Victory Villa Baptist Church provides a birthday party for all the children in the shelter. We have birthday cupcakes, snacks, drinks and candy. We play games and give out prizes and the children really get excited when they know we are coming. Some of the children don't even want us to leave ??????

It was very easy for me to get involved in doing this Ministry because I had helped previously. I think I went to every birthday bash before I took it over. I always wanted to help make it very enjoyable for the children. We welcome and encourage people to get involved with this ministry because it is very rewarding not only for the children, but for us at Victory Villa Baptist Church.

Victory Villa has lots of fun at the birthday bash! We play lots of different games, we take the children outside sometimes to play corn hole. We tell biblical stories to the children and one time we even put on a play. We have had a cookout and everyone enjoyed that, even the parents. VVBC youth group also gets involved with the birthday bash. I would encourage everyone to get involved with this ministry because it is a lot of fun and Mrs. Joyce's cupcakes are the best!

The birthday bash Ministry is very important to me because the children in the shelter don't have a lot. Giving the children a birthday party is something I believe every child should have at least once in their life. It makes me so happy when I see the children eating cupcakes, ice cream, snacks and smiling. I have had several parents come to me and say what a blessing it is that our little church (VVBC) does this for the children. They are so appreciative. They also say there is no way they can do this for their children.

Since I have been involved in the birthday bash Ministry I have met some really special people. Mrs. April who runs and coordinates all the events that go on at the Eastside Family Resource Center. I have also met some really great ladies who were residents at the shelter. Hearing some of the stories from some of the residents at the shelter makes you realize how blessed you really are. One young woman in particular stands out to me because she lost everything and had to move into the shelter with her three children. I met her about 7 years ago. I remember going back to a party a month after I met her and she told me she got an apartment and will be moving out of the shelter. She was so positive and knew God was on her side. She even told me this would be the last time I saw her and it was. She just wanted to do the best she could for her and her three children. I will never forget her ❤

This ministry has definitely helped VVBC and me grow. I would never have thought I would have been taking the time out of my Sunday to spend it with a bunch of little children, but God had bigger and better plans for me. When we first started this birthday bash it was just a few of us going. I would look forward to going and making the children happy. It's made me realize that giving to the community is such a heartwarming experience. You may never know when you are helping someone, but God does and He truly does bless you when you're least expecting it.

The Birthday Bash Ministry has been very good for me in several ways. One of the ways is because I love children and being around them and making them happy. Just having a child hug you and ask when you are coming back is so uplifting and fills your heart with love. Being able to make a child smile and give them the littlest gift is so big to them.

My name is Lorie and you can contact me through Victory Villa Baptist Church.