A little girl's faith

I’ve had the privilege of serving and working in various settings over the years, but Anxious For Nothing stands out as something truly special. Leading here has not only deepened my faith but has also brought me a profound sense of peace.

For the past five years, I’ve had the chance to lead and bring the Back to School Bash to life. This is a project that kicks off months before the event, involving planning volunteers, vendors, and striving to create an even better experience each year. My heart is deeply invested, and that’s because of my love for Jesus and the Bedford Community. Each year, I’ve witnessed and heard God’s story unfold, seeing how people are drawn to Him through the event.

Many might think it’s just about providing backpacks for the kids, but for me, it’s so much more. It’s about intentionally praying over each of those book bags. It’s about seeing the joy on a child’s face when they finally find the shoes they’ve been dreaming of and finding the perfect size. It’s about people getting their first haircut and returning each year to get a fresh one for the start of school. That’s how God works, showing His love and care for His people.

This year was particularly unique. We received enough donations to provide ALL 400 backpacks, a clear sign from God that we needed to prepare for 400 this year. So we made that happen by introducing a new initiative where my Facebook page linked an Amazon wish list. After the initial post, countless donations from people all over, eager to help meet our need for the supplies for those 400 book bags. Again, it was God using people to help us achieve our goals and orchestrating a beautiful opportunity for Bedford.

Our event had to be changed hours before it was scheduled to begin, and A person who had never attended before came to the event and expressed that they had no idea what to expect. However, they shared a heartfelt story with me.

While they were there, Karla began to speak. The man chuckled at her standing on the cooler to preach from. But as he listened to Karla, he was mesmerized by a family, particularly a little girl who was standing with her dad, listening respectfully to the message. He could tell that the little girl was deeply engaged in what Karla was talking about.

When the time came for the invitation, the dad shuffled, and not wanting to take part, but the little girl discreetly raised her hand, wanting to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He could tell that she had been moved by the Holy Spirit while he was watching her, it was evident. As he shared this story, he got goosebumps because he felt the Holy Spirit in that moment, just like he did speaking about it again. He was touched by the moment and wanted to capture it for a lifetime by taking a picture, but sadly didn’t.

If our event had been just for that moment, it would have been all worth it because of the little girl’s silent declaration of faith. The man said it was a beautiful moment to watch and stated he has shared it with many people because it had meant so much to him.

This is precisely why I serve, why I prayed, and as I read and re-read AFNs verse form our ministry for months while preparing and even the day of the event coming back to this verse, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”- Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬. I prayed that those who attended the Back to School event to know Jesus and leave with HOPE. I also prayed for the event to be successful, but not only that, for HIS name to shine above all the rest. I know there were many more moments I didn’t get to experience, but just knowing that I get to contribute to Jesus’ kingdom and support His mission fills me with joy and excitement like no other, and this is the reason why I serve.

I strongly encourage you, if you don’t have a place to serve and see moments as

I shared, to get involved with your community somehow. There are many needs all around, and it was clear from the event that the Bedford Community wants to come together and have people involved.

Rachel Jones- Volunteer Coordinator