Monday evening was a time of celebration at Bear Creek Baptist fellowship hall.

The guests of honor were Ted and Doreen James. The group was welcomed by Rev. Charles Buckner. Lee MacCaull also welcomed everyone and shared a tribute of appreciation for Ted and Doreen.

The couple has been serving as the coordinators of the FROG (Fully Relying On God) tutoring program for the past five years.  The program has primarily served students from the William R. Davie school district; however, students from other schools have attended.

Doreen sensed God leading her toward a community ministry a few years before the program started. She asked some friends to pray for direction and the direction came. She started a tutoring program for children that embraced families to share a warm home-cooked meal, a Bible lesson and tutoring for students first grade and above.

Ted and Doreen, members at Calvary West, wanted to find a location in their home community. Doreen prayed for that location and Bear Creek stepped up to offer a home to her plans. The church family at Bear Creek embraced the FROG tutoring ministry. The fellowship hall and educational building provided the right location needed within the community.

Kathleen Goodman was the first parent to respond to the opportunity for her daughter, Katie. Katie’s little sister, Cookie, a kindergarten student at the time, wanted to have a tutor as well. The first FROG rule was broken and a tutor was found for a kindergarten little girl who attended the past five years faithfully.

The FROG program served at least 100 children, with many students returning year after year.

Each Monday evening began with children going to their respective Bible study classes. Next they met in the fellowship hall for a home-cooked meal, followed by  tutoring.

Many volunteers teamed with Ted and Doreen to provide specific skill instruction and homework help for the children that have attended FROG the past five years.

A covered-dish meal was shared, followed by others sharing what the program had meant to them. The students served the past five years by this program have shown progress. Some went from failing grades to making the honor roll.

“Each child was loved and cared for in a special way through this program,” said Luwonna Oakes. “The community appreciates Ted and Doreen, Bear Creek Baptist Church family and all the host of volunteers that helped with the FROG ministry the past five years.”