By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Zach Rateliff

She opened the battered backpack to find a soft blanket, a pair of fuzzy socks, and a gas card—tiny comforts that meant the world to a family facing weeks of neonatal intensive care. That small act of kindness, recounted on The Zach Rateliff Show, illustrates how a holiday tradition in Texarkana has become a crucial lifeline for NICU families.

Faith‑Based Roots of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

At the heart of the effort is the nonprofit Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a ministry that draws its name from Psalm 139:14: “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The organization interprets the Hebrew word yara as both “fearfully” and “reverently,” emphasizing the sacred value of every newborn, even those born premature or with medical challenges. Board president Jessica explained that the group’s mission is to remind families that their infants are not defined by hardship but by the divine purpose woven into each life.

“Even those babies that the world would think, ‘oh, they’re going to have a sad, pitiful life,’ are fearfully and wonderfully made,” the speaker said, underscoring the deep compassion that drives the ministry’s work.

Festival of Trees: From Holiday Cheer to Critical Support

The annual Festival of Trees, held Thursday through Saturday, is more than a festive market. It serves as the primary fundraising engine for the nonprofit, with a dedicated “Victories and Visions” table that showcases the stark needs of families traveling long distances for care. Chris’s St. Michael Hospital, the sole Level III NICU in Texarkana, draws patients from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, making the festival’s outreach regional in scope.

During the show, host Zach Rateliff highlighted the event’s impact: “We have the Festival of Trees Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of this week.” Volunteers and donors alike contribute time, money, and resources, enabling the organization to assemble “blessing bags” that include essentials such as deodorant, toothbrushes, breast‑milk storage bags, and even a roll of quarters for laundry machines.

Volunteer Leadership and Community Collaboration

The festival’s success rests on a cadre of dedicated volunteers. Long‑time board member Barbara Glick, who knows “every person in Texarkana,”, while newcomers like Crystal Castillo bring fresh energy, knocking on doors to spread the word. Their collective effort has allowed the nonprofit to operate on a modest budget while delivering high‑impact services.

“I was blown away at how small it was. They’re doing a lot with not very much,” said a volunteer who reviewed the organization’s finances, praising the responsible stewardship of donor contributions.

Impact on Families and Healthcare Workers

Beyond material aid, the program offers emotional support. Many NICU nurses, who themselves have faced personal loss, find purpose in holding the hands of new parents. The nonprofit encourages a culture of gratitude, reminding the community that “the staff at the hospital are doing ministry every single day.”

For families, the blessing bags provide practical relief during lengthy stays, reducing the financial strain of travel, lodging, and daily necessities. One mother, who drove six hours to receive care, received a bag that included a gas card and restaurant gift cards, turning a stressful journey into a more manageable experience.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Mission

As the Festival of Trees draws to a close, organizers are already planning for the next year, aiming to expand outreach and increase the number of blessing bags distributed. The momentum generated by the event highlights how a community’s faith and generosity can translate into tangible support for its most vulnerable members.

By weaving together holiday spirit, religious conviction, and practical assistance, Texarkana’s Festival of Trees exemplifies how local initiatives can create lasting change. The story serves as a reminder that when a community rallies around its children, even the smallest gestures can become powerful testimonies of hope.

The full episode of The Zach Rateliff Show is available on OBBM Network TV.