An astounding conclusion to 2021 has left Bright Sky Ministry in full excitement and expectation for the new year. The numbers speak for themselves. However, reflection on 2021 has proved to be more than just numbers and stats. The numbers and data spreadsheets represent the hearts of foster children and families whose needs are being met with essential items because of the generosity of the community.

Bright Sky Ministry’s inaugural Bright Sky Open: Fore for Fosters golf tournament was a sold-out success as 125 golfers flooded Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond on April 9th. If swinging around a golf course with good food, friends and weather weren’t enough to call the day a win, then the more than $30,000 raised to help foster children in Oklahoma was certainly the deal-breaker.

It started with a heart to serve and a willingness to jump into life’s messiest situations. As Cierra White drove around town at 4 am searching for diapers and formula for a new mother with major medical issues and a host of other personal predicaments, she knew something was about to change in her life. How, exactly, was still unknown.

When Brian and Sandy Osborne were told they wouldn’t be able to have children of their own, they embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. After eliminating every other possible alternative, it became clear that foster care was the course they were supposed to take.

In an ever-changing home life and busy social schedules, sitting around the dinner table together is not always a possibility. But riding together? Inevitable.  For Tammy Swiggart and her husband, Russell, taking in foster teen girls meant more responsibility to loving the whole person and, invariably, loving their friends. As the friendship circle grew wider, the number of seatbelt buckles grew smaller. 

For the Steele Family, fostering was an easy choice. Meet Jen and her husband, Mark, who have been volunteering to host/foster children for 4 years. Their goal is to always provide a safe, loving home as children and their families go through transition. "Seeing families reunite stronger than they were before and getting to be a small part of that process has brought our family so much joy," Jen said.