Clown wigs, balloons, snow cone machine, stickers, crayons, Bibles—anyone would want to follow this trailer full of fun, right?

This summer a team of five South Carolina college students have traveled the state’s roads with their fully loaded trailer hosting Bible clubs and block parties for new Baptist church plants and churches who have, over the past few years, plateaued in their growth.

The Kids Connexion team assembled earlier this summer from local Baptist Collegiate Ministry groups and have worked everywhere from the Piedmont to historic Charleston, with the sole mission to assist and energize churches in the state.  Among other teams of her peers on mission abroad, Lauren Davis is excited to spread the Gospel here at home.

“We do VBS, block parties with a snow cone machine and inflatable basketball courts.  We prayerwalk and canvas neighborhoods.  In several places we do a block party during the day and VBS that night,” explained Davis, team member from Anderson College.

Crowds have ranged anywhere from 4 children to large groups of 200, depending on the activity and the area.  The team gave out hundreds of Bibles in the first few weeks, a supply that was to last all summer.

The team’s first week took them to a Catawba Indian reservation where certain neighborhoods had been traditionally closed to outsiders.  The reception was positive among the mostly Mormon tribe.

“One lady opened her backyard for us and we conducted the VBS there,” said Davis.

Keith Mincey, Mission Ministry Coordinator for the Piedmont Association has experienced the impact of the traveling team first hand.  Mincey had tried for some time to begin a ministry to a particular apartment complex, but had been met with much resistance.  After showing the apartment management what the team could offer, they agreed to house a block party.

“Afterwards, she told me that anytime we wanted to come back, we could.  This team really opened a door for ministry we never expected.” said Mincey.

“Our pastors were like ‘Wow!  This is absolutely wonderful!’” continued Mincey.  “They were trained, had the equipment, experience…you knew they were going to do it well.”

This summer 80 children accepted Christ through the work of the team.

As the summer winds down there is no doubt the impact a simple smile, song or snow cone has had in the lives of children and adults all across the state.  It is a ministry that is as wide and varied as the cities they visited, but one that suits Davis and the team well. 

“This week we have been giving out snow cones in front of WalMart and just telling people how much Jesus loves them.”