Good deed of the week 5/3/09

Eric Welch, Kids in Christian Karate School black belt instructor, teaches karate to children for free at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Heartland Gymnastics, Cape Girardeau along with other instructors. Welch said the students start everyclass with the Lord's Prayer. Inspired by the Rick Warren book, The Purpose Driven Life, Welch said he found his purpose in teaching karate to children. His spiritual philosophy in teaching is, "You can't lose with God on your side." Welch, a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, believes the karate lessons help children with discipline, self esteem and promoting health. The catalyst to launch the free lessons began when he was contacted by a therapist who asked him to help a child with a history of neglect and abuse, through karate. Recently the KICKS class raised over $400 to donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

"They are learning a very valuable lesson about helping others," said Welch.