A wall of bright colored 5-gallon buckets greeted messengers at last year’s IBSA Annual Meeting. When asked to collect specific items to benefit four ministries dear to Illinois Baptists, messengers and churches responded in force.
“Last year was amazing. The gifts that were brought and distributed to partners filled a critical need for their ministries,” IBSA Missions Director Shannon Ford said. “When we talked about doing it again this year, the decision was easy. Every one of last year’s recipients were eager to take part in 2023.”
This year, the Baptist bucket brigade will have an additional option, Immigrant Care Packets. Over 1,000 immigrants to Illinois are being housed in temporary situations, most with few resources. These bright blue buckets filled with requested goods will assist local Chicago churches in meeting this need.
The recipients are
- Angels Cove Residential Maternity Home
- Baptist Children’s Home Pantry
- Christian Activity Center
- Pathways Counseling
- Grace Haven Pregnancy Resource Clinic
- Immigrant Care Packets
Churches can find all the details needed to request and pack a bucket at IBSA.org/buckets-of-blessing.