Haircuts and Service Projects Help Families Prepare for Back-to-School
Written By: Brooke Mannion
Pictured above: Twenty-five children received free haircuts during a community service event at Lake Mystic Baptist Church, helping families prepare for back-to-school.
Lake Mystic Baptist Church is committed to helping the children and families in its community thrive. As a back-to-school ministry, the church provided haircuts for students, meeting practical needs as families prepared for the first day of school.
Five local hairstylists volunteered to participate in the event, giving 25 children fresh haircuts for the new school year. Lake Mystic Baptist Church provided compensation for each hairstylist’s time, making the event free for families. Guests were welcomed with smiling faces, engaged in meaningful conversations and offered snacks and drinks while they waited.
“Serving W. R. Tolar School is not new for our church, but this year, we sought ways to bless the school and its families in a practical, personal, and relational way,” said Cody Watson, pastor, Lake Mystic Baptist Church. “By combining multiple service projects, we hope to demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways while creating opportunities to connect with families.”
The other service projects include repairing the school’s disability-accessible playground equipment and restocking the personal care closet with hygiene items and other basic necessities.
Financial strains and the closing of the only grocery store have created challenges for many homes in the rural community. Meeting practical needs, as families face additional costs associated with sending their children back to school, shows the love of Christ through the church in a very tangible way.
“We wanted to remove at least one burden from families’ shoulders. Providing haircuts, helping meet hygiene needs, and improving the school’s accessible playground are ways we can love our neighbors and serve those who may be struggling,” added Watson.
As families experience the heartfelt service and care, relationships can be built, leading to gospel conversations, the opportunity for future church attendance and life change through faith in Christ.
