DUNCAN – A large bag of pizza rolls waited on the counter as the gas stove was installed. A single foster mom with six kids in the home had been without a stove for almost a month. 

Stephens County Community Coordinator Mike Peercy saw the CarePortal request for a $720 stove pop up only six days before Christmas.  

“When the request first came up, I was concerned about it because it was a big need,” Peercy said. 

He sent an email out to churches to see if anyone would be willing to help share the financial burden of purchasing the stove. Peercy said he wouldn’t be able to count the number of calls, texts, and emails he received from church members willing to donate their money, resources, and time to help this family. 

“It was just clear, we had to get this taken care of,” he said. “This family didn’t need to eat Christmas dinner out of a microwave.” 

A stove was located for $500, but it was in Ardmore – which is over an hour and 20-minute drive. A problem that was solved when another church stepped up to serve. 

The Friday before Christmas five Stephen County churches worked together to provide a stove for this mother and make feeding her family a little easier. Ray of Hope, First Baptist Duncan, and Impact580 paid for the stove, Unity Missionary Baptist Church loaned a truck for the pickup and delivery, and Immanuel Baptist helped install the stove and connect with the family. 

“I’ve always felt like there’s no limit to what can be done when nobody worries about who gets the credit,” Peercy said. “I think the Father is pleased when we go out of our way to make things better for the little ones.” 

Peercy said one of the great things about CarePortal is it allows people who are eager to help, not to boost their church attendance numbers, but to make a difference for children in hard places. 

“I’m excited that God was able to do something in our little town to give us all a glimpse of how this kingdom thing is going to work,” Peercy said. 

The request was submitted by the agency Circle of Care. 

“It’s incredible to see the community coming together for needs like this,” Circle of Care Regional Program Director Kendra Pierce said. “It truly takes a village and is so encouraging to our foster parents to have this kind of support!” 

Peercy and his wife fostered for five years and understand the struggles that accompany being a foster parent. 

“Managing six kids with no stove, that’s hard,” Peercy said. “She’s the hero. I’m just tickled we were able to get this managed.” 

CarePortal has opened doors for meaningful support from churches to families in need throughout the state. Any churches or individuals interested in learning more or getting involved can visit 111project.org.