Friday, October 5, 2007

Our Beginnings

The Outreach had its beginnings in 1970 following a lay renewal at First Presbyterian Church. A Bible Study Group rented a small house in the east Florence area where Sunday afternoon meetings were held. Gradually, neighborhood children, primarily black, started to come and soon became regular in attendance. The number of participants became so large that we began meeting at First Presbyterian Church, then at Trinity Presbyterian Church for a short time. In May 1987 we moved into our present building at 320 National Cemetery Road.
The building consist of a large multi-purpose room with a concrete floor. It is used for basketball and other games as well as for meetings and eating. There are 6 classrooms, a kitchen, office, library, and bathrooms. Outside is a large playing field and playground equipment.

Our Ministries

People of all ages participate in the various programs but the ministry mainly reaches young people, largely black. We believe the only way to help them is to present the Gospel message, pray that they will have a life changing experience with Jesus Christ, meet physical needs when necessary and possible, build trust relationships through real love and concern, counsel them according to Biblical principles and offer them strong educational opportunities.
We are open to the ideas and help in expanding our program and utilizing the building. We are dependant on many people who volunteer their time to help us in many different ways. Most of all we would ask you to pray with us so that we would have wisdom and strength, that we would be able to study the Word and share it effectively, and that the Holy Spirit would direct us daily.

The Center Day School

In 1995, a dream was fulfilled when a small tuition free Christian school was opened, serving 4k-4th grade presently. This is an outreach to children who cannot afford private school but who would benefit from smaller classes, individual attention, sound basic courses and Christian principles and values. Parents are asked to pay a small amount, including registration and book fees. The atmosphere is very warm and loving.
Our curriculum is strong (primarily Open Court and A Beka) and geared to children who are eager to study. Bible is taught in the classrooms. On Friday Mrs. Ivory has a special devotion time.
We are members of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools and the American Association of Christian Schools.

East Florence Mission

During the school year we have meetings during the week. Tuesdays at 5pm we offer activites and supper, followed by Bible Study at the Center.
Summer camp runs for 6 weeks from the middle of June. About 75-80 young people of all ages attend. Again, there is Bible Study, plus swimming, remedial work and various activites.
We are involved in home visitations, counseling, special out of town trips, overnights at the YMCA, bowling, camping, aid to college students, response to youth with problems, and Bible Studies.