(Richard) “Pastor Robbie, if a visitor would walk into your church, would they see something unusual – up front – near the pulpit?”
(Pastor Robbie Perkins) “They would right now. We have a twin bed that is setting right beside of our altar. And it’s made up there with sheets and blankets and everything on it. That’s probably not going to be something we find in most sanctuaries,” he replied with a slight chuckle.
Why a bed?
When this bed, intended as a visual reminder of an important church project, was first placed there, “I started to hear jabs about taking bids for who got to sleep in it during the service,” Pastor Robbie shared.
What’s taking place at Edmonton Worship Center in Kentucky is a very practical outreach to families in the Metcalfe County community. “What a neat idea to be able to build twin size beds to give to children who don’t have a bed to sleep in.” Pastor Robbie notes that some kids are sleeping on a couch, maybe a recliner, or in bed with their mom or dad.
And thinking of the even more important mission of sharing Christ, “not just give them a bed to sleep in, but also at the same time, tell them about Jesus.” A family Bible accompanies every donated kids’ bed.
Something that resonated in Pastor Robbie’s heart was from Psalm 4, “And what it says is that ‘I will both lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.’” A promise he wants to share with families receiving the 100%-free, handmade-with-love, kids’ beds.
Pastor Robbie makes it clear that this is not an original idea. It’s something he heard about some years back, and always kept it in mind. And pastor emphasizes that he is not the center of this project. The One being magnified is Jesus. And it’s the many church volunteers, who have stepped up to build beds and secure bedding, that are really the believers making a difference.
The local school system has been a blessing, too, as a guide, to help the church team identify children who may qualify for a free bed.
“It’s just been so neat how one thing after another has just brought this together,” as God made numerous provisions.
When we asked Pastor Robbie what he felt in his heart as this project takes place, his first response was just one word: “gratitude.” The second word was: “excitement…and I think that’s almost even an understatement to say, ‘wow, we’re getting to do this!’” And he looks forward with confidence to what God will do in the community as a result of this joint effort.
We invite you listen to our complete interview podcast just below to sense the passion and excitement about “Build-a-Bed.”
