Family & Children’s Ministry

PALM SUNDAY – All Because of Jesus

Sunday | April 2 | Both Services | Sanctuary

WED@GRACE

GraceKids on Wednesday nights is growing, and we are excited to have our very own Preschool Director, Becca Mailand, helping out! The kids begin every Wednesday at Jacob’s Well in the Chapel for family worship, followed by a Bible lesson, craft, and game. Well, full disclosure here: also Hot Cheetos and Takis. Oh, and sometimes Mt. Dew. Sorry (kinda), parents.

LET’S PLAY BALL

Families, mark your calendars for July 1st and join GOC for a Pippens’ baseball game! One ticket gets you into the game, a hot dog, and soda! AND there will be fireworks right after the game.

K2 (Kindergarten – 2nd grade)

Our K2 class continues to grow, almost weekly, and we are having so much fun! The kids are loving being in a new classroom with more one-on-one time with our fabulous teachers.

Seekers (1st – 5th grade)

Our Seekers class enjoys listening to teachers Joseph and Madie share the 10 Commandments. Teacher Joseph is very animated, and the kids are captivated by his energetic and commanding presence. The boys are loving having another man in the class!

HEALING TRAUMA & BETRAYAL CONFERENCE

WHEN: March 18th, 2023, from 9am to 4:30pm

Lunch provided

WHERE: Grace of Christ Gym (9 S 8th Ave, Yakima, WA)

$65: Until March 1st, $75: March 2 – 14

REGISTRATION: YakimaGrace.com/conf

Registration includes training, lunch, and the book

“Trauma, Sexual Exploitation, and Addictive Self-Harm”

BRING: Notebook & Pen

RECOMMENDED: No children under age 18

“Find your mission, find

Grace of Christ is a mission focused church, sharing DROPS OF GRACE locally, nationally and internationally having a global reach. Loving in the name and power of Christ, Grace of Christ truly has a world-wide impact, changing lives for His Kingdom. The Mission Ministry Team (MMT) maintains interaction with and oversees distribution of funds to more than twenty mission partners and organizations.

PROJECT MERCY – A Rich History with Grace It All Began with a Meal

Grace of Christ holds deep roots and a faith-centered relationship with Project Mercy, beginning this connection at a “chance” encounter at an early 90’s President’s Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC. Believing that this introduction was a divine appointment and a calling to join into the ministry of Project Mercy, hearts were knit together and miracles began. The Yakima connections multiplied and continue to grow today.

A Look at the Past and Future

Project Mercy is a Christian, non-profit organization located in rural Yetebon, Ethiopia. Founded in 1977 by Ethiopian refugees Marta Gabre-Tsadick and Demeke Tekle-Wold (Deme), the married couple originally focused upon offering aid and relief to displaced refugees in Africa. The second and current phase began in 1993 when communism fell in Ethiopia and Project Mercy grew with the vision to “renew the heart of a nation by rooting out spiritual and systemic poverty at the roots.” Currently, this ministry has expanded and targets education, healthcare, food security, adult skills and infrastructure. It was Deme whom Grace of Christ church goers Jake and Carla Kupp and Frank and Suzanne met at that fateful President’s Breakfast. According to Jake Kupp, the Northwest group (those participants who resided in the Northwest part of the country) was having a meal, when Frank noticed Deme standing by himself facing a wall – making no eye contact with others. This was when Frank walked up to him and invited Deme to sit at their table. It turned out that Deme was praying to the Lord about where He wanted him to sit and wanted to be directed only by the Lord, thus the “no eye contact.” This meeting was key to what would follow. Over the years, the Grace of Christ bond has cemented and much has been accomplished by Project Mercy. Here’s a snippet of a few examples: a school whereby children are educated and have nutritional needs met is thriving; a water project that distributes safe/clean water (Yakima Downtown Rotary) has been developed; a state-of-the-art hospital (designed by Yakima architect Rod Knipper) has become a reality and serves thousands yearly; and life-changing mission trips to Yetebon by Grace of Christ congregants. Moreover, the hearts of Grace of Christ members continue to offer prayer and financial support.

Now into their golden years, Marta and Deme – who have returned to their beloved Ethiopia – remain on the board of Project Mercy serving the Lord. And once again, ties to Yakima and Grace of Christ are evident as presently there are two Yakima residents who are a part of the Project Mercy Board and one Yakima resident who is on the Development Committee. Miraculously, the Lord protected Marta and Deme’s entire family – who were marked for death – as they fled Ethiopia in 1974 when the communists overthrew the government, executing Emperor Hailie Selassie and massacring most government officials. And remarkably, son Bete Demeke is following in his parent’s footsteps. After much education and a successful international business career, Bete Demeke has taken on the role as President of Project Mercy. Bete attended Taylor University and then he went on to earn his masters in management from Northwestern’s Kellogg Business School. He was employed at IBM for over 30 years, finishing his career with the company as Vice President of International sales and was based in China. He managed over 5,000 employees in 140 countries. Bete has also joined the ranks of becoming a highly sought after speaker for the Downtown Yakima Rotary club, just as his parents did before him.

Most Recently

Once again following the path that his parents forged, on Thursday, February 23rd, Bete Demeke, President and ViceChairman of the Board of Project Mercy traveled from rural Yetebon, Ethiopia to share an update on Project Mercy with the Downtown Yakima Rotary. Crossing oceans and time zones, Demeke brought a message of a hope and future for the people of Ethiopia and gave a first-hand account of the miracles that are still ongoing in Ethiopia.