brings a Fresh Perspective

Estefania Hernandez
5 Apr 2017
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  Do you know what autism is? Calvary Christian Academy Bible teacher Johnny Crank came face to face with autism 8 years ago when his son, Max, was diagnosed with autism.  After adopting triplets, Crank and his wife Jamie knew their task would be challenging, for they were already parents of triplets (Max included). From the beginning, they noticed a difference in Max’s behavior. At age three, his verbal communication spiraled down.  When he turned four, the diagnosis did not hit Crank nor his wife with surprise. rather it was a relief. With the diagnosis, Max’s behavior was better understood. […]

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New Program Helps At-risk Youth Be Fit To Succeed

The Good News
7 Mar 2017
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In the United States this year, 26,000 youth will age out of foster care. They’ll turn 18 years old and — with no family and limited adult guidance — they’ll be left to their own devices to find transportation, finish school, get a job and find a place to live. This can be a daunting enough task for an 18-year old going off to college with a support system in place, but for foster youth nearing emancipation, it can be overwhelming. And the outcome is usually grim. In Florida, more than 50 percent of aging-out youth will experience homelessness, get […]

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Is the Millennial Generation Getting a Bum Rap?

Jen Reyneri
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If you’re ever tuned into today’s media, you’ve probably heard the slights and digs about “The Millennials.” Let’s just go ahead and admit it; some of it is rather funny. Who are these Millennials? I am sure many of these 13-35 years olds, who make up this largest living generation in the US, would even LOL as well.   So, what’s the bum rap? I’d say it’s the misconception that they don’t care, when in fact, they care deeply. They care about equality, justice, each other, the planet, and leaving their world a better place. If they do care so […]

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A Guide to Summer Camps

Shelly Pond
1 Mar 2017
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When it comes to summer camps, there are a lot of options from which to choose.  Finding the right camp can be a challenge.  Start by considering what you hope your child will get out of camp.  It may be a needed change of venue, opportunity to develop confidence, the chance to explore an interest, develop a skill, serve others or experience spiritual growth. Summer camps have much to offer. Here is a guide to a few local offerings.   First Baptist Church Pompano Summer Camp 138 NE 1st Street Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 (954) 745-6131 fbcpompano.org June 13 – August […]

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