Mayfield, KY (K4K) – December 10 and 11, 2021 was an overnight period some will never forget. Tornados ripped through at least five states in the southern United States and Ohio Valley, causing billions of dollars in damage. More than 70 people died and many families were left homeless for Christmas. One of the most devastated areas was Mayfield, Kentucky.
Melanie Cummings, a new Keys for Kids subscriber, saw the devastation around her and took action. In partnership with her church, Blessed Hope Baptist Church of Mayfield, Kentucky, she began to collect donations for Blessing Bags to gift kids, teens, and families. We sent them 500 Keys for Kids devotionals, several hundred Unlocked devotionals for teens, and new Special Edition Christmas devotionals for both age groups.
Melanie said they held a donation day at their church, “and had a steady stream of people for five hours.” They gave away food, drinks, toiletries, towels, heaters, totes, air mattresses, and more. “We also gave everyone a Bible and Keys for Kids (as well as Unlocked) and everyone was very receptive and thankful.”
She added, “Even through this disaster, the Lord has opened doors and allowed us opportunities to witness like never before. Also, people are more receptive and open to hearing the Word and really need prayers for their emotional and spiritual needs.”
Blessed Hope didn’t limit themselves to in-person connections. Melanie said, “I also mailed a Bible and Keys for Kids to several families. This will be a continual process for a while.”
One family said, “[We] received the Bible and kids books. We are enjoying reading the stories every night.” Another family posted on their Facebook page, “We got [a devotional] in some stuff from y’all. It was perfect for my girls. Thank you so much.”
Melanie said, “One tornado victim [who] came in for supplies wanted to help give back, so they helped by putting together more of the bags with Keys for Kids, Unlocked, and a Bible.”
Each Keys for Kids and Unlocked devotional has a plan of salvation written inside. Melanie says, “[The gospel] is in the hands of so many people [who] need it…all of this has really blessed my heart so much!”
Your financial gifts to our disaster assistance fund make it possible for Keys for Kids Ministries to donate devotionals and other resources to help families struck by tragedy. Thank you for helping the community of Mayfield, Kentucky with your gift.
Blessed Hope Baptist Church is planning another distribution the weekend of February 26, 2022. Keys for Kids has sent another 500 Keys for Kids and 150 Unlocked devotionals to ignite a passion for Christ in kids, teens, and families. If you would like to make a donation to our disaster assistance fund to help offset the cost go to keysforkids.org/donate and type “disaster assistance” in the comment line.