KBC Blog (2021) | KiDs Beach Club

Mar 25 3:47 PM

Staff Advance Recap: A Year of Faith

Mar 25 3:47 PM

There is something powerful that happens when a team steps away from the day-to-day to refocus, reconnect, and realign around a shared mission. For four impactful days, the KiDs Beach Club^® team gathered at our corporate office for our annual Staff Advance, centered on one defining theme: Faith.

Throughout our time together, we leaned into what it means to walk by faith in every area of our work. Team members led presentations that provided deeper insight into their unique roles, creating a greater understanding of how each part of the organization works together to reach children with the Gospel. These moments strengthened not only our knowledge, but our appreciation for one another and the mission we share.

While the Advance provided valuable time to grow professionally, it also created space for meaningful connection. One of the highlights was exploring downtown Grapevine together. Stepping outside the office allowed us to slow down, share laughter, and build relationships that extend far beyond our day-to-day responsibilities.

We also spent time engaging in team-building activities that brought energy, encouragement, and unity to the group. Whether through games or shared experiences, these moments reminded us that strong teams are built not just through strategy, but through trust, joy, and genuine connection.

Most importantly, we prayed together.

In a year focused on faith, we were reminded that everything we do is rooted in our dependence on the Lord. We lifted up the children and families we serve, our church partners, and the vision ahead for KiDs Beach Club^®. Those moments of prayer were a powerful reminder that while we are called to be faithful, it is God who brings the growth.

As we move forward, we do so with renewed vision, strengthened unity, and a deeper commitment to walk by faith in all that we do. We are grateful for the time spent together and excited for what God has in store in this Year of Faith.

Published on Mar 25 @ 3:47 PM CDT

Mar 25 3:46 PM

Meet The Staffer: Hunter Pierce

Mar 25 3:46 PM

Hunter Pierce joined the KiDs Beach Club^® team as Chief Operating Officer on March 2, 2026, stepping into the role with deep gratitude and genuine excitement for the ministry ahead. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he carried both a servant’s heart and a leader’s mindset, qualities that fit seamlessly into the mission of helping every preteen boy and girl experience Jesus.

Hunter grew up in Keller, Texas, and his roots there shaped much of who he is today. Outside of ministry, he is a devoted husband to his beautiful bride, Emily, and a proud dad to three young children: Barrett (5), Caroline (3), and Charlotte Grace (1). When he is not working, you will likely find him spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, admiring old cars and trucks, or cheering on the Texas Rangers and the Baylor Bears. Those who get to know him quickly discover a down-to-earth, genuine guy whose joy is contagious.

His journey to KiDs Beach Club^® is nothing short of a God story. Hunter began his career as a 6th-grade math teacher in Keller ISD, where the classroom became his mission field. He loved watching students experience those “light bulb” moments and took seriously the opportunity to be a positive male role model. After five years of teaching, and with a second child on the way, Hunter and Emily sensed the Lord calling her to stay home. They prayed fervently, and God opened a door for Hunter at GuideStone Financial Resources.

What followed was a season of unexpected growth. After less than a year in retirement operations, Hunter was accepted into the LEAP program, where he received leadership development across multiple departments. For the next two years, he served as a Relationship Manager, helping pastors and church administrators navigate their retirement and insurance benefits. It was during this time that he became the point of contact for KiDs Beach Club^®. After meeting Craig and the team during an onsite visit, God began moving mountains and opened a path Hunter never expected. The possibility of stepping into the COO role emerged when he learned of Craig’s retirement, and with affirmation from both Craig and Jack, Hunter sensed the Lord’s clear guidance. They helped him see that his experience, combined with God’s calling, had prepared him for senior leadership in ways he never anticipated.

Through every step, God taught Hunter the truth of Matthew 17:20, that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. That promise has carried him into this new season with confidence, humility, and awe.

What excites Hunter most about his role is the opportunity to serve as a leader who equips others. His heart beats for empowering the staff so they can flourish in the ministry of giving every preteen a Jesus experience. Behind the scenes, he is someone who loves completing tasks and seeing tangible progress, but his deeper motivation comes from remembering the grace God has shown him. Saved at 11 years old, Hunter knows his life was headed toward destruction, but by God’s grace, he was redeemed and given hope for tomorrow. That reminder fuels his passion for serving others.

Of course, no introduction to Hunter would be complete without a few fun favorites. He is a sweet tea enthusiast, a lover of 80s and 90s country music, and always ready to encourage someone to do their best.

Hunter Pierce steps into his role at KiDs Beach Club^® with gratitude, expectancy, and a heart fully committed to the mission. His story is one of God’s faithfulness, and he is eager to see what mountains the Lord will move next.

Published on Mar 25 @ 3:46 PM CDT

Mar 25 12:36 PM

A Growing Faith In The Face Of Death: Scott O’Grady

Mar 25 12:36 PM

In the early 1990s, the Bosnian War was raging, and NATO decided to intervene to enforce a no-fly zone across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. military began flying routine missions as part of the effort, and on June 2, 1995, a U.S. F-16 fighter jet was shot down by a Serbian surface-to-air missile.

The veteran pilot, Scott, said that as he was parachuting to the ground after ejecting from his jet, he could see Serbian fighters coming towards him in a truck. He knew instinctively that his life was in grave danger. He landed in a wooded area and quickly found a hiding place.

Over six days, Scott hid in the thick woods, eating anything he could to survive. He frequently heard and saw enemy soldiers hunting for him, and he had to remain perfectly still for hours upon end. Bullets frequently screamed past him and cracked into trees right next to him.

“I prayed constantly,” he said. “Not the casual prayers of my normal life, but desperate, intimate conversations with God. Even in the face of death, I discovered the greatest source of peace came through my relationship with God.”

After six long days, a strike force of U.S. Marines landed near his position after hearing very short radio calls from his emergency radio, and U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady was rescued. Scott exhibited extraordinary faith, a growing faith, in the face of his own death.

KBC understands the importance of a growing faith, regardless of circumstances. That is why we believe it is so important for children to establish their faith early, knowing that the testing of their faith WILL happen.

We are blessed by our many faithful ministry partners who stand proudly and support KBC with their monthly gifts to help us achieve our mission.

Donors who Give Every Month (KBC GEMs) provide the backbone of support we need to share Jesus with countless children every year. Would you please join us as a ministry partner by signing up to give to KBC monthly?

Signing up to be a KBC GEM is easy and quick. Simply scan the QR code below or go to www.kidsbeachclub.org/donate today. Your monthly gift, no matter how small or large, will be a tremendous blessing to KBC.

Published on Mar 25 @ 12:36 PM CDT

Feb 25 10:46 AM

They Said Yes Before They Had the Money

Feb 25 10:46 AM

They knew God was calling them to start a KiDs Beach Club^®, but with an average monthly tithe of just $580, the numbers simply did not add up.

This story began with one woman who attended Cedar Grove and worked at a local elementary school that hosted a KiDs Beach Club^®. When she stepped in to help one day, she fell in love with what she saw. Kids were hearing the Gospel. Lives were being impacted. Joy was filling the school.

She went back to her church excited about the possibility. She also knew it would be a stretch.

The church leadership had honest questions. Where would the money come from? Would they have enough volunteers? Was this too big of a step for a small congregation?

Brian, our Vice President of National Expansion, met with the 12 leaders and later shared the heart behind KiDs Beach Club^® on a Sunday morning. After he finished, a man in the church stood up and challenged the congregation. If God was calling them to this, they needed to stop being passive. They needed to pray, step up, and trust Him.

Something shifted that day.

People committed to volunteer. Members pledged what they could financially. The church decided to move forward, even though the funding was not fully in place.

When asked if he was nervous about them committing without the money in hand, Brian said, “Nope. I told them I almost promised them it would fall out of the sky. If they stayed obedient, the money would come.”

Several weeks after that first conversation, anonymous checks arrived in the mail totaling close to $3,000.

No one expected it. No one saw it coming. They had prayed for provision, but they did not know how God would answer. When the leadership opened the envelope, they were in tears, shouting hallelujah and praising Jesus. The donation covered their startup costs and more.

Today, they already have over 20 students enrolled in their Beach Club, and more are continuing to sign up. Doors are opening. Faith is growing.

As Brian often reminds churches, “He provides for an obedient heart.”

This testimony is a reminder that provision often follows obedience. If they had waited until they felt ready or financially secure, they might have missed the miracle. Instead, they chose faith first.

For with God nothing is impossible!

Published on Feb 25 @ 10:46 AM CDT

Feb 25 10:46 AM

Meet The Staffer: Katy Hinkle

Feb 25 10:46 AM

“Hello everyone! My name is Katy Hinkle. I am a proud Razorback, self-acclaimed chef, chronic organizer, and lover of all things Marvel and Dallas sports.”

Katy is originally from Coppell, Texas, where she graduated from Coppell High School before heading to the University of Arkansas. While at the U of A, she earned a degree in Business Management and Non-Profit Studies. During her college years, she was actively involved in her church, led small groups, worked at the summer camp she grew up attending Pine Cove Camps and took full advantage of all the beauty Northwest Arkansas has to offer.

In her free time, Katy loves thrifting, cooking, playing sports, and saying “yes” to a good board game night. One fun fact that may surprise you? She’s a big fan of PBR, Professional Bull Riding!

Katy’s journey to KBC was truly a God moment. After graduating in fall 2024, she remained in Fayetteville to continue working for a local nonprofit before completing a leadership internship at Pine Cove Woods Family Camp. Following her time at camp, she returned home to Coppell and began the job search. After several months of limited success and even spending time substitute teaching at a local elementary school, she came across the People Operations and Technology Coordinator position at KBC.

Throughout the hiring process, Katy experienced clarity and peace as she learned more about the organization. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she realized she had actually attended KiDs Beach Club herself when she was in elementary school.

Reflecting on that season, Katy shares:

“I was in a weird stage of life trying to figure out what was next. It felt confusing, draining, and very unknown. It was a time I had to really rely on the Lord and find peace in the unknown—because God knew, but I didn’t. Way easier said than done, but I took it day by day and worked on surrendering my comforts to the Lord. Then sure enough, in His timing, He provided an opportunity with KBC. I’m reminded again that my life is not in my control, and surrendering that to the Lord only makes my life more joyful.”

Katy is excited to grow in the operations world while serving an organization with a Kingdom mission. Although she has experience across a variety of roles, this is her first full-timeposition, and she is eager to learn and grow. Behind the scenes, Katy manages all things tech and is becoming the go-to expert on the team’s project management software.

When asked about working at KBC, she says:

“I have always loved being a help to people. Coming into this role was a beautiful example of utilizing the capabilities I have to serve where needed. I get to do that every day—solving problems and helping behind the scenes so operations can flow smoothly for everyone else.”

Katy’s Favorites

Favorite coffee order: Katy mainly drinks water! (Aside from her V8 Energy

drinks, of course.)

Favorite worship song: Monday Morning Faith by SEU Worship & Chelsea Plank or West

Texas Wind by NEEDTOBREATHE

Go-to comfort food: Chipotle

Ideal day off: Thrifting or hanging out at the park with friends, followed by a game night

Random fun fact: Katy is semi-fluent in ASL!

Published on Feb 25 @ 10:46 AM CDT

Feb 25 10:45 AM

Faith Without Borders

Feb 25 10:45 AM

Andrew Van der Bijl was born in the Netherlands in the late 1920s. Coming from a poor family, he decided to join the military when he turned 18 to try to find stability in his life.

While serving in the Army, he was shot in the ankle. During his lengthy rehabilitation, Andrew found a Bible his mother had given him. Even though he knew very little about God, he dedicated himself to reading God’s Word, and soon realized his need for a Savior. After committing his life to the Lord, he attended a missionary college in Scotland and devoted his life to spreading God’s Word.

In 1955, Andrew traveled to then-communist Poland, where he met a bookstore owner who said that copies of the Bible were very rare. That statement convinced him to create a ministry to get Bibles into all parts of the world, and the Open Doors ministry was born that very year.

From that day onwards, God led “Brother Andrew – God’s Smuggler” on a new adventure of bringing Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and into the Middle East. Since its founding, Open Doors has given away hundreds of thousands of Bibles around the world. Andrew’s abiding faith God and love for His precious Word gave purpose and meaning to his life.

KBC understands Brother Andrew’s heart for getting God’s Word into the hands of those who need it the most; the lost and hurting in this world. KBC has handed out more than 81,500 free Bibles to children in Beach Clubs® across the country.

But we couldn’t do that with the financial support of our faithful KBC GEMs (Give Every Month). Our monthly donors provide the backbone of support we need to share Jesus with countless children every year. Would you please join us as a ministry partner by signing up to give to KBC monthly?

Signing up to be a KBC GEM is easy and quick. Simply scan the QR code below or go to www.kidsbeachclub.org/donate today. KBC needs your support to keep providing Bibles to children across the country and around the world.

Published on Feb 25 @ 10:45 AM CDT

view previous

States

Please select your state

Alabama [1]

Arkansas [3]

Florida [24]

Georgia [3]

Kentucky [9]

Louisiana [3]

Mississippi [6]

New Mexico [1]

Tennessee [9]

Texas [59]