Many of you are familiar with the ministry of AGAPE OF NC. Our church family has financially supported this ministry for years.  This Sunday, Ken Chaffin, a preacher and Agape Board member, will speak during our morning assembly.  Here is a little info on this important and worthwhile ministry, taken from their web site, http://www.agapeofnc.org/

AGAPE was incorporated in 1982 by the North Carolina area Churches of Christ as a Christian social service agency to provide help to children and families in need.  The Agency’s offices were first housed in Greensboro and remained there until October of 2013 when they were relocated to Raleigh.  AGAPE is governed by a Board of Directors made up of members from area Churches of Christ.

Currently, AGAPE provides foster care, adoptions and counseling services. As a licensed child placing agency, AGAPE’s programs comply with state rules and laws regulating services.  However, the agency aspires to exceed just meeting minimum standards by striving for excellence in all areas of service.  Here is their mission statement:

AGAPE of NC exists to provide professional social services as a compassionate Christian outreach to children and families in need in order to strengthen families.

The expectations of their staff and others who work with Agape of NC reflect the values and principles by which we all should live.  Here are a few of those:

• We will work conscientiously, knowing our jobs are an extension of the church in ministry to children and families.
• We will accept the responsibility entrusted to us by our generous supporters to use their funds efficiently in all we do.
• We will be compassionate and considerate to each other and treat all people with dignity, respect and honor.
• We will endeavor to keep our office a loving and positive environment where we encourage and uplift each other.
• Our behavior and attitudes will be tempered with patience, understanding and tolerance as we deal with others on a daily basis.
• We will treat all clients, especially the children in our care, with proper respect and professional care, agreeing not to harm or mistreat a child in any way.  This includes physical and sexual abuse and the neglect of a child.”

South Fork not only has a stake in the financial support of Agape, we also have members who are directly involved.  Our Grace Hepler is a social worker and is a part of their staff, and Brad Dyer is one of their Board members.  What a blessing to be partners with such an important ministry!

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”  (Matt. 25:40)