The past few weeks during read aloud, we have been listening to the book, Bud, Not Buddy, written by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is a story of a foster boy during 1936, and his experiences in Flint and Grand Rapids, MI.

The impact this story has had on these learners is evident. Their prayers are becoming more outward: “God, please be with foster and refugee kids. Bring people in their lives that love you and love them. Help us to show them your love.”

Seeing how this story was invoking a desire to pray for these children, a beautiful partnership started with a local organization. This week, we contacted an organization and asked if there was anyway we could somehow bless the lives of foster and refugee children. The person immediately responded, “We just recently got out of a meeting talking about a need we have – BIRTHDAY CARDS!”

Today, for the first time, the Bethel Bloodhounds created Happy Birthday cards filled with Bible verses and celebratory statements, and they can’t wait to do this weekly. We pray over each card to bless and comfort the child receiving it.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7 (NIV)