July 28, 2023
What an Amazing Summer for K-4th Grade!
K-4th grade Summer Programming consisted of lots of fun, laughter, and memories.
This was Calvin Kellum's first time coordinating the Abundant Life VBS program. During programming this summer, he was able to connect with the kids he knew already from John Tutoring and new kids that joined during the summer.
Each week they would travel to a different church around Charlottesville to learn about the love of God. Before leaving for the church, Calvin would ask the children if any of them would like to pray for the upcoming day they were about to experience. At first the children were very hesitant to pray in front of all of their peers, but there was always one student whose hand would jump up immediately his name was KJ. KJ loved to pray for safe travels, for fun, and for family and friends. He was what the group needed to give all the students confidence to participate and by the end of the, summer we had every single student raising their hand to pray each and every day.
Following the daily VBS sessions, the group ate a lunch together and then moved on to afternoon activities. They worked on reading and writing at the Abundant Life house with Calvin and Ms. Faith. They would read 2 books each day and wrote 3 sentences about a prompt that was given to them. After their work was done they would have lots of fun playing outside as well as painting, drawing, and making bracelets.
This summer was filled with excitement and great times learning about the Lord. We learned how to pray and why we pray, Calvin and the children can not wait for K-4 VBS 2024.
June 23, 2023
Art of Building Community Art Auction was a Success!
Thank you to each of you who came out to our Art of Building Community annual art auction fundraiser on June 8th! We were truly blessed by your presence, along with the beautiful space provided by First Presbyterian Church, and are so grateful to our artists and sponsors – all of which made this event possible. Thus far, we have raised $16,000 from the event, which is 75% of our goal to raise...
February 28, 2023
Abundant Life Ministries Black History Month 2023 Highlights: Alex-Zan, Local Charlottesville Activist
As Black History Month comes to a close, we want to remember that history is always being written and we are grateful for those who pioneered and continue to pioneer against the odds. We would like to dedicate this Highlight to Community Activist, Educator, Entertainer, and Motivator, Mr. Alex-Zan. Mr. Alex-Zan began his activism when he was one of the 12 youths who integrated Charlottesville...
February 8, 2023
Abundant Life Black History Month Highlights: Vinegar Hill, The Demolished Thriving Black Neighborhood
For our second week of Abundant Life Black History, we’d like to highlight a community of thriving black residents in Charlottesville, Virginia, that was destroyed in 1964 as part of a citywide redevelopment program. This neighborhood was known as Vinegar Hill, which extended through Main Street and the east end of the Downtown Mall. Post-Civil War, African American Families began moving into...
February 1, 2023
Abundant Life Black History Month 2023 Highlights: UVa Black Hidden Nurses
Abundant Life Ministries is celebrating Black History Month by taking time to reflect on historical and notable people who have contributed to our community, nation, and world. To kick off this month of noteworthy stories, are a group of nurses, now known as the UVa Hidden Nurses, who defied the odds of segregation and racial inequality in our very own city of Charlottesville and the University...
December 20, 2022
2022 Impact Report
As we move into the new year, We are excited to share our 2022 Impact Report with you. Abundant Life 2022 Impact Report Read more on our 2022 Highlights and the ministry’s impact on the community this year. Hear from our Executive Director, Eddie Howard, and his reflection on his first full year as Executive Director of the ministry. Once a community member and staff member of Abundant Life, we...