Neighborhood KidZ Club

In 2006, a couple of ladies from a local church began praying and asking God to provide a ministry to children and families living in the Western Pines Mobile Home Community in Katy, Texas. Simultaneously, families from various churches were doing community service projects for the same neighborhood. After two years of prayer and community service outreach, children were invited to a vacation Bible school near the neighborhood playground. The potential of an ongoing ministry was realized, and Neighborhood Kidz Club began in 2009 as a backyard Bible club. Each week a host of volunteers came and played games, rehearsed Bible verses, taught Bible lessons, and sang songs with 50 – 75 children. Four teaching teams were developed to instruct children at their grade level. Each week four large tarps were laid out next to the play ground, and as the children got off the school bus they came and listened as the love of Christ was shared with them. Most of the children were not attending church, and expressed excitement for the weekly Bible club event. They were like little sponges as they listened to the Bible stories.

In 2010, the ministry expanded to include after school tutoring. Many of the parents in the community are not fluent in English, making it extremely difficult to help their children with homework. A mobile home was purchased and placed next to the playground and bus stop, providing the perfect place for kids getting off the bus whether they come for tutoring or Bible club.

In the spring of 2010, we opened the Kidz Club Learning Center. Free tutoring and homework assistance is offered to children three days a week during the school year. There is space available for 30 students and the Learning Center operates at full capacity most of the year. Many students line up outside waiting for 30 minutes to be sure they will get in for homework help. God has blessed us with devoted volunteers including active and retired school teachers, local business men and women, and high school students who want to serve and help these “at risk” children.

Having a full time presence in the community has given us the ability to keep the children actively involved year round. During the summer months we provide activities such as VBS, fishing trips, block parties, day camps, age specific Bible clubs, and specialized tutoring for academically challenged and advanced children. During the past three years we have seen God change lives in the community. Parents share with us how Kidz Club has made a huge difference in the life of their child and the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Through our various outreaches we have been able to minister to approximately 400 people in Western Pines and nearby communities.