Missions Grants Spotlight | Bel-Aire

One facet of our Outreach ministry is Missions Grants—a funding program that invites our members to apply for yearly grants of $1,000-2,500 to support specific projects or programs of their personal ministry.

As applications for Missions Grants open soon, we’d love to introduce one of our current recipients. Meet Pelham member Jane Sowles! This year, Jane has received a Missions Grant on behalf of Bel-Aire, a non-profit organization that provides after school programming, leadership development, and summer camps for K5–12th grade in Greenville. Bel-Aire relies on volunteers to assist with tutoring, mentoring, and running their daily programs. Jane began volunteering in 2020, and she helps with serving meals, tutoring, and mentoring. She shared with us what God has been teaching her through her time serving at Bel-Aire:

We all live in a cultural bubble, and we are surrounded by people in that same bubble. It forms our perspectives and opinions. If we allow God to tear that bubble down, we make room for gratitude, compassion, questions, and new understanding. The possibilities are endless, but it's not easy.

A lot of what I do is listening and being vulnerable. Compared to what kids are dealing with now, my life in elementary school was totally different. When my mentee asks me questions, I often have to pray for guidance and be honest that I don’t have the answer. I leave Bel Aire some days thinking, “the needs are so great!" But again, that's where God shines. In our weakness, he is strong!

We are thankful to Jane for sharing how God is working in and through her. Bel-Aire was able to use the grant to take the kids on special outings this summer during summer camp. If you are interested in learning more about Bel-Aire, they are always welcoming volunteers, and you can check out their website here. If you are a member and part of a non-profit or ministry that would benefit from a Missions Grant, applications are opening on September 19! Click below to visit the webpage where you can learn more and apply.