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Life was difficult in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) in the early 1920s. World War I had ended, and there was a lot of unrest and political turmoil. Little Emil was born the seventh of eight children to a very impoverished family. Life was difficult, forcing Emil to leave school at 16 to work in a shoe factory to have enough money to buy food and other necessities.

While working at the factory, his boss demanded that Emil run in a local race. Although he was not physically fit, he came in second, and a love for running was born. In the following years, Emil trained relentlessly, eventually making the country’s Olympic team.

In the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Emil Zatopek won gold medals in the 5,000-meter race, 10,000-meter race, and the grueling Marathon – the only person in history to win all three events in the same Olympic games, a record that still stands today.

At one point, Emil won EVERY 10,000-meter race in international competitions for almost seven consecutive years! Emil was a CHAMPION because he nurtured an unrelenting determination to succeed!  At KiDs Beach Club^®, we can appreciate that dogged determination to succeed.

Our goal is to give every preteen a Jesus experience, and we are determined to make that happen. Your role in that process is critical! Our KBC GEMs (Give Every Month donors) are OUR champions because they provide the critical ongoing support that keeps KBC focused on the goal of reaching children and their families for Christ.

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.

Principal Kenji Ford knows what it means to walk through hard seasons. “I’ve had to walk in some hard shoes,” she said, eyes filling with tears. “But I’m still here because God’s timing is perfect, not mine.”

Years ago, Kenji hit rock bottom as an assistant principal. The challenges of leadership left her weary, and she wondered if she was truly where God wanted her to be. After moving to Dallas for a new start, she began teaching again. “I stumbled my way through those first few months, but I knew God was teaching me something in the process,” she said.

It was during this time that she first encountered KiDs Beach Club^®. “I walked into the gym and was floored. I couldn’t believe children were learning about God in a public school,” she recalled. “They were learning Scripture, helping each other, and following God’s Word because they wanted to, not because someone told them to.”

That moment reignited her calling as an educator. When she later became principal at Grace Hardeman Elementary, she was determined to bring Beach Club^® to her campus. “These children need this,” she said. “They need a place to build their faith and learn who they are in Christ.”

Kenji worked tirelessly to make it happen. She created a morning prayer circle with her staff, covering the school in prayer each day before the first bell. “All glory to God,” she said. “He is the one who makes this possible.”

One of the many students impacted by her leadership was a fifth grader named Madelynn. Through Beach Club^®, Madelynn began to grow in her understanding of God’s love and soon made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized. Principal Kenji was one of the many leaders present for Madelynn's baptism. “To watch that transformation happen within the walls of a public school. It’s what this ministry is all about,” Kenji said with a smile. “Seeing children like Madelynn build their faith reminds me why I keep doing what I do.”

Now serving at a new school, Principal Ford continues to advocate for Beach Club everywhere she goes. “Every school should have a Beach Club^®,” she said. “When you see how it changes lives, you can’t stay quiet about it.”

Madelynn, a fifth grader at Grace Hardeman Elementary in Watauga, Texas, has always been curious about God, but it was KiDs Beach Club^® that gave her a space to grow spiritually. “KBC is a place where kids can learn about Jesus and have fun doing it,” she shared. “We hear the story of the Bible and about the sacrifices Jesus made for us.”

Over two years, she prayed, studied Scripture, and built relationships with mentors who guided her. When she finally decided to be baptized, she was surrounded by classmates, teachers, and Beach Club^® volunteers. “My heart soared,” her mom shared. “Seeing all the volunteers there meant everything. They gave so much of themselves.”  

Even when Madelynn faced challenges, like bullying, mentors like Principal Kenji supported her and reminded her daily: “I am beautiful. I am wonderful. I can do all things through Christ.” Through Beach Club^®, she built a foundation of faith that will carry her through life.

August and September have been nothing short of amazing at KiDs Beach Club^®. Across the nation, our Beach Clubs® have been bursting with smiles, Scripture, and serious fun. And the best part is, we’re only getting started!

From the very first memory verse recited to the meaningful moments of prayer and connection, kids are discovering firsthand that faith can be fun. Every club meeting is filled with laughter, excitement, and opportunities for children to experience the love of Jesus in a way that meets them right where they are.

Why It Matters

In a world that often tells kids to leave their faith at the door, Beach Club is helping them see that Jesus belongs in every part of their lives. When they walk into club each week, they’re reminded that they’re not alone, that God’s Word is powerful, and that living out their faith is something to be celebrated. These moments create lasting memories and plant seeds that will grow for years to come.

Our Heroes: Volunteers, Donors, and Partners

We couldn’t do this without the incredible people who make Beach Club happen. Our volunteers show up week after week with passion and dedication. Our donors faithfully invest to ensure every child has the chance to own a KBC Explorer’s Study Bible. Our schools open their doors, and our partner churches step in to disciple and connect families to the local body of Christ. Together, this team is making an eternal impact.

Keeping the Momentum

The energy is contagious, and the momentum is building. But this is just the beginning. As more clubs launch, more kids will encounter the truth of Scripture, and more families will be reached with the hope of the Gospel.

Because at KiDs Beach Club^®, we believe this with all our hearts: Jesus is cool in school again. And there’s no better time than now to celebrate it.

Last week in Ripley, Tennessee something incredible happened at Beach Club^®. Five students asked Jesus to become their Forever Friend! 🎉🥳 What a powerful reminder that when the Gospel is shared, lives are changed. These students now have the hope of Christ in their hearts, and that is worth celebrating in the biggest way.

This week the club met again and the excitement has not slowed down one bit. With 52 kids in attendance, the room was full of laughter, energy, and the joy that only comes from discovering God’s love. Every verse learned, every prayer spoken, and every smile shared is planting seeds of faith that will continue to grow for years to come.

A Pastor’s Heart for the Next Generation

We are especially thankful to Pastor Jim Holcomb for sharing this amazing report with us. His passion for reaching kids and families in Ripley is contagious and it is a blessing to see how God is working through his leadership and through the church’s partnership with KiDs Beach Club^®.

Pray With Us

As we celebrate what God has already done we are also looking ahead with great expectation. Will you join us in praying for more moments like this? Pray that more students will hear the Good News, that hearts will be open, and that each child will feel the love of Jesus in a personal way.

At the end of the day this is what it is all about. Helping kids make Jesus is their Forever Friend. 💙

At KiDs Beach Club^®, we believe every child deserves to know that they are loved, valued, and prayed for. That’s why we are excited to announce the launch of a brand-new ministry initiative: Prayer Anchors.

Just as an anchor holds a ship steady in the waves, Prayer Anchors are individuals who commit to praying for a specific child in our Beach Clubs^®. Each Prayer Anchor is “assigned” a child by name from one of our clubs, and their commitment is simple yet powerful, lift these kids up in prayer regularly, asking God to guard their hearts, guide their steps, and draw them closer to Him.

Why Prayer Matters

Beach Clubs^® are places where children encounter the love of Christ, many for the very first time. These students are walking through challenges at home, in school, and in their communities, and they need a foundation of prayer. We know that transformation happens when God’s people pray. Prayer Anchors provide a spiritual covering that prepares hearts for the Good News of Jesus and supports them as they take steps of faith.

How It Works

• Sign Up – Volunteers and supporters can join the Prayer Anchors ministry through a simple online form.
• Receive Names – Each Prayer Anchor will be given the name of a specific child to pray for.
• Pray Faithfully – Whether daily, weekly, or as God brings them to mind, Prayer Anchors commit to consistently praying for their child.

Anchored in Hope

Imagine the impact: every child in every Beach Club^® covered in prayer by name. This is how the seeds planted in clubs will grow deep roots and bear fruit that lasts a lifetime. Through Prayer Anchors, we are building a network of intercessors standing in the gap for the next generation.

We invite you to be part of this powerful ministry. When you become a Prayer Anchor, you are doing more than praying, you are shaping eternal destinies.

Sign up today at www.KiDsBeachClub.org/prayer