“The Least of
These . . .”
“
. . . a ministry targeting young people around the world, sharing the Love of
God in Word and Deed.”
History
. . .
The Least of These ministry was birthed eight years ago.
Tom Benz, then an International Bible Society Regional Director, saw the
plight of orphans and street children in Eastern Europe.
Gripped with the needs of the kids, and armed with a vision to change
lives, he and Rich Richmond lead the formation of The Least of These, a ministry
targeting the children and youth of Eastern Europe.
Tom & Larissa Benz with one of the summer clowns!
In
the past five years, the Least of These, (TLOT) has accomplished these
objectives:
- Five
years of summer Bible camps for kids. These
short-term mission groups have ministered to over twelve thousand children,
seeing about 4,000 come to faith and life in Jesus.
- Tons
and tons of humanitarian aid. This
includes needed clothing, coats, shoes, heaters, blankets, medication, toys,
and food.
- Medical
assistance. From inhalers for
asthmatic children, to prescription eye-glasses, to surgery, the Least of
These works to improve the health of children.
- Renovation
and repair of existing facilities. TLOT
has repaired orphanages in Kerch, Evpatoria, Simferopol, and Sevastopol.
Additionally, TLOT has helped to establish an interdenominational
Christian outreach for children in Vnookava.
- Training
for national Christian children and youth workers.
From community and regional seminars to ‘on the job’ training for
Bible school students, TLOT is helping national Christians with a vision for
children’s ministry, along with the principles and tools to make it a
reality.
- Pastors’
retreats. A part of our work is
to build relationships with pastors and to help them build relationships
with others. We help to
strengthen the ministry in Crimea through greater relationships with and
among the pastors.
- Over
thirty thousand pieces of Scripture. Through
our partnership with Global Action, we have placed these age-appropriate
Scriptures right in the hands of the children.
- Christmas
gifts. TLOT, in partnership
with Samaritan’s Purse and a Ukrainian foundation, has helped to give over
10,000 Christmas gifts to orphans and needy children in Crimea. Each of these gifts was given with a clear presentation
of the Gospel.
Building
on this history, TLOT prepares to launch the Word and Deed Initiative, a
three-year strategy to reach and disciple the children and youth of Crimea,
showing the Love of God in Word and Deed.
Reverend Tom Benz, Executive
Director
402 Cotton Blossom Road,
Millbrook, AL 36054
(334) 285-0924 Voice, (561)
892-8078 Fax
tom@leastofthese.org