South Carolina Baptists have been steadily increasing their involvement in local schools.

From April 2023 to April 2024, Heart4Schools and SCBaptists have experienced significant growth in both school partnerships and church participation. In April 2023, SCBaptists were partnered with 503 schools, a number that rose to 590 by April 2024. This increase of 87 schools represents a 17.3% growth over just one year, showing a continuing commitment to support through these partnerships. Similarly, church participation in the program has also seen a notable rise. In April 2023, 415 SCBaptist churches were involved in Heart4Schools, growing to 484 churches by April 2024. 

These partnerships are not just about occasional visits; they involve consistent, meaningful engagement that addresses the needs of schools and creates nurturing environments for both students and staff. At the recent Heart4Schools Spring Celebration, several volunteers came to give testimony to the work taking place in local schools.

Strengthening Schools through Partnership

Shannon Brown from River Rock Community Church detailed how his church, although small, supports four schools in the Fort Mill area. From organizing coffee trucks for teachers to celebrating birthdays with gift bags, the church ensures its presence is felt and beneficial. The volunteers take time to listen and pray for the teachers, aided by the school allowing the church to put prayer request boxes in workrooms. “We’ve been able to pray with teachers who are going through all kinds of hardship,” Brown said.

Deborah Guest from Lakeview Baptist Church in Hartsville highlighted the adaptive nature of their support, tailoring their efforts to meet the expressed needs of school staff. This responsive approach has led to overseeing lunch periods to give teachers a break when they have meetings during their planning periods.

Tommy Clark from Oak Grove Baptist Church shared about organizing a prayer walk through the schools, praying over every room. They also provided a teddy bear for each student in the school at Christmastime. Volunteers made sure to welcome and find ways to care for everyone at the school, from teachers and students to bus drivers and administrative staff. “Nobody at Johnson Elementary is left out by no means,” Clark said.

Meeting Specific Needs

Dena Riley from First Baptist in North Augusta shared about their nine-year partnership with Clearwater Elementary and a tactic to recruit new volunteers. During Sunday School classes, volunteers would present about the ongoing efforts at the elementary school. Aside from recruiting volunteers, this approach allowed the group to showcase the diverse ways the church supports the school. It also led to several joint projects with the U.S. Army, where soldiers participated in crafting teacher encouragement gifts and assembling food bags.

Karin Ellis highlighted the power of persistence in her journey to establish a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program at a local elementary school. Despite initial setbacks and delays, her determination led to a successful dialogue with the school’s principal. This conversation cleared up misconceptions about the FCA, setting the stage for the program’s launch in the fall. “God had it planned out, he was just waiting for me to submit to his timing,” Ellis said.

Lastly, the volunteers heard from Melissa Martin, a bookkeeper at an elementary school in Darlington. On behalf of the principal, she expressed deep gratitude for the support provided by Cornerstone and Spring Branch Baptist Churches. “The love and compassion that they have for us is wonderful,” Martin said. Over two years, these volunteers have significantly enhanced both the educational environment and the personal development of students through various activities, including lunches during Teacher Appreciation Week, Reading Buddies, and contributions of school supplies. “Heart4Schools has been an asset to helping to bridge the gap between community, schools, and family,” Martin said.

The Bigger Picture

Across the state, these stories of engagement share common themes of joy, service, and kindness. South Carolina Baptists are not just participating in education; they are enriching it by creating supportive networks that uplift everyone involved—from the teachers and administrative staff to the students and the church members themselves.

By focusing on both the needs and the strengths of local schools, SCBaptists are demonstrating the profound impact that dedicated groups can have on educational systems and, by extension, on the future of their communities. Although there is much to celebrate, there are still schools without partnerships from a local church. Join fellow SCBaptists in enriching our communities by partnering with local schools through Heart4Schools, where your involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and teachers alike.