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ATLANTA – The church building may be small and unassuming, but the members of Priddy Baptist Church are making a powerful impact on children living in the ghetto of Skojpe, Macedonia.

A few years ago, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Darrell and Kathy Smith traveled to Priddy, Texas, located 75 miles west of Waco, to speak at Priddy Baptist. The Smiths spoke to the congregation about their ministry in Macedonia – the languages, culture, ethnicities and the needs. The Smiths, who have served with the Fellowship since 1996, have been involved in environmental sustainability projects and ministering to children and families living in poverty. 

Many of the approximately 30 members of Priddy Baptist are ranchers, farmers, teachers, retirees and foster parents. They were moved by the stories of the children living in poverty in Macedonia. A few months later, they invited the Smiths back to the church.

“When we were invited back, the church wanted to know more about the kindergarten project,” Darrell said. “The kindergarten had touched the heart of this church and given them a vision for where God was working.”

In Macedonia there are no state sponsored kindergartens or preschool programs, but children are still required to pass a test before they can start first grade. The kindergarten started by the Smiths and CBF field personnel Arville and Shelia Earl provides a free education to children living in the ghettos of Skopje, who otherwise might not have access to education.

In addition to their annual contributions to missions, Priddy Baptist members gave $17,000 last year to support the kindergarten in Skopje, and they have pledged to do the same again this year.

“We are a very small church and contact and support for this project gives us a sense of contributing to a cause outside and greater than ourselves,” said Butch Pesch, pastor of Priddy Baptist. “We love the Smiths and the Earls and are thrilled to have a small part in what God is doing in Macedonia We love what CBF is doing and feel privileged to have a small part in global missions work.”

The church’s funds have provided educational opportunities for 40 children, paying for the expenses of the kindergarten for half the year – utilities and rent, plus backpacks and school supplies.

“Just as hope came into the world as a small child, so hope has come to the families of the kindergarten through the efforts of a small church,” Kathy said. “Though they might never meet each other, Priddy Baptist has changed the lives of these children and their families. Only God knows how these seeds of hope that have been planted will sprout and grow.”

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.