A gift NOW to help establish the Greater Vision Outreach Center will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000 – that is an additional $1 million that will bring hope and healing to families in need!

Charity&ChildrenAnd now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina

129/8

URGENT: BCH supporters asked to voice concern about the proposed Family First Act. (See page 3)

9/16

Elaine wants her children’s future to be different from her past. Growing up as

a child in Malaysia was hard. Abandoned by hermother when she was four years old and sufferingabuse from her stepmothers kept her frightful.

“My father’s first wife after my mom left wasvery mean,” she recalls. “I was so small. Butevery morning as soon as I got out of my bed,my chore was to sweep the floors.”

Elaine remembers taking the big broom andtrying to sweep just like her stepmother hadtaught her. Later in the day after her stepmotherinspected the work, she would take the broomand sweep up what Elaine had missed.

Cringing, Elaine tells the story how she wasmade to eat what had been gleaned.

Physical and psychological abuse became aneveryday part of growing up. Elaine learned tolive in the shadows. She received little educationand was put to work in her father’s metal fabrica-tion shop at age 11 where retribution for shortcomings was issued with a rubber water hose.

When Elaine was 17 yearsold she ran away from her father and her second step-mother. She took all themoney she had and boughta bus ticket to as far away asshe could afford. What Elaine hoped would befreedom was only the beginning of moreheartache and abuse.

“Looking back, I can see how God watchedover me time and time again,” she confesses.“There were many times when my life could havebeen taken away.”

Her first boyfriend indentured her, and sobegan a vicious cycle of working to raise moneyto gain her freedom. Despite the hardships, she

never gave up and began to learn a trade. Shelearned rudimentary beauty salon skills that shehoned over time becoming a sought after make-

up artist and model.“Even before I knew the Lord, God

gave me a daring heart,” Elaine says. “I’mnot afraid to start something new.”

The hope of a new beginning sprungforth when she fell in love and married

her husband – an American she met in Sin-gapore. The couple welcomed a daughter, Lydia,into their family. But tragically, the baby died.

Elaine, numbed from the loss, busied herselfhelping other young women who wanted a careerin the beauty industry. It was one of those stu-dents who invited her to a Christian church.

“I don’t know why I went,” Elaine says. “Mychild had died and my heart was broken. I satthere and the music and the words touched me –I had goosebumps all over. I gave Jesus my life.”

The church discipled her and she grew inChrist. She felt the love and encouragement ofher “brothers and sisters.” But behind the doorsof her home, the abuse began.

With three children, nearly ten years later, andnow living in Charlotte, Elaine struggled to holdon and make her marriage work. “I didn’t wantmy children to come from a broken home.”

All her efforts failed. She and the childrenmoved into a women’s shelter. A call from herpastor to Baptist Children’s Homes opened a door into Family Care.

Elaine is laying the groundwork for being a successful single mom – earning a GED andstudying for U.S. citizenship. She hopes to reboot her career as a makeup artist. Her children have begun to thrive.

“God’s plan is perfect,” Elaine says. “I knowHe is molding me into something that will glorify Him.”

Elaine and her three children – Claudia age 11, Greggory age 8, and Benjamin age 6 – have found a place of respite throughBCH’s Family Care program. The family marked their one-year anniversary in the program while Elaine works to earn her

GED. The Malaysian-born mother walked away from a lifetime of being abused to make a better life for her children.

Mom escapes abusive past__________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson Editor

H O P E HOPE changes lives and dispels

darkness.

Sharing Hope...Changing Lives Campaign at bchfamily.org/campaign____________________________________________________________________

.2 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

Charity & Children – Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Michael C. Blackwell, publisher; Jim Edminson, editor (wjedminson@bchfamily.org); J. Blake Ragsdale, managing editor (jbragsdale@ bchfamily.org); Marcia Housand, account clerk. Charity & Children (ISSN 0009-1723-09 USPS 100-460) is published 11 times a year for friends and supporters of Baptist Children’s Homes. It is printed at Triangle Web Printing, Durham, NC and mailed by Excalibur,Winston-Salem, NC. Circulation: 62,000 seven times a year, 30,000 four times a year. Periodicals postage paid at Thomasville, NC, and at additional mailing offices. For free subscription or to be removed from the mailing list or make address correction orchange, use the above address and write to Attn: Circulation Manager, send an email to address@bchfamily.org or call at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at bchfamily.org/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Charity & Children, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

Vision: sharing hope . . . changing lives

Mission: To provide the highest quality

of Christian services to children, adults

and families in a caring culture of

measurable excellence

Some people enjoy life. Others endure it. In which category do you fall? Truthfully,

all of us are seeking direction. Most of us needhelp at one time or another during our lives. Allof us have missed intersections and have takenwrong turns. Fortunately,we have not been left on our own to deal with life’s unexpectedwrinkles. We havetwo precious resources to helpguide our steps.

The first is experi-ence. We do not have to plow freshground constantly. We can stand on our predecessor’s shoulders. Eachgeneration does not have to discoveranew the law of gravity, invent thelight bulb, or design engines fromscratch. And, in a broader sense, the lessons ofhistory are there to speak to us – if we will listen.

Secondly, and on a smaller scale, we carry the lessons of personal history. We learn the folly of rediscovering old territory. When we experience a nasty bout of indigestion, we shunthe foods that caused it. When we know whatcauses our allergies to flare up, we stay away fromthe source of swelling and sneezing. Remember-ing the times when we lost our temper shouldhelp us to avoid such situations, hopefully developing a more patient nature as we mature.

But experience is not enough. We also need ex-pectation. Although we can recall the past, wemust be able to anticipate the future. We spendnumerous years becoming educated in hopes offinding a good job. We follow a diet for weeks or months, keeping our eye on a trimmer figure.We spend hours at the keyboard, harvesting excellence at the piano. The effort is worth it because of expectation. Take that away and thepresent would lock us up in a blue funk.

Everyone needs to find something in life to look forward to, to anticipate. We all need to learn to find value in anticipating small events

and learn how to make them special.Enjoy life or endure it. I much prefer the first

option. Keeping an eye on the future is one wayof walking the more pleasant path. As you go,here is my checklist of ways that canhelp you march ahead:

1. Have a purpose in life.

Staying busy is a sureantidote to boredom and early death.

2. Know that things generally work out for the best, even though it may be hard to see how,especially when you are deal-ing with the loss of a spouse,child, parent, or friend.

3. Maintain a positive out-look. If you look for the goodin people and circumstances,you are more likely to find it.

4. Learn something newevery day, or week, or month.We are never too old to learn.Put another way, you reallycan teach an old dog newtricks.

5. Find something you are passionate about and thendo it.

6. Remember you wereplaced on this earth for a reason. We are only on this stage of life for a shorttime, so make the most ofyour opportunities.

7. Remember the MED formula for a long life: Meditation, Exercise and Diet. Prayer, stayingactive, and watching what you eat promote goodhealth.

8. Here is one I credit to the late Jim Valvano,the exuberant basketball coach at North CarolinaState University: Find something to laugh aboutevery day and find something to cry about everyday. God gave you emotions. Use them.

9. Make a firm decision regarding a possiblecourse of action. After you have made that commitment, take the first step. Always lookahead, never behind.

10. Do everything with great enthusiasm. I wrote a short prayer to illus-

trate this point: “Lord, mytimes are in Your hands.

Help me be faithful to theduty of the present moment.”

Folks, the choice is yours.You can find riches beyond measure and create a life worth living but only if you embrace the future.

Together for a third of a centuryBaptist Children’s Homes (BCH) Trustees Abe Elmore and Amelia Johnson joinBCH president Michael C. Blackwell commemorating his 33rd anniversary asleader of the 131-year-old ministry. The trio share a past that reaches back to Blackwell’s first day – Johnson and Elmore were trustees when he becamepresident in 1983.

[ MY THOUGHTS }

Choose a life worth living –10 ways to march into the future________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Aproposed bill known as the Family Prevention Services Act H.R. 5456 is

a major concern for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) and other child careorganizations providing residential services (orcongregate care) to boys and girls.

The measure, which is also called the FamilyFirst Act, would end the federal funding thatstatewide Departments of Social Services (DSS)utilize for placing boys and girls in BCH’s care.

“There are no positives and many negatives to the proposed Family First Act,” said BCHpresident/CEO Michael C. Blackwell. “Any legislation seeking to inhibit children from accessing the exceptional care Baptist Children’sHomes and other residential organizations provide is extremely troubling.”

Boys and girls are referred to BCH throughmultiple means. Some are placed privately byfamily members or guardians. Others are referredby DSS who often take custody of children fromextreme situations, such as abuse and neglect,and bring them into BCH’s care immediately.

“It’s imperative to remove a child from suchheartbreaking circumstances as quickly as possi-ble,” Blackwell said. “Whenever DSS contacts us, day or night, we are able to work together tobring the child in almost instantly. The well beingof children is dependent on a strong partnershipbetween DSS and BCH.”

The Family First Act would redirect the funding that empowers DSS to place children in residential child care organizations towardsprevention services. The goal is to help childrenstay out of the foster care system when possible.

BCH chief operating officer Keith Henry, who oversees the day-to-day operations of thenonprofit’s programs and services, sees morecons than pros with the bill’s direction.

“Anything reasonable that can be done to prevent a negative impact on a child is a goodthing, and we need to seek those solutions,”Henry explained. “What we cannot do is introduce measures that prevent a child from receiving the type of care that best suits his or her particular needs.”

If the bill passes, DSS choices for children be-come limited. DSS could still refer boys and girlsto BCH, but only for a maximum of two weeks.Long-term placements would no longer be an option. The average length of stay for a child at BCH is nine months. Many stay until theygraduate high school and some beyond.

“Every situation is unique, and the specificcare one child needs is different than the needs of another,” Henry explained. “DSS must haveevery option available to them. Legislation thatforces them to make decisions based on moneyinstead of a child’s best interest is wrong.”

DSS placements comprise 88% of BCH’s current population. From 2013 to 2015, DSS referrals for BCH’s residential services have increased by 48%.

“With the rise in DSS referrals, it’s not logicalto remove group home care as a solution,”Henry said. “In fact, the numbers state the opposite.”

Under the Family First Act, the overwhelmingoption for DSS would be foster home place-ments.

“There are situations where a foster family is the right solution, and there are times when it’snot,” Henry said. “We have seen many situationswhere a child has been forced to move fromhome to home because the foster family was not equipped to meet the extreme need of that child.”

BCH uses the CARE model (Children andResidential Experiences) in its group homes.Henry said the model gives houseparents and social work staff members the knowledge andstructure needed to help children overcome the trauma they have endured.

“Because of the training our houseparents and social works receive, BCH has been able to provide children from failed foster care placements with successful, long-term care,”Henry said.

One of the other advantages to BCH is that itcan accept siblings. There are currently 33 siblinggroups at BCH throughout the state.

In foster care, many times foster families areunable to accept multiple children resulting inthe brothers and sisters being split apart.

“To me, this is one of the most important options BCH provides,” Henry explained.“When DSS takes custody, these children arehaving to say goodbye to their family. Can youimagine how upsetting it is for them to also losetheir brothers and sisters? Nothing makes us happier at BCH than to be able to keep siblingstogether.”

The passage of the Family First Act could happen quickly as the Senate will reconvene inearly September after its summer recess. Henryand Blackwell are urging everyone to immedi-ately send letters and emails to North CarolinaSenators expressing their concerns.

“It is imperative that everyone who has a heart for children, and a passion for the careand ministry that BCH provides, to let theirvoices be heard today,” Blackwell implored. “Thisis a call to action on behalf of the children in ourstate. They are the potential victims if the FamilyFirst Act passes in its current form.

“Urge our Senators to revisit this legislationand delay action until it is amended to provideevery option necessary for all children to receivethe best possible care.”

Voice your concerns today! Go online towww.bchfamily.org/voice to download a copy of a letter you can send to NC Senators. Send to:

Richard Burr, 217 Russell Senate Office Build-ing, Washington, DC 20510, Ph: 202-224-3154

Thom Tillis, 185 Dirksen Senate Office Build-ing, Washington, DC 20510, Ph: 202-224-6342

For more information, contact BCH’s KeithHenry at 336-474-1215 or at khenry@bchfam-ily.org.

The proposed Family First Act, that could be passed by the Senate in September, would limit Departments of Social Services from referring boys and girls to Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) and other residential child care organizations. Itwould also make it more difficult for DSS to find homes where siblings can stay together. Above, siblings in BCH’s care.

[ URGENT – ACTION REQUESTED }

Proposed billlimits childreferrals to BCH_________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Reach out to NC Senators – www.bchfamily.org/voice____________________________________________________________________

9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8 3.

We all have stories. I have stories and you have stories. Stop for a moment and

remember a story. Remember the people in thestory – those who encouraged you and loved youinto becoming the person you are today. Now, stop and give thanks.

The annual Mills Home and Kennedy HomeHomecoming events are very special. An importantpart of Homecoming is the telling of stories. Someof the stories will make you laugh and some willmake you cry. And sometimes like fish stories, thetales just get bigger and bigger each time told.

I’m fond of a story some of the men tell aboutgoing to the building where the soda machine waskept. (Some alumni will remember the old machinewhere the drinks were kept.)

You put your dime in the slot and pull the leverand the bottle moves to the opening where youreach and get the ice cold soda. The story goes thatthe boys would take the tops off of the drinks cun-ningly, use a straw to drink the soda, and then placethe cap back on the bottle. The next person whobought a drink was in for a big surprise.

I guess boys will be boys, and given the chance I could see girls pulling the same prank.

There are many stories of brokenness that God has taken and made whole again. The Sundayworship service speaker at Mills Home Homecom-ing this year told of how God took the brokennessof a little boy and made it for good. One of thethings he remembered most about living at MillsHome was that his “housemom” was “comfortingto his heart.” Comforting to his heart – those arepowerful words.

Another alum shared how his father abandonedhis mom and five children. He told about the day he and his brothers and sisters came into careand how the case worker placed his hand “into thehand of an angel.”

He said that his angel gave him cleanclothes and made sure he had plenty to eat before he went to bed. His remembered his angel praying with him at bedtime that first nightand how for the first time in his memory heslept between two clean sheets.

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH)houseparents have wonderfulservant hearts. Two preciousgirls who came into care aftertheir mom died remembertheir anger. But they said thattheir houseparents helped. “Ourhouseparents are superb in what theydo for everyone in the cottage. They alwaysgo the extra mile for everyone. They are loving,caring and devoted to helping us kids in need. I love them like they were my real parents.”

I recently asked a few of our kids to describetheir houseparents. Their responses are moving:

“My houseparents are fun and awesome. I wish I could stay here with them forever. When I leave, I will miss them really bad.”

“My houseparents are really great.” “I have houseparents that care about me and

love me a whole lot. They help me live my life.” “My houseparents told me about Jesus.” “My houseparents are the best people in the

world. I can depend on them because I’m not ableto be with my parents right now. My houseparentsalways provide what we need. They care enough to help me be good. I’ve never had anyone careenough to help me. I love them people!”

“Miss Alice is a great cook.” “Miss Sam is a great cook.” “Miss Sandra is a great cook!” “My houseparents are great cooks!” “ My houseparents are nice and really, really

funny. They make me laugh a lot.”

“They spend time with me.” “My houseparents show me Jesus. They answer

my questions and they are really easy to talk to.” “My houseparents prayed with me and prayed

for me and my little girl.”So, what is the best gift you give BCH’s

children? The answer is Christian houseparents –loving, caring servants of God dedicated to healingthe hurt and pain of the boys and girls God entrusts to us each and every day.

Because of your gifts, everytime a houseparentlistens, you are listening. Everytime a houseparentwipes a tear, you are there wiping a tear. Everytimea houseparent tells a child he is precious to God,you are there telling him about a loving Father.Everytime a houseparent says bedtime prayers with a child, you are there praying. Everytime a houseparent bakes a birthday cake and singshappy birthday to a child, you are there singinghappy birthday as well. Every time a houseparenthelps a child with her homework, you are therehelping her with her homework.

Thank you, houseparents, for being our heroes.Thank you, ministry partners – our BCH family, formaking it possible for our children to have loving,caring Christian houseparents to guide them. . .to love them.

Recently, Megan, one of our young ladies starting college this year, made this statement whilesharing her testimony during a worship service: “Iwish every abused child could have the opportunityI have had at Baptist Children’s Homes. . .to be-come stronger. . .to be made whole.”

For more information on how you can help ourhouseparents through your prayers and support,call me at 336-689-4442. Help Megan’s wish thatevery child could have the opportunity to become

stronger. . .to be made whole.

Brenda Gray’s passion is children. She serves BCH as the executive vice president, development & communications. Gray directs all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for the state-wide services.

Leave a legacy through planned giving. Visit bchlegacy.org.

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Christian houseparents offerguidance and love to children______________________________________________________________________________________________

By Brenda B. Gray, Executive Vice President, Development & Communications

Time is running out. . .You’ve thought about it. Then something came up. You thought about giving. Then youwere distracted, again. The Capital Campaign ends soon. There are childrencounting on us to be there when they need hope anda future. Please give now.

Sharing Hope. . .Changing Lives Capital CampaignContact Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442 / bbgray@bchfamily.org

____________________________________________________________________

.4 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

[ 2 0 1 6 A N N U A L O F F E R I N G }

Find video and online resources at bchoffering.org____________________________________________________________________

9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8 5.

N O W Le a d i n g u p to o f f e r i n g d a y O n o r b e f o re o f f e r i n g d a y Af te r t h e o f f e r i n g

Church leaders , use these steps to help your congregat ion col lect i ts best of fer ing . . .

Call or go online to schedule a BCHspeaker for your church.

Need offering posters, bulletins, envelopes? Call or order online.

Pray for how God will useyour church to helpchildren.

Set & announce your goal.

Spread the word!- Hang posters- Pulpit announcements- Share online & in bulletin- Show pre-service slide

Be involved! See & serve!www.bchfamily.org/events.

Pray using the Week of Prayer guide. Download itonline or receive it throughthe offering materials.

Distribute offeringenvelopes and bulletininserts to your churchmembers.

Show this year’s video.

Celebrate your church’s impactin children’s lives.

Keep praying for the children weserve together

Continue to be involved. Seeing your church be a part of BCH events means so much to the children -- www.bchfamily.org/events

When Mills Home’s boys and girlsstepped across the stage at Hope in Style

on August 13, all eyes were fixed on them. Theaudience’s smiles echoed the children’s smiles aseach resident confidently walked the runwaywearing new school clothes.

Out of the audience’s sight, Monica Vaughanwatched. She had worked tirelessly in the weeksleading up to the event as one of the many vol-unteers who serve outside the spotlight to ensureHope in Style shines brightly for the children andeveryone attending the annual event.

“I’ve always been a hands-on person and I don’t mind working,” says Vaughan who is very involved at her church, First Baptist ChurchGreensboro, as well as other organizations.

Growing up in Baptist life, Vaughan was famil-iar with Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH). ButHope in Style was her way to become directly involved. BCH’s Jennie Counts, and Vaughan’sfriend, recommendedVaughan to Hope inStyle coordinator KarenSlate who invited her tohelp plan the inauguralevent in 2012.

“It sounded like awonderful opportunityto do something posi-tive for the children,”Vaughan remembers.“Karen’s excitementmade me want to be in-volved. I had no ideahow I was going tohelp, but I was willingto do whatever theyneeded.”

In fact, Vaughan jumped in headfirst becomingthe Hope in Style committee chairperson for theevent’s first three years. “That first year was achallenge. None of us on the committee could’vedone it by ourselves, but we were able to pull itoff together – God’s grace allowed us to do it.”

Slate affirms Vaughan’s servant heart. “Monicais such a servant-minded person. She gives somuch even in areas that aren’t her responsibility.She’s our top ticket salesperson every year. She’sa multi-year sponsor. She picks up donations forthe event. She serves anywhere I ask.”

With a successful first year behind them, the committee turned its attention to the nextyear’s event. At that time, Vaughan had no ideahow Hope in Style 2013 would hold unexpected

significance. Life served heartbreak to Vaughan when her

husband Dr. Edwin Vaughan passed in 2008.Three years later, she lost the family dog Minnie.

“My sister gave us Minnie,” she recalls. “Shebrought her by the housewhile I was gone, and Dr.Vaughan fell in love with herbefore I got home.”

A life-long dog owner,Vaughan took in a rescue dog,Samantha, after Minnie died.She succumbed to lymphomaeight months after Vaughanbrought her home.

“It was heartbreaking –they become member of your family,” Vaughan divulges. “When you gothrough the heartbreak of losing a dog you have to waitawhile, but I knew I didn’twant to be without one.”

During the second year’s Hope in Style,Vaughan was introduced to a golden retrieverpuppy who was the prize for the event’s live auc-tion. The auction was a win-win for Vaughan.Her winning bid benefitted BCH’s boys and girlsand she received a new furry family member.

The puppy was named Doctor Edwin ofGhent. Ghent is the neighborhood in Norfolk,VA where her husband grew up. She calls herdog “Doc” for short.

“He attached himself to my heart,” Vaughansays smiling. “Doc’s a handful, but he’s a sweet-heart, and I love him to death.”

Each year, Vaughan has poured her heart intothe planning and execution for each of the fiveHope in Style events. The past two years, she has

served as the chairperson of the decorating com-mittee. Driven by her growing passion for BCH,Vaughan continues to be a top ticket seller en-couraging people to attend.

“Just like anything great, you have to be thereto experience it and to understand my excitementfor Hope in Style,” Vaughan explains.

At the end of it all, Vaughan brings the spot-light back to BCH’s children: “It’s about seeingthe faces of the children as they walk the runwayin their new outfits with smiles glowing from earto ear. It’s educational. It’s inspirational. It’sabout giving hope. That’s what it’s all about.”

Special Thanks: Hope in Style is grateful for thevolunteers, sponsors and silent auction donorswho made the 2016 event a success. Thank youto Belk in High Point, AFTERDISASTER andVanguard Ministries for being this year’s leadsponsors. And thank you to special emcee WFMYNews 2’s Tanya Rivera, entertainers Letters fromHome, and the Greensboro Country Club forproviding the perfect event location.

[ HOPE IN STYLE 2016 }

Vaughan’s heartshines throughvolunteering_________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Residents from Mills Home in Thomasville walk onto the stage during the finale of Hope in Style 2016. The August 13style show, where the boys and girls parade new back-to-school outfits provided by Belk in High Point, marked the event’s

fifth anniversary. Each year, Hope in Style is held at the Greensboro Country Club.

Keep up with BCH on Facebook – facebook.com/bchfamily____________________________________________________________________

.6 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

Monica Vaughan, right, found her new puppythrough Hope in Style 20013. Vaughan poses with

Doc and her daughter Stephanie Frazier.

Western Area Conference:Sept. 8 – Broyhill Home, Clyde

Friends of Children Workdays:Sept. 10 – Mills Home, Thomasville; Kennedy

Home, Kinston; Cameron Boys CampSept. 17 – Odum Home, Pembroke;

Camp Duncan, Aberdeen Sept. 24 – Oak Ranch, Broadway

Camp Duncan Founders Day:Sept. 27– in Aberdeen

Complete listing of events at bchfamily.org/events.

B C H D AT E S T O R E M E M B E R

Children who are learning to overcome obstacles in their lives witnessed a historic

example of people who triumphed over numer-ous difficulties through perseverance and faith.

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) residentsfrom across the state visited the Waldensian Trail of Faith located in Valdese, NC on Tuesday, August 9. The site is a full-scale depiction, highlighting the history of the Waldensians, early Christian settlers who traveled from theirhomeland in the Alpine valleys of Italy to thefoothills of North Carolina seeking religious freedom and a better future for their families.

The experience was the focus of this year’sThomas H. Davis Runway for Success. Each year,Runway provides a hands-on educational experi-ence for BCH’s older residents to inspire them asthey consider their plans for the future. The dayis made possibleby the Tom DavisFund establishedby Piedmont Airlines founderThomas H. Davis.

“Every year we are grateful for what the Tom Davis Fund provides,” BCHpresident/CEOMichael C. Black-well said. “Run-way not onlyprovides the highest quality experiencesfor our residents, but it always attracts exemplary hosts.”

This year’s host was former N.C. StateSenator Jim Jacumin and staff members at Waldensian Trail of Faith. He served in the North Carolina State Senate, repre-senting District 44, from 2005 to 2011.

“Senator Jacumin is an amazing man of faith,” Blackwell said. “Our residentswere able to benefit from his wisdom that was shared from a Christ-centeredperspective.”

A Waldensian by heritage, Jacumin established the Trail of Faith in Valdese to share this legacy and inspire others. Hesaw it as a perfect opportunity to connectwith BCH’s residents.

“The Waldensian story is a powerful story,”Jacumin said. “It was my prayer that God wouldbless their visit and that it would inspire them asthey learned about people who gave their lives for

their beliefs.”As the residents

toured the replicas of the buildings andmonuments, theylearned about the persecution the Waldensians endured in Europeand how they foundtheir freedom inAmerica.

In addition,Jacumin spenttime speaking to the childrenregarding his varied experi-ences includinghis time as the former owner ofa manufacturingplant.

Most impor-tantly, he spokewith them aboutthe Biblical wis-dom that shapedhis own personaljourney.

“I shared the things that

helped keep me on the straight path,” he said.“First, you can’t go wrong doing right. Next,every action we take has two consequences – oneon earth and one in heaven. And third, if God

can’t bless it then He can’t be for it. I challengedthem to put their decisions to this test beforemaking a choice.”

As inspired as the children were by Jacuminand the historic journey of the Waldensians, the former senator was equally impressed withBCH’s boys and girls.

“You could tell that these young people realize the importance of the Lord in their livesand the people at BCH who care for them,” heexplained. “A lot of great questions came fromthem. I’m confident we’ll have some pastors andmissionaries come out of this group one day.”

[ 2016 RUNWAY FOR SUCCESS }

Former statesenator shareshis faith__________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8 7.Read life-changing stories at bchblog.org

Residents from Baptist Children’s Homes participated in the 2016 Thomas H. Davis Runway for Success. The annualeducational experience is made possible by the Tom Davis Fund. Above, host Jim Jacumin gives children a tour of the

Waldensian Trail of Faith in Valdese. Middle, Runway participants pose for the annual group photo. Below, Camp Duncanresident Jada crawls out of the replica cave depicting where the Waldensians worshipped in secret to avoid persecution.

Share the Baptist Children’s Homes Story by

Scheduling a Speaker

Invite a BCH speaker to share at your church. It’s a perfect way to prepare your congregation for

the ANNUAL OFFERING.

Call today as speakingengagement dates are

filling up quickly!

Call 336.474.1209 or v is itwww.bchfamily.org/speaker .

It’s the final day of 2016 Homecoming at Mills Home. Attendees have laughed, fellow-

shipped, and eaten great food. Now, they gatherin Mills Home Baptist Church located at the center of the Thomasville campus. The formerresidents from across the years, today’s boys andgirls, former and current staff members, andfriends and family members find their seats as the organ chimes ring in the worship hour.

The speaker, Reverend Dwight Millsaps, is introduced by Mills Home Alumni Associationpresident Bob Mayton. Millsaps lived at MillsHome with his sister Frieda in the 1960s. Today,he is the pastor of God’s Gathering Place inCleveland, Tennessee.

“It’s been an emotional weekend for me,”Millsaps says. “I left Mills Home when I was 15years old. I realized Friday night when I laid myhead on the pillow here on campus – I realized ithad been 50 years since I slept here as a boy.”

Millsaps has the alumni’s attention as he recounts living at Mills Home. He tells storiesabout the hay barn, the grain silo, and deliveringfresh milk from the Home’s dairy cows to all thecottages. He tells of playing sports, how he hadbeen an all-star basketball player and had scored21 points in a championship game.

Millsaps remembers the superintendent, cottage parents and coaches. The audience of

mostly former residents chuckle, wipe an occasional tear, and reminisce with each story.

The boys and girls who live at Mills Hometoday listen politely. After all, it was a time for the alumni who have returned home for theweekend. But then Millsap turns his attention to the present day.

“This is for the children, now,” he says as thecurrent residents sit up in their seats. “It’s okay.

I’ve sat where you are sittingand I don’t think I listened to the preacher then either.”

The former child in caretold the boys and girls thatGod has a plan for their lives.“You may not see it now. It’s hard from where you are sitting today to know thatGod is at work in your life.”

Then Millsaps began thetale of his journey. He tellshow he came to Mills Homeafter his parents’ breakup. He confesses he was angry.He says he was furious thathis parents wouldn’t fix theirproblems.

Then he talks about thepeople who helped the hurtsubside. “Seeds were plantedin my heart when I livedhere – seeds of love. I learnedBible verses that I remembertoday. I was taught how tobehave in the world and getalong with others”

He tells how after he left

Mills Home, he fought in Vietnam. He tellsthem about returning home and going to workand how one day his life was changed forever.

“I got off my pride and God began to work in my life,” he begins. “I was sitting in my worktruck and the Holy Spirit began to touch myheart. I knew I was supposed to be up that telephone pole and do my job, but I ended upwalking around my truck for 45 minutes. Finally,on top of that pole I collapsed across the supportand cried out, ‘Lord Jesus, save me.’”

He tells the audience that getting right with God remedies things. Six years later he surrendered to the ministry and his life came fully into focus.

“Being here is not permanent,” he tells thechildren. “Your past may have been horrifying.We all have had bad things happen to us. But lifecomes into focus the day you get saved. Remem-ber, you’re here only for a little while. I assureyou that God has something for you. You are the best of His creation. He made you in Hisimage and loves you more than the stars above.Look toward your future. Look to God for yourtomorrows.”

[ MILLS HOME HOMECOMING )

Preacher returnsto share a word___________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson Editor

The guest speaker at the 2016 Homecoming worship service on August 7 was Reverend Dwight Millsaps. Millsaps is a Mills Home (MH) alum and the pastor of God’s Gathering Place in Cleveland Tennessee. Millsaps and his sister lived at

MH in the 1960s. During his message, he encouraged the current children in care. He told the boys and girls that God hada plan for their lives. He reminded them that there was much to learn and encouraged them to work on their futures.

Subscribe family and friends online at bchfamily.org/subscribe____________________________________________________________________

.8 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

Mills Home HomecomingMore than 500 alumni, children in care, current and former staff members,and friends and families attended Mills Home Homecoming on August 5-7 in Thomasville. The event is produced by the Mills Home Alumni Associationin conjunction with Mills Home staff and children. The oldest building oncampus, Mitchell Museum, was recently restored under the leadership of former BCH staffer Charles Tanner. During the Sunday worship time, theAlumni Association honored alumna and BCH columnist Lib Johnson by dedicating the newly refurbished Alumni Room in her honor. Above, JaniceDoherty and BCH president Michael C. Blackwell with Johnson, center, and the plaque that will be placed at the door of the room.

W E ’ R E O P E N !Fancy Finds upscale resale

shop is open the following days:Sept. 16 - 17, Oct. 14 - 15 and

Nov. 18 - 19. For more information, call us at

704.909.8223.

Mills Home / 201-E Idol Street / Thomasville, NC 27360

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni

Homecoming at Mills Home(MH) began and the child in

each of us was really geared up forthat Friday evening with the promiseof ice cream – generously and anony-mously provided.

One MH resident said he and hisfriends “...really enjoyed eating thedelicious banana splits served up byMayberry and we just enjoyed hang-ing out with our friends and thealumni. It was very interesting talk-ing to so many people who hadgrown up at Mills Home.”

The young man continued, “Themagic show put on by DouglasMichael Jones was great. He made itreally interesting using people fromthe audience. I guess my favoritetrick was the ‘bottle trick’ which Iwas asked to take part. That wasfun.” (Douglas is an alumnus fromCalifornia who presented his showfree. Thanks, Douglas!)

On Saturday, one of the most ex-citing things offered for sale was thenew Mills Home t-shirt with kids onan “ocean wave” and lettering saying“I’m Home!” People bought theshirts and wore them the rest of theday adding to the theme “Spirit ofthe 1970s.” For lunch, Homecomerswere able to buy an inexpensivelunch of hotdogs and peach cobblerand then just mill about visiting.Folks who ate dinner with the groupon Homecoming Saturday eveningbragged more than ever about thedelicious food. As always, it was pre-pared and served by Danny and JaneHelms Brown with their faithful assis-tants Jimmy and Linda Rochelle, SanaQuigley, Greg Lineberry, MichaelCooper and friend, Ally Thomas,Jeanie Cooper and some MH kids.

During the Alumni Association’syearly meeting on Saturday, the busi-ness was carried out most efficientlyby Estie Culler Johnson. Bob Maytonpresented a special award to CaseyMedlin for being a loyal alumnus andfor the special encouragement he hasgiven all his life to community youth.He turned 101 on August 7.

Estie presented the Oscar Awardto Kaye Trantham Mills for her pro-fessional skills and loyal dedication tothe Alumni Association and then

Estie concluded her two-year termby turning the gavel over to the newpresident Bob Mayton. Estie placedflowers in the church in memory ofSherry Yow and in honor of theAlumni Council. Her note on Face-Book read: “The council membersdid a wonderful job representing theAssociation all year and especially atHomecoming.”

Most of the council members wereinvolved with multiple jobs duringHomecoming. They are: James Byrd,Barbara Bustle Canipe, Janice LewisDoherty, Joan Towe Higgins, EstieCuller Johnson, Lib Johnson, Pat Jolly,Evelyn McDonald Leigh, Bob Mayton,Kaye Trantham Mills, Gene Staton,Sharon DeHart Stiles, Charles Tanner,Larry Vaughan, Cecelia TownsendWilkerson, Jay Wood, and Diane JollyBenoist (unable to come this year.)

Estie commented further on theMembership Committee’s super jobin recruiting members. People whosigned up for membership this yearwere promised door prizes which in-cluded three baskets of goodies, a flatscreen TV, and a framed print of thechurch painted by Phil Christman.

During Saturday’s dinner andafter the business meeting, we weretreated to great music from the1970s played for us by a friend ofHomecoming Chairman CeceliaTownsend Wilkerson. It was a grandscene as attendees enjoyed oldfriends and showed off their fabulous70s costumes. There were some awe-some dancers and a grand light show.

The Sunday morning’s worshipservice was launched mightily by anenergetic choir singing some favoritehymns led by Sharon Stiles and ac-companied by Randy and DianeStewart.

Dwight Millsaps did a fantastic jobdelivering a very uplifting sermon.He was passionate in his delivery andwe were all able to relate to his mes-sage. As the offering was beingtaken, a video of campus scenesspanning many years streamed oninto the singing of the last song,making for a really meaningful addi-tion to a most excellent service. Thevideo was by Kaye Mills.

After a touching plea from CliftonLambreth for alumni to contribute

what they could toward the SharingHope. . .Changing Lives CapitalCampaign – part of that to be usedto renovate the Mills Home BaptistChurch – Dr. Blackwell added hismeaningful remarks and closed theservice with his usual invitation andpromise: “Come on back home;we’ll leave the lights on for you.”

In Memoriam will be listed in mycolumn in the next issue of Charity& Children. Names of deceasedalumni that came in very late andwere not yet mentioned are: CharlesLeonard Evans, Clyde Jolly, LynnTurner Hassell, Wade Register (staff),and Julia Whitley Bush. (I’ll providenotes on these later.)

After lunch on Sunday, folks enjoyed listening to the music of JoeKnight and the Knight Hawks at theamphitheater. They were part of theworship service as well. At 2:00, folkswere able to claim the items biddedsuccessfully on during this year’ssilent auction which claimed thegreatest profit ever. Other great features of Homecoming weekendwere the watermelon cutting, visitingthe Mitchell Museum and some cottages, and cooling off in theswimming pool.

Kaye Trantham Mills asked in the church bulletin that people writeto me and share their feelings aboutHomecoming. Barbara Canipe wrote:“One of the best Homecomings yet!I always enjoy seeing my brothersand sisters from MH.” ShirleyCombs Price wrote: “There are notenough words to describe how won-derful it is to come home again.”Julie Maiden Long wrote: “I had awonderful time with all my brothersand sisters from MH. Seeing every-one put a huge smile on my face andjoy in my heart. I did not want it toend. I love all of you very much.”Cecelia Townsend Wilkerson wrote:“I offer a special thank you to: FloraHicks Patton, Jeanie Helms Cooper,Harry Walls, Barbara Bustle Canipe,Diane Bustle Magos, and FlorencioMagos, Mark Wilkerson and RustyBunker for all your hard work inhelping me with Homecoming. I couldn’t have done it without yougiving of your experience and hardwork. Thanks also to Jim and Linda

Rochelle for showing us the ropesand providing all the supplies for theSilent Auction.” Jerrie Duckett Stew-art wrote: “I really enjoyed seeingthe photos and videos from EvelynLorene Burns and Joe Knight. Forthose of us who were unable to attend, we really enjoyed seeing allthe action.” Shirley Maxwell wrote:“It was wonderful being home yes-terday and seeing my brothers andsisters and listening to an awesomemessage from Pastor Dwight Millsapsof Cleveland, TN. He really broughtit all home to us. The Knight Hawkswere great with their music and thebarbeque and chicken in the gymwas delicious. Dr. Blackwell gave a good speech. It was so special andgood to be back in the church whereI found Jesus Christ. Thank God forthe wonderful education I found inthis church and at Mills Home. Andthank God for my brothers and sisters.” Jackie Elliott Walker wrote:“Part of the weekend celebration included seeing the kids currently living on campus and our oldestalumni Casey Medlin still gettingaround on his own! Loved hearingthe chimes again! The church wasfilled with children and alumni onSunday. I hope all alumni will con-tribute a gift to help with the neededupgrades and roof for our belovedchurch. Clifton Lambreth spoke withsuch passion in asking for our com-mitment to help, with any amount,to pay for those much needed up-grades. Also, but not least, congratu-lations to you Lib Johnson for thewell deserved recognition of all yourhard work over many years. It is awell earned recognition for you!”

I included Jackie’s note because itwas inclusive of several things, and italso gives me an opportunity to offera better “thank you” than I did Sun-day. I was really surprised and so verythrilled to have the Alumni Room inthe Mitchell Museum named in myhonor. Thank you so much, Estie,Janice and Dr. Blackwell and the

Mills Home AlumniAssociation.

Lib Johnson was a resident of MillsHome from 1946 to 1957. Johnsonbegan writing the Mills Home alumnicolumn in 1992.

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Homecoming highlights include ice cream, a 70s beat, toe-tapping bluegrass, and loads of fun!_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Lib Smathers Johnson (336) 299-7412 libsjohnson@triad.rr.com

____________________________________________________________________

9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8 9.

Be a part of BCH’s statewide events at bchfamily.org/events____________________________________________________________________

.10 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

_________________________________Ten Year Old Packs a Bunch

Ten-year-old Kira Harmon, who just completedthird grade, organized a backpack drive at her elementary school. Her family attends SouthErwin Baptist Church in Erwin NC. Kira asked thechildren at her school and her church to donatebackpack and school supplies for Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH). Kira, her parents andfriends from church delivered 81 backpacks toBlackwell Cottage at Kennedy Home in Kinston.While there, Kira prayed for the girls at the cottage and sang a worship song for them. Thegirls gave their new friend a tour of the cottageand shared snacks._________________________________Broyhill Home

Children are making new memories this summerat Broyhill Home in Clyde. The boys, girls andhouseparents visited Dollywood in June wherethey rode rides and played at the water park.________________________________Odum HomeChildren from Odum Home in Pembroke traveledto McNeill Home, BCH’s cottage at Indian Beach,to spend a week at the ocean with their housepar-ents. While there, Jeremiah and the children fromOdum’s Latta Harnett Cottage met Blackbeard

while visiting Beaufort Pirate Adventures. Learnmore about BCH’s Pembroke campus atodumhome.org.________________________________Developmental Disabilities Ministry

Though they live an hour apart, the ladies livingat Lanier Home in Sanford and the AsheboroHome are great friends. In July, the adult residentsfrom the two group homes came together for a“ladies’ night.” The two groups spent the eveninglaughing and catching up with one another. Findmore information at hereismyhome.org.________________________________Guatemala Orphanage

In June, a team comprised of volunteers and BCH staff members traveled to the Good Shepherd Children’s Home in Xela, Guatemala.BCH continues to provide support and training for the orphanage’s team of caregivers and staff.Volunteers from Lake Norman Baptist Church andApex Baptist Church tackled different projects including caring for the babies while nurseryworkers completed other tasks. Learn aboutGood Shepherd Children’s Home and how youcan help the orphans at orphanreach.org.

________________________________Camp Duncan

Campers from Camp Duncan in Aberdeen recently completed a 240-mile, 21-day canoetrip. The girls from BCH’s residential wildernessministry began their journey in the OkefenokeeSwamp. They paddled through the SuwanneeRiver and finished their adventure in the Gulf ofMexico. Learn more about Camp Duncan atcampduncanNC.org.________________________________Care House

Volunteers from BB&T donated their time andmoney this past spring to benefit Care House inLenoir. Employees from the bank’s Lenoir branchworked at the home’s playground adding ashaded sitting area where the toddlers could restand enjoy a snack. Care House is a group homefor single, teenage mothers and their babies.________________________________Mills Home

Members of the Pee Dee Baptist Association delivered food and water to Mills Home inThomasville. The association collected the itemsfor relief efforts in West Virginia and gave whatwas not needed to BCH. Above is director of missions C.J. Bordeaux.

[ AROUND THE STATE }

Every day at churches and BCH facilities “around the state,” residents, staff members and North Carolina Baptists are mak-

ing news. In Charity & Children and through BCH's social media posts, friendscan connect daily, weekly and monthly to learn about all of BCH's happenings.______________________________________________________________________________________

Stay connected online at www.bchfamily.org and on Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, and Vimeo. Also follow NCBAM (www.ncbam.org) and BCH'sDevelopmental Disabilities Ministry (www.hereismyhome.org).

Get Involvedwww.bchfamily.org/getinvolved

You can meet the daily needs ofBCH’s boys and girls by sharingyour time, talents and resources:___________________________________

Food Angel: Through your FoodAngel sponsorship you provide regular meals to Baptist Children'sHomes' boys and girls. For as little as$4.92 a month, you can help provide36 meals to children and families in need. Become a sponsor atbchnc.org/bchfoodangels

Friends of Children Workdays:The perfect one-day missions out-reach. Projects for all ages! StatewideBCH workdays available in May and September. See 2016 dates onpage 8. Call 336-474-1209.

Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting a “Mile of Pennies.” When caring forhundreds of children, it takes every-one working together – one pennyadded to another penny and then another penny. Continue to multiplythe pennies and just imagine how faryou can go in making a real differ-ence! Call 336-474-1209.

Gently-Used Furniture Donationsand Volunteer Opportunities:Fancy Finds takes your gently-usedfurniture and home decor items andcreatively repurposes them to help all of BCH’s ministries. Fancy Findsneeds items as well as volunteers.Learn more at fancyfinds.org or call 704-909-8223.

Recycle Projects: Collect emptyprinter cartridges (laser, inkjet andfax cartridges). Deliver items to anyBCH facility or use prepaid shippinglabels to send items to recycler. Mil-lions of cartridges are thrown awayeach year. Begin collecting and helpthis year-round program earn moneyfor children. You can recycle cellphones, too. Call 336-474-1209.

Sweet Dreams Bed Sponsor: Youcan sponsor a child’s bed and ensurethey know that you care about them.A plaque with your name engraved,and if you choose the name of an individual you honor or memorialize,is affixed on or above a child's bed.Your special gift serves as a reminderto children that you are rememberingthem as they slip away to “sweetdreams.” Call 336-474-1277 or visitbchnc.org/bedsponsor.

Sharing Hope...Changing LivesCapital Campaign: The campaign isabout securing BCH’s future so thatchildren and families who come intocare at the ministry’s 19 statewide locations can count on having thesafe home and care they need. Con-tact Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442.Visit bchfamily.org/campaign.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kennedyhomealumni

Kennedy Home (KH) in August is an exciting place

as children get ready for the start of a new school year. Throughoutits history, school starting broughtnew beginnings. It’s good to knowthat many of the children who livedat KH finished high school andwent on to college.

Kennedy Home is a place wherelives are changed. New friends are made. Responsibility is taughtand everyone is introduced to community and the value of livingtogether and getting along. Andmost importantly, children are giventhe opportunity to accept the Lordinto their lives.

You could argue that these things would not happen if the children had not come to KennedyHome. We need to pray every dayfor Baptist Children’s Homes allacross the state and the hundreds of children in care.

Send me your stories of days pastwhen you were in school; what youdid after high school graduation;where life took you; and about yourchildren and grandchildren. Pleasesend me your stories!

And now a note from Doris Hartley Powers (46-59): “GreetingsJohn and Becky, I hope this letterfinds you in good spirits even if your physical domain threatens otherwise. Some of us are learningthat each decade, perhaps each day,presents new challenges and wehave to employ creative ways ofovercoming. I thank God for Hisabiding presence and the dear soulswe have met on the journey with us!Following are some recollections forus to remember.

“Each summer after my freshmanand sophomore years at Gardner-Webb College, I would always stopat the Kennedy Home office andvisit with then Superintendent, W.A.Smith. During that first visit, he inquired about my plans for thesummer. Upon learning that I had not yet begun the search, he proposed that I become therecreational leader for the campus.

In short order, Jenny Murray joinedme in that effort and we had thebest time ever taking the boys andgirls on hikes to the Skeeter Hutand other places that had been “for-bidden” when we were growing upat Kennedy Home. She and I en-joyed boundless energy back then,but Dickie Maynad declared that we nearly walked his little legs off! He was so cute – still is.

“The second summer found me in the role of temporary house-mother at the Biggs Cottage untilSeptember 1. Assisting me was Mrs. Etta Justice who was the cookfor Biggs and had served in that capacity when I was a child in thatvery cottage. Her daughter Brendaand I were friends back then and remain so to this very day. Home-coming that summer had my peerscoming over to Biggs to see thehousemother’s room and to sit on the bed while laughing about theirown stories when they too had livedthere. It was a bit strange taking on the role of houseparent at such a young age, but with Mrs. Justiceas my mentor I flourished. She wasa kind and good-natured person and yet stern when correction wasrequired. She didn’t hold grudgesagainst you and we all felt her love.

“Eventually, I became the veryperson others had affirmed in mefor so many years – a teacher. It wasindeed my calling and God providedall that I needed for the classroomduring those eleven years growingup at Kennedy Home and those twovery special summers that followed.Love you!”

A note from former houseparentTom Koblinsky (72-79): “I havebeen wanting to write to you forquite a while about Kennedy Homefrom a staff member’s view and howmy wife Sally and I got involved atKH. At the time we lived on Hwy258, this young man moved in nextdoor to us by the name of HoraceHawes. It seemed that he wouldshow up at dinner time, of course,and wanted to have dinner with us.While we grew to be friends, he toldus about Kennedy Home. He askedus to become a visiting home to

a young boy by the name of DonCook. We enjoyed him so much, westarted attending church at KennedyHome. There we met Mr. MelvinWalker who asked us to supply forhim at Biggs Cottage which turnedinto a full-time supply at Biggs andthen Ferebee Cottage. After that we became full-time houseparents for Biggs Cottage.

“I can see now how God justreeled us in a little at a time. KH ismore than just a home for children,it’s a place of love, hurt, pain, andgrowth – not only for the ones incare but also for the ones giving the care. I know I loved everyonewho was there. I also hurt for themknowing why they were there andnot wanting to be there. I also felt pain every time one would run away.

“However, we also had a lot offun in our cottage. I remember theday a bat got loose in the cottageand all the girls were running forcover. The times we would talk with them and help with schoolhomework. To see them growing inthe Lord as they did, singing in thechoirs, and piano lessons. I remem-ber thinking what joy their parentswere missing out on.

“Kennedy Home has been a bigpart of my life and always will be. I thank our Lord for using me andmy wife in such a wonderful way.We are in touch with some who wecared for and pray that all are well in the Lord Jesus. I could go on for hours telling you about thebeach trips, Christmas and King’sDominion trips.

“When we first moved into Biggs Cottage, we had boys andgirls. One day, the older boyswanted to go frogging in the streamthat runs through the farm. Thiswould be at night so I would haveto go with them. Needless to say wehad a good time hunting some nicesize bull frogs. When we all gotback, the boys took one of the frogs and put it into one of the girl’s bed.I never heard such screaming.

“Yes, it was fun. But my wifeSally had different thoughts. That

is why Biggs became an all girl’scottage. There are more stories forlater. Signing off for now.” In HisLove, Tom Koblinsky

Thanks, Tom. I remember ridingall over KH campus to visit folks.One night I was over at Biggs visiting with the children and theKoblinsky family. After a while it got real late and I didn’t realize I had stayed so late – past their bedtime. I ran out the door, jumped on my bicycle and took offdown the drive. Before I knew it,Mr. Vance Russ pulled up besideme – scared me to death. He was on campus duty that night andthought I was one of the boys. He sounded so stern until he sawthat it was me.

Pray for Mr. Russ and his wifeDoris. They have a lot of health is-sues. They had three boys who areall doing well. Next time I will startmy column with a great note fromJames Odell McNeill (58-68).

A note from DeAnn Pierce Parker (85-88). “Coming back to the beach cottage after 24 yearsbrought back a flood of memories. I remember us girls cutting up outback in the sound and all the selfieswe took at the beach before selfiesever existed. I sped through thesewonderful four days with one of myvery best friends from back then –Mary Feige. We reconnected a fewyears ago and it was as if time hadstood still. I have been blessed tomeet so many other alumni who feellike I do. Our experiences at KHmade us not only the people we aretoday, but family. Thanks should goout to all who attended and madethe retreat such a wonderful experi-ence. Love to all!”

If you are reading this column,send me some information and I’ll mention you in next month’sCharity & Children. And remem-

ber, Becky and I loveyou all!

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

School starting brings new beginnings –Alumna remembers affirmation to become teacher_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By John Thompson, 2324 Country Club Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546 (252)671-3515 jthompson117@ec.rr.com

John Thompson was the choir director at Kennedy Home from1972-1977. Today, he enjoys a veryactive retirement.

____________________________________________________________________

9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8 11.

More Homeword at bchfamily.org/charityandchildren____________________________________________________________________

.12 9/16 – Charity & Children – 129/8

Calling All State Employees!Choose BCH as your charity in theState Employees Combined Campaign.SECC code is 3641. Encourage others toas well and better the lives of childrenand families in North Carolina.

We participate in these areas:C F C # 3 3 2 4 1

Research Triangle Area CFCCape Fear Area CFCCamp Lejeune/OnslowCounty/New River CFCSoutheastern North Carolina (includes Fort Bragg)

Greater North Carolina CFCCherry Point CFCRowan/Iredell County CFCCFC Central CarolinasCFC of Western NC

South Hampton Roads CFC(Camden, Chowan, Currituck,Dare, Gates, Hertford,Pasquotank, and PerquimansCounties and Albemarle andElizabeth City)

1. Western Area Family ServicesLinda Morgan, Lead Dir. 828-627-9254

2. Central Area Family Services Regina Keener, Dir. 336-474-1200

3. Eastern Area Family Services Brian Baltzell, Dir., 252-522-0811

3. Odum Home Kathy Locklear, Res. Campus Mgr.910-521-3433

4. Cameron Boys Camp Stephen Ashton, Dir. 910-245-4034

5. Camp Duncan for Girls Paul Daley, Dir. 910-944-3077

6. Oak Ranch/Family CareLynn Garner, Dir. 336-474-1240

7. Weekday EducationLinda Russo, Dir., 336-474-1201

8.Dev. Disabilities Ministry Peggy Pennington, Dir. 336-474-1261

9. NC Baptist Aging MinistrySandy Gregory, Dir. 336-474-1221

10.Fancy FindsRenee Gregory, Dir.704-909-8223

11. Good Shepherd MinistriesGuatemala Orphanage & ClinicKeith Henry, BCH COO336-474-1215

Can we help?BCH offers services for children and families. Need help, call 1-800-476-3669.

There are times when parents are absent. Tragic circumstances like

death or instances when a parent’s neglectare cause for separation.

There are times when a parent is called away. A career, vocation or dutytakes moms and dads away for a season.My dad served our country during the Vietnam War in harm’s way. Mom didwhat military wives do and lovingly tuckedus beneath her wings assuring my fatherthat all would be okay on the home front.

Dad’s assignment was a key B-52bomber base located in Thailand.Mom, my siblings and I retreated

to the country home my pawpawbuilt for retirement. The JimWalter framed house was

finished over years of weekends and

vacations.

It was situated on land that was oncefarmed by my grandmother’s parents –nestled in a stand of loblolly pines alongLa. Hwy. 488. My mawmaw’s youngerbrother, Grant, lived across the road.

Uncle Grant, Aunt Dale and their sevenchildren lived a simpler life. Although heworked all his life as a lineman for a powercompany from 8 to 5, his passion andtheir world revolved around his family’sold homeplace where he raised farm animals and grew crops.

Dad wasn’t gone long before I began to miss him. People joked that I was likehis shadow. We didn’t play ball often andmost times I did not choose our activity,but he always welcomed me by his side as he went about the tasks that kept hishands busy. “Come on Jimbo, I need to change the oil in the car.”

Dad was military for 21 years. Formuch of my siblings’ life, my family livedfrom military base to military base. Beingthe youngest of the four, this was my firsttime to have Dad away.

Uncle Grant was a kind man. His clearblue eyes sparkled and there was always a light-hearted chuckle beneath his breath.Seeing me alone playing in the yard oneday, he called across the road and asked

if I and my brother would like togo with him and his two

sons to gather firewoodhe had recently cut

in the woods on his property.

“Mom, Uncle Grant asked if Eddie and I could go with him to get firewood,”I burst through the screen door announc-ing. “Can we, Mom? Can we?”

With Mom’s blessing, we darted across the road and around their house in time to hear the pop and chug as UncleGrant started his old, rusted John Deeretractor. My cousins Richard and Gregwere already sitting at the rear of the rickety wood trailer. We climbed aboardand Uncle Grant announced between the engine’s chugs, “All right boys, here we go!”

This was the first of many times whenUncle Grant blurred the lines between hisboys and Eddie and me. Later, there wereinvitations to be there when he broke therows of dirt in his garden revealing largesweet potatos; to join his children to makeAunt Dale’s homemade popcorn balls; and to eat ice cold watermelon on hot Saturday afternoons under the big liveoak tree in their backyard. Uncle Grantmade a big difference in my young life.

Despite the circumstances, when parents are away, there are opportunitiesfor others to step up and fill the void.Children need loving adults in their lives.While Dad was away from me and my siblings, it was Uncle Grant. For the hundreds of children in care at BaptistChildren’s Homes, it is the loving houseparents and staff members. For children in North Carolina communities,it is the concerned neighbor, the schoolteacher committed to a child’s future suc-cess, or church and community volunteerswho are tutors, mentors and coaches.

Look around. Be open. Sometimes theleast of these only need a fewhours to fill the void.Edminson writes “Homeword” to inspire and encourage families. He is available for preaching and speaking engagements. Email him at wjedmin-son@bchfamily. org or call 1-800-476-3669, ext.1217 to schedule a date.

Uncle Grantfills the void_____________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

[ H O M E W O R D }