Fairport Church has three (3) main ministries that we support. Read below about Shalom Garden Orphanage, Kirkland Grove, and The Caring and Sharing Ministry.

Shalom Garden Orphanage

This orphanage (located in Kenya, Africa) is home to 21 children who have been left without parents due to the overwhelming devastation of AIDS in that country.  Margaret Kanyiri is the director of this ministry which was started in the fall of 2006.  Her love of God is evident and she is committed to helping people come to know Jesus. 

After returning to Kenya in March 2008, she now works to create a safe, loving environment for the orphans, as well as her own family.  People in America suggested she bring her family here instead of going back to the dangerous situation that existed in Kenya at that time; but she said she couldn’t do that to the orphans who had already lost so much and were just then getting a sense of belonging.  She truly feels God has called her to this ministry of helping the orphans.
Fairport Baptist Church, along with Bethel Baptist Church (in Powhatan), Warsaw Baptist Church (Warsaw) and Oak Grove Baptist Church (Colonial Beach) were pleased to meet Margaret while she was in the states studying Theology.  Little did she know at the time that God had even bigger plans in store. 

God has used what seemed like a bad thing (a drought) to bring huge blessings to Shalom Garden.  The Virginia Baptist Mission Board asked a representative of theirs to meet Margaret and assess the situation.  His recommendation was to buy land and build an orphanage that would not only provide them with clean running water, but would give them a place of their own, instead of the rented facility they’re in now, which is too small.  He said this could be done for $35,000.  On March 29, 2011, the land was purchased for $13,500 and now belongs to Shalom Garden Orphanage.  Since then $13,362 has been raised for the building fund. 

Who but our Almighty God would have orchestrated the coming together of the east coast and west coast to help this small orphanage on the continent of Africa!  The “east coast” (meaning the four churches mentioned above as well as some individual families in Virginia) came together with the “west coast” (represented by the University of Wyoming) to help this small orphanage.  After hearing about Shalom Garden, the professor of the cross-cultural communications class and her students worked to help them by putting into real life application what they’re learning.  Some students said they felt a stronger bond with the university and the community because of everyone coming together to help children half way around the world.  The university has helped for three years, however this year they will be helping another country.  They still want us to keep them up to date on what’s going on. 

With the help of the four churches, and some individual families, we have 15 of the 21 orphans sponsored.  If you’re interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Fairport Baptist Church (804) 453-3235.

Kirkland Grove

Kirkland Grove was established in 1892 as a Baptist campground in the vicinity of rural Heathsville. The campground was the site of week-long religious services, which evolved into the outstanding social event of the area.

The campground is presently used for church meetings, revivals, reunions, and youth camp activities. The building is in need of repair and tender loving care. Fairport is supporting this ministry financially as well as with upkeep.

The Caring and Sharing Ministry

The Caring and Sharing Ministry is actively involved with the people of Appalachia.  This organization is headquartered in Manassas, VA.  They collect and deliver items to the Appalachian people who have very little in the way of material things, but certainly feel the love of others as we share with them what God has given us. As we reach out to them, we show Christian love.  We, and other churches, try to meet some of their physical needs by sending food and clothing throughout the year, as well as school supplies in the fall.  Through written materials, we share God’s Word.  Christmas and Easter are special times of the year when we include things to remember the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord.  We look forward to doing a ministry out there, possibly with some of our youth.  

It’s hard to believe that there are people living in such poor conditions in this country.  The Appalachian people are very appreciative of what’s being done for them.  We pray for God’s blessings on them and that all will come to know Christ.  If you’re interested in helping with this ministry, please contact us at Fairport Baptist Church (804) 453-3235. 

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.
Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: 7:30 p.m. (Wed.)