Brownwood News – Coggin Avenue Baptist Church led Vacation Bible School for 50 youth at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex during the last week of July. This is the fourth year for them to sponsor this particular event. Eighteen volunteers attended to assist with all the activities. Many were members of Coggin, while some were volunteers from various other churches in the area.

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Lynn Humeniuk, wife of the former Ron Jackson Superintendent Dan Humeniuk, expressed her excitement. “Not many people volunteer to work with incarcerated youth. This VBS was a tremendous blessing as it was clear the students were open to hear the gospel message. They were engaged, inquisitive and it was inspiring to be able to spend time with them at the Ron Jackson facility!”

The students arrived at 8 a.m. for a time of worship and fun. Ricky Cavitt, Coggin Church’s youth pastor, introduced the volunteers and kicked off the day’s activities with a few games and a word of encouragement in the chapel. The three groups of youth rotated between a craft session where they decorated a 12-inch cross and made a greeting card to send home to their families or to their case managers. They also participated in Bible study focused on a different topic each day, played games in the gym with their coaching staff, and worshipped with special music and guest speakers.

This was the first year that retired public school principal Bryan Allen was the VBS coordinator. He was thrilled with the outcome. “VBS was such a blessing this year.  I can’t say enough about the effort and cooperation between and among Ron Jackson’s staff, Coggin’s volunteers, and others who helped.  I was so impressed also with the students who participated.”

Then 50 youth were attentive, respectful, participativee and responsive the entire time, Allen said.

Bettie Evans, Coggin’s resident “craft lady,” said her experience was completely positive. “It is such a blessing to go into a detention facility and have the kids be so appreciative of what little you do.”

“We are always so blessed to have Coggin come in and make Vacation Bible School run so smoothly. They basically have it down to a science,” said Chaplain Rachel Ellington, expressing gratitude for the volunteers who faithfully came each day. “All of them have such a heart for our kids and the kids are always so engaged because they see it. Chaplain Madlock and I are thankful for volunteers who willingly give their time to partner with us in our ministry at Ron Jackson.”

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