Bic

Faith In Action Project:

Name of Project
Emily’s Outreach

Slogan
“Planting the seed for His glory”

Visionary and Lead Facilitator:
Carlos Valencia

Statement Of Purpose:

To demonstrate the love of GOD to every child attending our yearly outreach and plant a seed in their lives so that GOD can use it for His glory.

To minister to the children, parents and the community where the outreach is held, the love of God and the union of the body of Christ by the unselfish participation of different churches united in one accord.

To share of the wealth and riches with which we are blessed, with those who have less by helping to equip those called to carry out the work of God wherever we are called to do an outreach.

Founding Verses

Matthew 7:9-11 

“If your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

Matthew 18:4

            “Therefore, any one who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little childlike this on my behalf is welcoming me”.

 

Psalm 127:3

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward “

A Seed Is Planted (The Birth Of Emily’s Outreach)

Growing up as a young man in Panama one learns to recognize and appreciate a gift given with no strings attached, especially if that gift includes a good meal.

As a young man, Carlitos was often invited by his aunt to come to church with her. Carlitos had no particular interest in God or religion but a good meal he was not about to pass up. So, on Sundays, Carlitos would gladly accompany his aunt to church with eager expectations of the meal to come.

If you know Carlos the grown man and have seen the look he gets when he is waiting at a buffet line, it is not hard to imagine him as a young boy, eyes glazed over, lips smacking at the ready anticipation of the “Yucca and Lechon” waiting for him.

What Carlitos the boy could not know or anticipate, was the fact that as he waited for his meal, he was being fed spiritually and that the seeds of eternal life were being planted in his heart.

What Carlitos the boy had no way of understanding, was that his aunt’s prayers were watering those seeds and that the diligent work of a woman of God was beginning to take root in him.

Years later standing outside a Chapel in Miami, Carlos the man would share with his friends about his aunt and how her wisdom had impacted his life and his vision to do the same for other children. Years later the realization of how those delicious meals had attracted him and unknowingly introduced him to the Bread of Life began a dream which is now called Emily’s Outreach.

Years later those precious seeds planted in Panama are producing wonderful fruit in Miami only to be taken back to Panama to be replanted again. Such is the economy of our Lord, such is the the amazing faithfulness of our Savior.

The Naming Of Emily’s Outreach

After having read that story you would probably assume that Carlitos aunt’s name is Emily, thus the name “Emily’s Outreach”. That would make sense, but as those of us that know and love Carlitos, logical sense doesn’t always win out. Here in his own words is the reason for the name:

EMILY’S OUTREACH – During the Christmas Season toys were provided to a group of children in Panama. All the children were asked to form a line and they each received a toy. The next day after the outreach, a little girl named Emily came to us to ask if she could get on line to get a doll. We were already out of all the toys but her childlike faith provided her with the best doll ever. A doll was sent to her in the mail in order to not only provide her with her wish but for her to be touched with the Love of Jesus.       
 
 
Emily’s Outreach
What it is

Yearly outreach event held during the Christmas Holidays where gifts, entertainment, food and the Word of God are freely handed out in love and with no expectations of worldly returns.

 

Setting Up Yearly Outreach Event

  1. Host Country decided. (Lead & Co-Lead Facilitator)
  2. Host Church Contacted and relationship established.
  3. Recommendation of “Outreach” made to B.I.C. Board of Directors.
  4. Go ahead given by B.I.C. (BOD)
  5. Contact Host Church and secure participation.
  6. Outreach Team recruited.
  7. Size scope and time of Outreach decided by Outreach Team.(Approved by B.I.C. BOD)
  8. Donations and support secured by Outreach Team and all BIC members willing to participate.
  9. Participating Churches and Organizations recruited.
  10. Travel arrangements secured by Outreach Team.
  11. Living arrangements secured by Outreach Team.
  12. Transportation arrangements secured by Outreach Team.
  13. Container secured by Outreach Team
  14. Constant communication with Host Church to help set-up and arrangements.