A Church on Mission: 106 Birthday Boxes and a Heart for Reunification

When Pastor Travis and Becca Smith moved to Arkansas, they began looking into foster care and discovered ABCFM’s Connected Families ministry. They opened their home as a foster family and soon toured ABCFM’s Central Office to learn more.

What began as curiosity turned into conviction.

After a two-hour visit full of conversation and prayer, Travis brought his church leadership for a tour as they prayerfully considered mission partners. From that visit, a beautiful partnership was born.

Fellowship Baptist Church in Cabot chose to support ABCFM for their Vacation Bible School mission project, raising funds to pack Birthday Party Boxes for biological families working toward reunification.

By the end of VBS week in June 2025, the kids had raised enough to pack 105 boxes.

And then, came box 106.

While checking out, a store clerk heard about the project and quietly gave a donation—sharing that she had grown up in foster care.

On Friday, July 4th, over 40 church members of all ages gathered to pack the boxes, praying over each one. They ended with a group prayer, lifting up biological families and children in care. Children and adults alike offered heartfelt words.

Afterward, the church enjoyed a fireworks show—celebrating both independence and the joy of serving others.

Then, on Sunday evening, July 6th, the church delivered the boxes to ABCFM’s Central Office. As they toured again, their joy and generosity filled the halls.

Seeing multiple generations serve together, partner in prayer, and say yes to families walking hard roads was a powerful reminder of the Church at work.

#connectedfamilies #faithbasedfostercare #Christianservice #Arkansasfostercare #familyreunification #Christcenteredfamilyservices #faithbasedmission #VBS2025 #servingfamilies