MIDLAND, Texas — A new nonprofit is giving children the chance to learn about building community, friendship, and importantly, building trust in their faith.
Seek First is a non-denominational organization that started as an idea when the pandemic happened. Now it’s become incredibly successful and its only started this year.
"You see kids memorizing memory verses, playing games, you understand it’s a necessity to be a part of it,” said Seek First Midland Lead teacher Marybeth Harrison.
Seek First is one of the newest non-denominational non-profits in the Basin that started in the middle of the pandemic. That was what sparked the need.
“There was nothing stopping us, we had friends and new friends come see us and we wanna be part of it now more than ever,” said Lead teacher Danielle Runyan.
Last year was a time of uncertainty and fear. That's why Danielle and MaryBeth knew they had a calling to do something.
“Where do we go, who’s providing for us, God is like 'Seek me,'" said Runyan. "Matthew 6:33. We teach the kids that every week, too."
Seek First turned to their faith.
"During COVID, there was a need for kids to be loved on and seen in person. Me and Danielle had this calling to serve kids and love on them like God is calling us to this and He has opened every door to us since," said Harrison.
From lunches to games, worship to small group time, children are building friendships. All the while they're turning to faith, especially during a time when we need it most.
"I love that they get to connect with kids they wouldn’t otherwise know," said Runyan.
As prayers kept pouring in, so were donations. The message is to never underestimate the power of prayer. The only thing you have to do is seek first.
"Every day is a new challenge, God is not surprised by anything and when you put hope in Him, He can make beautiful things out of hard things if you let him," said Runyan.
The program lasts from 8-10 weeks. Their next session is coming up September and will last until November.
Seek First Midland has two campuses at First Baptist and Stonegate. They also have an Odessa chapter. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can click or tap here.