In a Brownsville elementary school last month, a local church pastor read aloud to children and parents. In another school, at the same time, a pastor explained to children and parents the importance of reading and education.

Meanwhile, at other Brownsville schools, pastors and church volunteers assisted at other family reading fairs--reading to children, helping with crafts, and carrying books and bookcases to cars. It was natural, during the course of these events, for parents to ask questions about church services, ministries, and family activities.

As a result of the Books for the Border and Beyond project, churches adopted elementary schools and family literacy centers. The idea is for the churches to continue developing relationships with the children, families, and school staffs for years to come.

Connections made in Brownsville included: children-to-books, parents-to-literacy, churches-to-schools, and families-to-churches. But that's not all. Approximately 30 Christian Resort Ministries RV park chaplains and spouses (Winter Texans) joined the action. Rather than exchanging gifts during their Christmas banquet, they purchased children's books for the family reading fairs.

What would a Books for the Border and Beyond project look like in your community?