Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
June 2020
Dear BCM Family,
During these unprecedented times, Bayshore Christian Ministries is grateful for the professionals working on the front lines to provide essential services to our community. Like so many youth-serving organizations, BCM had to quickly adapt to our shelter in place reality by modifying programs to connect with our youth “virtually.” Our team will continue to finish the school year interacting with East of Bayshore youth remotely, even as we gear up for in-person summer programs that will be critical to the children of East Palo Alto’s essential workers. As the health orders continue to evolve, BCM is permitted to reopen its building with the proper safety protocols. For example, we must create classrooms with appropriate social distancing, establish stable, small groups of staff and children, and follow additional procedures to ensure a safe learning environment.
As I begin my transition away from BCM leadership, the essential nature of our work is clear. We receive daily confirmations from our teens and parents about how much they appreciate the love and support we share with each of them. This is especially helpful given the rising anxiety and stress levels of our students and their families. The academic learning loss during this time of distance learning is expected to be quite high for many of our elementary students. Thus, our mission remains to equip East of Bayshore youth not just academically and in life skills and leadership development, but more importantly, to help them discover and accept the love of Jesus. We desire to shine the light of Jesus into these dark times.
BCM’s summer plan is to offer as robust a program as safety allows: five weeks of daily academic enrichment for both elementary and middle school students. Our faith-based programs will continue to function remotely, building relationships through our Bible Clubs and middle and high school fellowships. We plan to modify our Vacation Bible School program to offer both outdoor, small groups and virtual programming. I love that our work is wholistic!
Will you support BCM as we continue to reach students in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven? Enclosed you will find a Summer Giving Guide, which explains ways you can be part of BCM's summer ministry. We welcome your support through prayer, volunteer efforts or financial support. Thanks to the Jeremy Lin Foundation, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar and its impact doubled for the first $10,000 raised. To discover your donation options, please visit www.bayshore.org/donate.
I am looking forward to seeing how God will grow our students this summer!
With gratitude,
Rolando Zeledon
Executive Director
