The Heart4Schools partnership between Riverbluff Church and Oakbrook Elementary School in North Charleston, SC, began with one church member.

After learning about the need for literacy development in her area, she realized that Reading Buddies was a way to meet tangible needs. “We started here through the obedience of one of our senior adult members who was widowed and didn’t know what to do,” Michell Witman, Director of Children’s Ministry at Riverbluff Church, said. Other members faithfully joined in, meeting weekly to read with students who were identified as needing additional reading help.

The partnership continued to blossom, as Witman and her team continued to ask, “How can we help?” They saw great strides in their efforts as the teachers began to see the Riverbluff volunteers as reliable supporters. “That whole first year was just about building trust with them,” Witman said.

Ministry and Soul Care

Now ten years into their partnership, “it has just been a beautiful work of God,” Witman said. “Somewhere along the way, we went from showing up and doing ministry to doing true soul care.” Riverbluff supports the school in many ways now, from aiding with food insecurity and community food distributions to encouraging teachers through prayer partners and staff meals.

School Counselor Cari Lawson said, “The relationship with Riverbluff has been a game-changer.” In one instance, a family with children at the school had no beds to sleep on. Hearing about the need, Riverbluff quickly provided beds, emphasizing to Lawson that “there isn’t a need that is too big for them.” From Lawson’s perspective, one of the biggest struggles schools face is finding resources. “Riverbluff has given us the opportunity to actually get the resources that we need.”

Witman shared that this ministry has truly become a partnership over the years in ways the church did not expect. “When I began to see children with special needs in our ministry at church, I was not prepared for that, so I called the school,” she said. The school helped them write a grant, set up a room for special needs ministry, and supplied the church with sensory fidget toys. “That let us know that this is a partnership. This is a family,” Witman said.

Addressing Lostness Locally

For Riverbluff, this ministry is just one of many ways they are addressing lostness in their community. Riverbluff consistently reminds the church about an idea they call their “Area of Accountability.” Witman explained, “We have a map at church where we have said we, as a church body, are responsible for the lostness in this area.” Through their tangible service and involvement of volunteers, they are attempting to make an impact in their community with the hope of Christ. Employees of the school regularly come to Riverbluff to share the ways they have been impacted by the partnership. “It’s important for our people to see that what they’re doing makes a difference,” Witman said.

Reginald Ford has been serving with the ministry for years. He admits that at one time, he was unsure if he had anything to offer to the ministry, but the Lord has changed his mind on that. “The only thing God needs you to do is be a willing vessel,” Ford said. “He’ll fill you how he needs you.” Ford serves in many capacities, but the Oakbrook staff looks forward to his cooking. One teacher told him, “When I see you here, I know the food is good.”

What began with one woman’s obedience has grown into a decade-long testimony of God’s faithfulness through relational ministry. Through prayer, consistent presence, and a willingness to serve, Riverbluff is living out the Gospel in their community, showing what is possible when a church commits to loving a school like family.