Blog

We’ve all heard the saying, "The first step is the hardest." But for FBC Ripley and their Beach Club, every "first" has been a powerful, life-changing step toward building bridges of faith and hope for the next generation.

From securing school board approval to gathering a devoted team of 28 volunteers, to witnessing 12 children make life-altering decisions for Christ, FBC Ripley’s Beach Club has been marked by remarkable firsts this year. These milestones not only highlight the church’s commitment but also reveal the heart behind their efforts to reach and disciple young lives in their community.

Gaining Approval, Gaining Trust

The journey began with a significant victory—the approval from the school board to bring Beach Club to local schools. This was no small feat, but the dedication and prayerful perseverance of the team at FBC Ripley paved the way for this crucial step. Gaining approval was more than just a checkbox; it was a testament to the trust the community has in the church’s mission and vision to positively impact the lives of children.

A Team United in Purpose

One of the standout features of FBC Ripley’s Beach Club is the incredible volunteer team. With 28 passionate and committed individuals, the church has formed a strong foundation for its program. Volunteers aren’t just there to help; they’re there to invest, to pour into these children, and to build meaningful relationships that will leave lasting imprints on their hearts. Each volunteer brings their own unique talents, energy, and love for Jesus, creating a dynamic, powerful team that is truly on mission.

A Busload of Dedication: Leadership Luau

Another "first" that stands out was FBC Ripley’s extraordinary participation in the KBC Leadership Luau. In a beautiful show of unity and enthusiasm, they rallied their entire volunteer team, filling a bus with many devoted individuals and traveling together to the event. This act of dedication wasn’t just about transportation—it symbolized the collective heart and passion of their church for the Beach Club mission. The Luau wasn’t just a training session; it was an energizing moment of equipping and inspiring leaders who are deeply committed to reaching kids in their community.

Life-Changing Moments: Children Coming to Faith

However, perhaps the most profound firsts have been the moments when children have come to faith. Since the start of their club, they have had 12 children make Jesus their forever friend!

These powerful, life-changing decisions are the culmination of months of prayer, planning, and hard work. For the children who have decided to follow Christ, this isn’t just a "first"—it’s the beginning of a journey that will transform their lives and families. These moments, where children make the decision to trust Jesus, are the heart of the Beach Club mission, and they’re what make all of the hard work and dedication worth it.

We are proud to announce that our very own founder and CEO, Jack Terrell, has been honored with the prestigious “Unsung Hero” Award by East Texas Baptist University (ETBU)! This recognition celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities while often working quietly behind the scenes.

Jack’s journey began at ETBU, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991. His commitment to children's ministry has been evident throughout his career, as he served in various churches with a passion for nurturing young lives. In 2003, feeling a strong calling to extend his impact beyond traditional church settings, Jack launched Beach Club^®, a program designed to instill Biblical character in preteens and connect them with local churches.

In 2006, Jack founded KiDs Beach Club^®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children with a “Jesus experience.” Since its inception, KBC has reached over 125,000 children, equipped more than 27,000 adult volunteers, and celebrated over 10,080 professions of faith. Jack’s vision and leadership have transformed countless lives and strengthened communities across the country.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jack’s resilience was truly remarkable. In 2020, KBC adapted by launching KBC-Television^®, producing engaging content that has reached families around the globe and earned numerous awards for its quality and impact.

Receiving the “Unsung Hero” Award is a well-deserved recognition of Jack’s dedication and the profound impact he has made through KiDs Beach Club^®. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful for his unwavering commitment to serving children and families. Congratulations, Jack! Your journey inspires us all to serve with humility and purpose.

What an incredible season it has been as we celebrated Great Treasure Day at KiDs Beach Club^®! Each Beach Club^® across the Nation was filled with joy, laughter, and the excitement as the volunteers presented the gift God’s word to their clubbers.

The Excitement of Each Club

Each Beach Club^® celebration brought its unique flavor, but the common thread was the pure joy on the faces of the children as they received their very own KBC Study Bible. The thrill of unwrapping their Bibles and the anticipation of diving into God’s word was palpable.

Club Highlights:

• Molino Park Elementary This club has 104 kids registered! If students received a Bible in the past, they were given a "pocket" Gideon New Testament to either keep or share.
• Rhodes Elementary: This club embraced Great Treasure Day by eating treasure chest cupcakes and running through a high-five line, making the experience even more memorable.
• Kemp Intermediate: 34 kids received new Beach Club^® Bibles and they enjoyed celebrating their new treasures!

From heartfelt prayers to fun group activities, Great Treasure Day was a beautiful reminder of our mission to give every preteen a Jesus experience. The impact of Great Treasure Day goes far beyond the moment of receiving a Bible. It’s about the conversations that follow, the stories that unfold, and the hearts that are transformed. With every Bible handed out, we are equipping children with a treasure that can guide them not just today, but for a lifetime.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

We are immensely grateful for the volunteers, churches and schools, who make these events possible. Your support and enthusiasm are what drive our mission at KiDs Beach Club^®.

As we look forward to the future, we invite everyone to continue celebrating the treasure of God’s word with us. Whether you attended a Great Treasure Day or are just learning about our mission, your involvement makes a difference in the lives of these children.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep celebrating the incredible treasure that is God’s word!

In the wake of the recent hurricanes, many of our KiDs Beach Club^® locations in Florida are facing significant challenges. As we reflect on the impact these storms have had, it’s crucial to unite in prayer for our Club Leaders, families, and communities as they navigate recovery. Here are some urgent prayer needs from our leaders in the affected areas.

Seminole Elementary, Pinellas County

“Good news! We have power!” said the Club Leader. “However, many hospitals are still closed, and rescues are ongoing. There’s a gas shortage, and we’re uncertain about what lies ahead. We are grateful for your prayers during this time.”

Eisenhower Elementary, Pinellas County

The Club Leader mentioned, “We stayed at our church during the storm and lost power there. Many in our area are still without power and water. There’s a lot of debris and fallen trees, but we are thankful to be okay. Please pray for those still struggling.”

Bailey Elementary, Hillsborough County

Bailey Elementary is taking the month of October off. The Club Leader expressed concern about how school could resume with so many fallen trees blocking the way. Two teachers lost their homes and vehicles, and some students remain unaccounted for. “Pray for this area as we try to find our way forward.”

Springhead Elementary, Hillsborough County

Pat shared, “We were evacuated and have three inches of water in our house. The water is starting to recede, but the smell is awful. All our furniture is water damaged, and I’m currently staying with my daughter. This hurricane was unprecedented, and our community needs your prayers.”

How You Can Help

These stories remind us of the resilience and strength within our community, but they also highlight the pressing needs that our Club Leaders and families face. Your prayers can make a tremendous difference as they work to recover and rebuild.

Please join us in lifting these Clubs and their leaders in prayer. Pray for safety, provision, and guidance as they navigate the aftermath of the storms. Every prayer counts, and together, we can support those who are struggling during this challenging time.

Let’s rally around our KiDs Beach Club^® family and show them they are not alone. Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

In the parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law were grumbling about Jesus associating Himself with sinners and tax collectors. He told them that a shepherd would leave 99 of his sheep to find one that had strayed. In verse 7, He then said:

“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over 99 others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

Last week, we experienced this joy firsthand with a little girl named Caroline (pictured below). She gave her heart to Jesus and made Him her Forever Friend in club. Just like the shepherd who left the 99 for the one, Jesus came for her, and the celebration in heaven was truly incredible!

JUST SINCE AUGUST in Beach Clubs^® around the country, 60 CHILDREN have accepted Jesus as their Forever Friend, certainly causing an explosion of joy in heaven! And that number is going to keep going UP AND UP!

KiDs Beach Club^® needs your ongoing support for our mission to assure we continue bringing child after child into a saving relationship with Jesus. Your gifts are always a blessing, and we truly appreciate any donation regardless of how small or big.

 But your MONTHLY support as a KBC GEM (Give Every Month) helps us better plan financially by providing stability to our budget. Monthly donations are easy and automatic! No having to remember to send a check or go online… just set it up once and you’re done!

KiDs Beach Club^® couldn’t do the work we do without faithful monthly supporters. How can you sign up as a KBC GEM? Simple!

• Click HERE and make sure to select “Recurring Donation”
• Scan the QR code below with your phone and follow the prompts