Issue link: https://timwrob.uberflip.com/i/1547367
14 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY NOVEMBER 2026 This Kid Wrote the BOOK on Big Dreams! By April Southerland, Founder & President, Blessed Foundation Corp. At just seven years old, Jakobe Lee Southerland, a second-grade student at Meadow Lane Elementary School in Goldsboro, North Caroli- na, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone with the publication of his first children's book, Jakobe's Magi- cal Dream Adventure, now available on Amazon. Jakobe is the son of April Southerland, founder and president of Blessed Foundation Corp., a nonprofit organization established in 2022 with the mission of "Empowering Communities Inspiring Change." The book was inspired by a remarkable dream Jakobe experienced on October 4, 2023, when he dreamed of flying through the sky with Jesus, God, and an- other young boy. Months later, during a family trip, Jakobe visited the cockpit of a Delta airplane. That experience reminded him of his dream and helped inspire the story he would eventually share with readers. Jakobe's Magical Dream Adventure is more than a story about a dream. It is a faith-centered children's book that encourages families to make room for prayer, Scripture, and conversations about God in their everyday lives. Alongside Jakobe's story, readers will find Bible scriptures, dedicated prayer pages, and interactive activities. These features invite children to reflect on faith, explore their creativity, and learn about the importance of trusting God. They also give parents and caregivers opportunities to read, pray, and spend meaningful time with their children. For April Southerland, the process of bringing Jakobe's dream to the page has been a way to nurture his imagination while sharing a message that matters deeply to their family. "Our desire is for this book to reach as many homes as possible, not simply to tell a story, but to encourage families to pray together, read God's Word, and teach children the importance of putting God first. Above all, we want this book to honor and glorify God," said Southerland. Jakobe's accomplishment offers a reminder that children are never too young to share their experiences, develop their gifts, and inspire others. His first book marks the beginning of a creative journey rooted in faith and the wonder of childhood dreams. Scan the QR Code for the book. Let's support one of our own! Go JAKOBE! Book: Jakobe's Magical Dream Adventure | Author: Jakobe Lee Southerland, age 7 Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HN54Z8Z7 Jakobe's Magical Dream Adventure Jakobe Lee Southerland Dream big. Believe in God. Anything is possible! Join Jakobe on an unforgettable journey filled with faith, adventure, and miracles! From a bedtime dream to a real-life cockpit experience, Jakobe learns that God's plans are greater than we can imagine. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13