Melanie and I traveled to Little Rock, AR to participate at the Fall Bash hosted by Canaan Missionary Baptist Church (MBC). In the parking lot, volunteers set up carnival games that allowed participants to gain tickets to redeem prizes. Warm, savory hot dogs along with icy, sweet snow cones satisfied children’s appetites. During the week, the church promoted the church fall festival at the local elementary.
On this beautiful sunny day, community youth along with their adult relatives enjoyed playing games, climbing into a fire truck and jumping in a bounce house. When taking a break from my Pong station, I was able to have conversations with festival attendees. I noticed a young man with cornrows and a little girl holding his hand. Approaching the pair, I asked the father if he was enjoying the bash and proceeded to ask an evangelistic question. Trevor shared he knew God and that He was the light of his life. Being a single dad working two jobs, he knew it was only God that he was able to manage. “Trevor, who is your village? Who helps you with your daughter when you need a break?” He only mentioned his mother. I asked if he belonged to a church.
As Trevor’s daughter held her father’s hand, I imagined another little girl holding onto her mother’s hand. Canaan MBC was the church community that received Melanie when she was in elementary school being raised by a single mother. Canaan MBC would become her village nurturing her spiritual growth through high school and hosting our wedding celebration after college. Trevor asked if I attended the church, I shared I lived in Houston but connected him with other Canaan members.
There are many single parents like Trevor living in underserved communities. At Batho Pele Resource Center, we recognize the vital role churches play in these communities, offering spiritual guidance, social support, and a sense of belonging. I am grateful to be able to serve the church in Houston’s underserved communities.
Sincerely,
Leon Best
Best Times 