“I googled your name.”

Have you ever done a Google search on someone before meeting them?  After hearing the words “In preparation for our meeting, I googled your name” from the head of a large school system, curiosity drove me immediately from the meeting to my computer.

Here’s what I found:

1. Drew Peirce the Special Effects genius.  “Mastermind Drew Peirce and his lovely cutthroats are slated to helm the special effects for my forthcoming horror film Satan’s Ranch.”
2. DJ Drew Pierce “is known for his rare ability to provide any crowd with a  unique party-going experience.  ready or not, he will take the audience through an unforgettable musical journey with each DJ set he provides.”

Yikes!  I can only imagine what would have happened if this person had drawn conclusions about me, without ever getting to know me.  (Okay, to be fair I do wish the second were true.)

I was reminded of this experience last week in Atlanta, as I met with leaders of a major denomination.  During that meeting, they expressed something that gets at the very heart of Kids Hope USA.  Let me explain.

These leaders were passionate about finding ways for their members to be relationally engaged in their communities, and wanted to find ways to spread Kids Hope USA throughout their denomination.  They wanted churches to be known not by the name on the church sign, but by the names of church members.

Names that people in the community know personally.  Names of  someone who cares about them.   Names of those who serve their schools and help their children.  Names of a faithful mentor friend.

All across the country we see Kids Hope USA churches getting to know people “on a first name basis.”  And so many more children waiting to be introduced.  Whether it’s with a major denomination, or the small church down the street, the work of Kids Hope USA Ambassadors is as critical as ever.  Keep spreading the vision!

Reaching 12,665 children through 763 church-school partnerships…and growing!