First Internationals is First Baptist Columbia’s multi-faceted ministry to the Midlands international community. One of its offerings, a collection of free furniture and housewares, is especially popular among teachers relocating to the greater Columbia area from other countries. First Baptist accepts these donations year-round and stores them in a warehouse space in downtown Columbia.
Member Curt Davis coordinates donations for the ministry, and is driven by his passion to “bring order out of chaos” in helping to meet real needs for these new Columbia area neighbors.
“I found that my life was in chaos until I came to Christ Jesus, and He very lovingly put my life back together,” Davis says. “Internationals that are arriving from a foreign country to live and work here are experiencing chaos during their relocation, in times of loneliness, or in the absence of their families. There are challenges to being an individual in a foreign land.”
According to Davis, meeting someone’s basic home needs is one way that churches can help bring peace – and the love of Christ – into their lives. There are annual opportunities for the CMBA Family of Churches to bless international teachers serving in Richland Districts One and Two schools, including a gift card collection and partnership with Shandon Baptist’s “housewarming party” event for these teachers to select donated furniture and housewares. As CMBA individuals and families have furniture and houseware items to donate throughout the year, they should know that First Internationals will accept these donations at any time.
What items are needed most?
Davis says the most requested furniture items are bed frames, mattresses, dining tables and chairs, couches, desks, chest of drawers, and end tables.
Basic household items such as plates, flatware, cooking pots and pans, rice cookers, and microwaves are also in great demand.
What furniture items are not accepted for donation?
The ministry does not accept heavy items, large couches, pianos, or formal dining room hutches and sideboards.
I want to donate! How do I do it?
Contact Curt Davis through First International’s website, which includes a form to complete to help get the process started.
Davis coordinates a volunteer team that can be available to pick up items and he can arrange to meet for a drop off at the warehouse, in the case of larger donations.
What is the most critical time of year for donations?
Davis says the need for furniture is most acute in July, August, and September, when most international teachers are arriving here. Congregations can help meet this need by organizing church-wide collections during and ahead of this season.
“We have a wonderful opportunity here in Columbia to engage so many who are from foreign lands. We could do more to engage them and share with them the hope of Jesus the King,” Davis says, adding the furniture ministry “seems to be a great way to open that door.”
For more information about donating furniture and housewares in good, usable condition, contact Davis by email at scpenny@bellsouth.net. Access the online donation submission form here.
For more information about First Columbia’s ministries to internationals, including how individuals can access the furniture ministry, visit www.fbccola.com/internationals or contact International Pastor Ryan Dupree at RyanDupree@fbccola.com.