Every year, the Catalyst Social Action Fund resources churches and charities to provide love and support to disadvantaged peoples in their communities. Applications for the 2020 Fund close on Friday 29th November, so there’s still time to apply for funding for the next cycle (full details here). In this blog, Rosie from KCC Southampton shares about the impact the grant for their ‘Treasure Trove’ project has had over the last year:
We have had a fantastic year so far at King’s Community Church, Southampton. Our Treasure Trove group on Sunday mornings, which supports children with additional needs and disabilities, has seen two new children join us this year, and one child successfully transition up into Youth. Thanks to the Catalyst grant money, we’ve been able to invest in growing the vision of Treasure Trove to provide more personalised support on Sundays, allowing kids to join in with the main kids work as much as possible. We’ve seen all our kids grow in their relationship with God in their own way.
One of my favourite stories has been one Sunday morning when the children were asked to pray for their leaders. One of our kids, who was previously very shy and rarely prayed out-loud, poured her little heart out in prayer for each of the team – so much so that they had to ask her to stop so that they could move on! It’s wonderful to see how God has a plan for each of our kids and we are always so blessed through them.
Treasured+, our after-school club for kids with additional needs, has been running since March and has already reached four families from the community as well as serving several church families. We recently had our Harvest party, which was attended by nine children who had a great time making chocolate-covered apples, decorating pumpkins and playing fun harvest-themed games. We have been able to meet up one to one with many of the families, providing support and a listening ear in some challenging situations. Wonderfully, one non-church family has enjoyed our Tuesday club so much they are now hoping to join us on Sunday mornings.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Catalyst funding we received to fund this amazing ministry. We are so excited to see what God is doing and hope to continue to see fruit for many years to come.
Written by Rosie Swift from KCC Southampton