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

$250,000 challenge issued! Double your financial gift from now until January 31, 2015. (see page 5)

11/14_________________ 127/10_________________

[ “You are ‘Being Christ’s Hands.’” – Blackwell }

[ BREAKING NEWS: First baby arrives at Guatemala orphanage! }

With your help, children are redeemed. Please give. – Michael C. Blackwell

Four‐year‐old Raygen.

NCBAM Convention Presentation Celebrating five years!Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11:00

____________________________________________________________________

2 11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10

Charity & Children – Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Michael C. Blackwell, publisher; W. James 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 forfriends and supporters of Baptist Children’s Homes and is printed at Triangle Web Printing, Durham, NC. It is 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 additionalmailing offices. For free subscription, or to be removed from the mailing list or make address correction or change, use the aboveaddress and write to “Attn: Circulation Manager,” send an email to address@bchfamily.org or call at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online atwww.bchfamily.org/contact/index/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Charity & Children, P.O. Box 338,Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

Sharing Hope...Changing Lives at www.bchfamily.org/campaign

You are Baptist Children’s Homes! You are BCH. Especially this month, you are

B-C-H.Our annual offering (usually taken during

the Thanksgiving season) has a record goal of$1,500,000. It will require our finest efforts toachieve it. But, we will do it because you are:

Being Christ’s HandsWhen I think of Being Christ’s Hands,

my mind goes to the feeding of the 5,000 asrecorded in John 6:1-13. This was the originaldinner on the grounds. But, there was no barbe-cue, sweet tea, or awesome deserts.

What there was, however, was a bunch of hungry people. Jesus had taught them and nowstomachs were rumbling. The problem was therewere too many people and too little food. WhenJesus suggested to his disciples that they feed themultitude, they probably wondered if he trulycomprehended the magnitude of the problem.

Finally, Andrew told Jesus how it was. Out ofall this multitude, there is one boy here who hasa lunch – five small rolls and two pieces of fish.The disciples reasoned: But what is that amongso many? Look at that multitude. Look at thesefive little rolls. It was only a drop in the bucket.

You know the rest of the story. Jesus blessedthe loaves and fish and everyone was fed untilthey were full and there were 12 baskets of food left over.

On that long-ago day, the disciples lived outthe reality of Being Christ’s Hands. I don’t knowthe needs of those who came to hear Jesus thatday, but they would be the same needs we havetoday.

One of the great problems that people havetoday is that of poor self image. They doubt theycan do anything. They doubt they are worth anything. They doubt that they matter to anyone. What are my five loaves and two fishworth against such insurmountable odds? It wasAndrew’s conclusion that because the little boy’slunch could not do everything, that it could not

do anything. When we

are BeingChrist’sHands –when we areB-C-H – itmeans that wetake our fiveloaves and twofish and usethem to theirfullest poten-tial. It says toyou: I am a child of God.I am some-body. I matter. It says to you –

Happy moments, praise God.Difficult moments, seek God.Quiet moments, worship God.Fearful moments, trust God.Every moment, thank God.In the courtyard of a quaint little church in

a French village, there stood a marble statue of Jesus with his hands outstretched. One dayduring World War II, a bomb struck close by andthe statue was dismembered. Various parts of thestatue were strewn around the church grounds.After the raid ended and the battle was over, thecitizens of the village decided to try to find thepieces of their statue and reconstruct it as bestthey could. While it was not a work of art, it was a part of their lives. Patiently they gatheredthe broken pieces, laid them out in order, and reassembled the statue. The scarred pieces servedto remind them not only of their faith but also of the courage which that faith has providedthrough the horrors of war. But there was oneproblem. They were unable to find the hands of the statue – for apparently they had been destroyed beyond recognition.

“A Christ without hands is no Christ at all,” someone lamented. A scarred and pieced

together statue can have meaning. But what’s a Christ without hands? So they debated theneed for a new statue – until another idea wasproposed and accepted. Attached to the base ofthe statue was a brass plaque that read: “I haveno hands but your hands.”

Out of that inscription later came the poem,which I shall not quote, but the gist of whichsays, “I have no hands but your hands. . .no feetbut your feet. . .no tongue but your tongue. . .no help but your help to bring people to God’sside.”

Exactly so. God uses our various abilities, bethey large or small. He uses our five loaves andtwo fish. In fact, that’s all He has. You may notbe able to do everything, but that does not meanthat you cannot do something. Give what youcan to the Thanksgiving Offering. It will make a difference!

All of us at times feel outmanned and underpowered. But never doubt your worth. Or what your five loaves and two fish can do ifyou are plugged into the power source. You arean extension of the ministry of Jesus. You areBeing Christ’s Hands.

You are B-C-H.Michael C. Blackwell leads the ministry with vigor and enthusiasm. He hasserved as president of Baptist Children’s Homes since 1983 and has a record-setting 31-year tenure.

November is the time when many churches gather their annual offering for Baptist Children’s Homes.This year’s offering goal is a record $1,500,000 and reaching the goal is critical to the ministry finan-

cial success for the upcoming year. The coinciding annual Week of Prayer is Nov. 16-23.

[ MY THOUGHTS }

Being Christ’s Handskey to success______________________________________ _______________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

The lights in the room come back on afterthe viewing of the 2014 annual offering

video, “Redeemed.” Baptist Children’s Homes(BCH) trustee and Kennedy Home alum JimDyer raises his hand in the back of the room,stands and speaks. “It’s easy for me to feel a lotafter watching a video like this because I’m oneof those lives that has been redeemed.”

BCH president Michael C. Blackwell said thestories of the four individuals in the video showthe awesome power of God at work through the129-year-old ministry. He said there are manystories of people over the years who have discov-ered hope. He encouraged everyone to help tellthese stories.

“In Christ,” he said, “we can do great andwonderous things. It is our charge to be thehands of Christ.”

BCH’s Trustees gathered September 16 atMills Home in Thomasville for the second oftheir annual full-board meetings. The boardmeets in January and September each year.

The agenda included the adoption of the newbudget and the hearing of various reports. Black-well reported on the Sharing Hope. . .ChangingLives Capital Campaign. “It has been a wonder-ful experience thus far,” he said. “It is exciting to see our Trustees, staff members and friendsacross the state step forward in support. We havea long way to go, but I’m confident that we willmeet our goals and hopefully surpass them.”

Trustee and campaign chair Jerry Jordan saidthe campaign focuses on growing and sustainingthe ministry and has three overarching goals:

• Renovating facilities and growing endow-ment for ongoing renovations.

• Gaining immediate financial stability.• Growing long term sustainability.Blackwell recognized BCH’s executive vice

president of development & communicationsBrenda Gray for her 15 years of service. TheNorth Carolina native returned home in 1999from Kentucky to direct all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for the institution’s statewideservices.

Gray spoke thanking Blackwell and Trustees

for the opportunity to be part of the ministry.With tears and broken voice, she shared whatserving children and families meant to her per-sonally. Currently, she is also directing BCH’scapital campaign.

New officers for the upcoming year werenamed and outgoing Trustees were recognizedfor their service. Ninety-one-year-old Dave Claysaid farewell after completing his final term as a trustee.

Trustees are actively involved throughout theyear. They not only have defined board responsi-bilities but many speak in churches, call onfriends and pastors, and sacrificially give.

The group meets next on January 20, 2015.

Ninety-one-year-old Dave Clay of First Baptist Church Salisbury was recognized at the September 16 Board of Trusteesmeeting by BCH president Michael C. Blackwell for his recent service. The long-time BCH friend has completed his final

term as a Trustee – a tenure of service that has spanned several decades.

[ TRUSTEE MEETING }

Blackwell urges all tohelp tell story_________________________________________________________

More stories at www.bchfamily.org/stories

Thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Baptist Foundation (NCBF), NorthCarolina Baptists now will have even more opportunities to offer life-saving pre-

ventative tools to aging adults in their homes and communities. On September 25,Robert Simons, central area manager for the NCBF, presented a check for $15,000to North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) founder Michael C. Blackwellat the biannual meeting of the NCBAM Advisory Team.

The funds are from an account funded in 2002 by the Jesse and Etrola Sykes Endowment – proceeds which provide home care ministry to aging adults seeking to reside at home as long as possible. As Simons presented the check, he noted thegood timing of the Lord. “When the account was established in 2002, there wasn’t a Baptist or any other organization in the state that could efficiently use these fundsas directed. NCBAM has the same mission as the donors – to help aging adults remain at home. Now in its fifth year, the ministry has tremendous programs andpartnerships in place to be able to make excellent use of these funds. The Foundationis pleased to be able to further NCBAM’s prevention programs.”

Because of its mission to help aging adults remain independent, NCBAM is highlyfocused on prevention. Its Priority #1: Prevention outreach addresses key risks tothe health and independence of aging adults.

“It’s partnerships like this that make NCBAM effective,” Blackwell said. “We are grateful for visionary donors like Jesse and Etrola Sykes.”

NC Baptist Foundation boosts NCBAM’s prevention outreaches___________________________________________________________________ __________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Robert Simons of the North Carolina Baptist Foundation presents a $15,000check to Michael C. Blackwell and Sandy Gregory to be used in the Priority #1:

Prevention outreaches of North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry.____________________________________________________________________

11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 3

The color of the seasoncan be seen

all around us. Thereds, yellows and oranges herald coolerweather. I recently spenta “peak” weekendin the mountainswitnessing God’sbeautiful creation changeright before my eyes. The coolcrisp mornings, a fire in the fireplace, and a cup of coffee in my hand brought me muchneeded rest and joy to my heart. The time of reflection in those quiet moments was rejuvenat-ing. That Monday when I returned to work, I was ready to go.

And good thing: This time of year at BaptistChildren’s Homes (BCH) is anything but tranquil. In fact, we are especially busy. Time is moving at a rapid pace as the year comes to an end. The next few weeks will be a foot race.Much of the activity is centered around Thanks-giving Offering and preparations for Christmas.

The annual Thanksgiving Offering is BCH’slargest, single fund raising effort each year and is crucial to us being able to care for the manychildren and families who turn to BCH.

This past year, you compassionately touched9,983 people through your support – thank you.Through BCH’s residential homes for childrenand family care, BCH’s foster care families,BCH’s care of developmentally disabled adults,and NC Baptist Aging Ministry, individualsacross the state found hope and healing.

Giving at this time of year seems to flow fromhearts of gratitude. It is a time when we all pauseto reflect, count our blessings, and give thanks. It is from this spirit of gratefulness that your generosity pours into this ministry. As I count my blessings, I am so very thankful for each ofyou. Your gifts make a tremendous impact.

Recently, the girls who live at Blackwell Cottage at Mills Home in Thomasville werescheduled to visit a church in Newton. In preparation, I asked if one of the girls would volunteer to share a testimony – there were four testimonies that morning. All the girls told of abuse, two of abandonment, and one ofhomelessness. In three of the four testimonies,the father had been incarcerated for abuse. They each told stories of hopelessness.

Then they began to talk about their lives atMills Home. They talked fondly of their housep-arents. They talked about going to church andtheir cottage’s daily devotions. They shared how they are learning to trust a loving Heavenly

Father and how they eachhave accepted Jesus as theirpersonal Savior. Their storieschanged since coming to BCH,and the hopelessness has been replaced with victory!

The Thanksgiving Offering theme this year is “Redeemed.” There have been thousands of redemption stories where precious children havecome to know the Lord. Where else, other thanyour church, can a financial gift make such an eternal difference.

With so much at stake, you support is vital.Not only are your gifts needed, but there areother key ways you can help. Here are a few:

PRAY daily for our children and staff.VISIT one of BCH’s statewide locations.INVITE a BCH ambassador to speak about the

ministry with your church. LEAD by encouraging your church to partici-

pate in the Thanksgiving Offering. Let your giftthis year be an example.

In addition to the buzz of Thanksgiving Offering, we are busy preparing for Christmas.

The number of children in our care demands usto begin our preparations early.

This Christmas as you accept special invitations to holiday events, please accept ourspecial invitation. It is not an invitation to

a Christmas dinner or celebration, but an invitation to be a special friend to a child

that you probably will nevermeet. It is an invitation to helplight up the eyes of a preciousboy or girl or one of our devel-opmentally disabled residents.This year, please consider

becominga Christ-

mas Spon-sor and help

make this year’s Christmas celebration thebest ever! Sponsor levels are:

Sponsor a child ($50)Sponsor two siblings ($100)Sponsor a special Holiday outing ($300)Sponsor a cottage ($1000)

Here are some other ways you can help:PRAY for our children and staff. (It is hard for

some children during the holidays. The time canmagnify the brokenness of their families.)

GIVE a financial gift this Christmas in honoror in memory of a family member or loved one.

PROVIDE a special Cottage Christmas party.Thank you in advance for your willingness to

make a difference. Your gift does have an eternalimpact! For more information on how you can

help, call me at 336-689-4442 or 1-800-476-3669, extension 1230.

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.

____________________________________________________________________

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© Tomashko - Fotolia.com

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Generosity pours from spirit of thankfulness –Season offers great opportunities to impact lives_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

BCH’s capital campaign will focus on growing and sustainingthe ministry for children today and those served tomorrow.

THE CAMPAIGN’S THREE GOALS: • Renovate facilities: Raise $3,900,000 for much-needed

building and property repairs

• Provide immediate financial stability: Raise operating funds

• Create long-term sustainability: Increase endowment

The campaign encourages BCH’s ministry partners to continueproviding generous ongoing support while encouraging them tohelp the ministry grow by increasing their giving over the next fiveyears. Campaign gifts can be made as a pledge or an outright gift.Special gifts to help with renovations are also appreciated.

Contact Brenda Gray at 336.689-4442 / bbgray@bchfamily.org

A caring couple has made a challengegift offering to match the first $1 million

pledged to BCH’s campaign through a planned gift. Let us know about your

planned gift today and we can double it!

Leave a legacy. Vist www.bchfamily.org/plannedgiving

More stories at www.bchfamily.org/stories____________________________________________________________________

11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 5

This Christmas, consider adding anothername to your gift list – Baptist Children’s

Homes of North Carolina (BCH). It’s yourtime to share with those most dear by giving theperfect gift. A great way to remember family,friends, employees, customers, business associ-ates, or co-workers this Christmas would be tosend a gift in their honor and share hope with a child or family in BCH’s care. What better gift to give someone than to honor them with a gift that will truly make a difference? BCH willnotify the honoree with a card and acknowledgereceipt of the gift to you.Other ways to give:

A gift of cash, securities, retirement plans, life insurance, gifts that provide income for yousuch as gift annuities, or a gift through your willor living trust are all excellent gift opportunitiesas you consider your year-end giving. Giftsmade between now and the end of the year cangenerate income tax deductions and help BaptistChildren’s Homes continuesharing hope. . . changinglives. Check with your financial advisor to learnwhat the best strategy willbe for your situation.

Exciting news! Two possibleopportunities to double your gift:

• Check with your employer to see if there isa matching gift program.

This is a way to double your gift without doubling your donation.

• We presently have a challenge gift of $250,000in effect until January.Your gifts will bematched up to $250,000. Help us meet this challenge!

Our ability to meet the physical,emotional andspiritualneeds of the children is directly related to the financial investment you and BCH’sother friends make in the lives of the childrenand families who are seeking hope and healing.

We thank you in advance for your investment and for your willingness tomake a difference. Your gift will have a lasting impact on the children and families we serve. Thank you for offeringthe spirit of Christmas to our children

and families 365 days a year.For details on any of these gift options, please

call 1-800-476-3669 or 336-474-1230 and askfor Brenda Gray.

[ CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES }

Christmas is perfect timeto remember boys and girls_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

G I V E GIVE to make an eternal

difference.

Week of Prayer set for Nov. 16-23_______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

The Week of Prayer is an important timeeach year for friends of Baptist Children’s

Homes (BCH) to pray for the ministry. Thedates for this year are November 16-23.

“The prayers of God’s people empower themen and women who serve BCH’s children andfamilies around the clock,” said BCH presi-dent/CEO Michael C. Blackwell. “We covetprayers year-round, but we especially need ourchurches and friends to remember BCH duringthis designated week.”

The Week of Prayer in November coincideswith BCH’s annual offering, traditionallyknown as the “Thanksgiving Offering.”

Join in by praying on November 16-23 forBCH. Use the prayer prompts below as youpray, and thank you.

Week of Prayer Guide –Sunday: Pray for all North Carolina children

and families. Monday: Pray for the hundreds of childrenand families BCH serves each year through its19 statewide locations. Tuesday: Pray for all the dedicated housepar-ents, residential care givers, chiefs, and socialworkers who give of themselves around theclock to care for our residents.Wednesday: Pray for the Good ShepherdChildren’s Home, BCH’s new affiliate orphanage in Xela, Guatemala.Thursday: Pray for those who live at BCH’snine homes for developmentally disabledadults.Friday: Pray that you will be sensitive to hurt-ing children in your community.Saturday: Pray for BCH president/CEOMichael C. Blackwell as he leads the ministry.Sunday: Pray BCH’s residents will come toknow Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

© alexmillos - Fotolia.com

• the kids and grandkids• mom and dad• lottie moon• church• Baptist Children’s Homes

Thomas points his toes toward the sky as he swings. The eight-year-old laughs

soaring higher and higher into the autumn air.Inside the cottage that sits just a few yards

away, twelve-year-old Jonathan practices on theliving room piano. Jonathan, who has just begunlessons, carefully plays the familiar notes of“Happy Birthday.”

The two brothers live at Mills Home inThomasville, and for them, today is a normal day. “Normal” would be the last word used todescribe their lives before coming to Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) oldest campus.

Thomas and Jonathan’s parents separated, and their mother moved out of state. The boyswere left solely in the care of their father whostruggled to provide for his children. Eventually,the trio were homeless.

“For awhile we slept in a church,” Jonathanrecalls.

They moved around staying in a variety of indigent shelters. In their most desperate times,the small family was forced to make do.

“My dad didn’t have a lot of money,” Thomasconfides. “Sometimes we slept under a bridgeand stuff.”

Eventually, the Depart-ment of Social Servicesbecame involved and contacted the brothers’grandparents, Craig andKathy. The couple gladlytook their grandsons intotheir home, but theyknew their health and agewould make it impossiblefor them to care for theboys long-term.

“My husband and I areon a fixed income, and weboth have a lot of medicalissues,” Kathy explains.“The boys wanted to be involved in sports and a lot of different activities that we could not afford to give them. It hurt us to have to tellthem ‘no.’”

Craig and Kathy are members of Long ShoalsBaptist Church in Lincolnton, a church that haslong supported BCH. With the assistance of theirpastor, Reverend Kenneth Gibson, the couplereached out to BCH for help.

In June 2014, Thomas and Jonathan moved toMills Home and lived in Bright-Brown Cottage.

Bright-Brown is an emergency care cottage andprovides immediate care for children.

“Their coming to BCH has been a blessing to me and my husband,” Kathy says. “They’remy boys now, and I’m going to do what’s bestfor them even though I can’t have them with us all the time.”

Two weeks after arriving, the boysmoved from Bright-Brown to AlumniCottage, a cottage for boys with more

long-term needs.“I didn’t know what to

expect when we came here,” Jonathan admits. “I didn’t think I’d like it, but I came and started having fun. I’m stillhaving fun.”

At Alumni, Thomas and Jonathan sleepin their own bedrooms and are providedwith the comforts of a family home. “Myhouseparents do things for us,” Thomassays. “They like being kind.”

The houseparents, Shawn and Saman-tha Snipes and John and Glenda Mercer,take care of the brothers and the otherboys living in the cottage. “They’re likeregular parents. They are there for us all the time,” Jonathan says.

Since coming to Mills Home, Thomas andJonathan have also learned that they can counton the kindness of churches and other BCHfriends.

“It’s special when people bring us things,”Thomas says. “I feel happy because I get things I need like clothes.”

Jonathan agrees. “It makes me feel a little better inside. It shows that they have that muchlove for us.”

While the boys have settled into their newhome, their relationship with their grandparentshas grown and is as strong as ever. They seeCraig and Kathy regularly and recently went on a weekend visit to celebrate Jonathan’s birthdayas well as his “Paw Paw’s.”

“Jonathan has matured sincecoming to BCH. I can tell that,”Kathy observes. “And Thomas isso full of himself. He’s so happyand giggly.”

The times weren’t alwayshappy for Thomas, Jonathan and their grandpar-ents, but the smiles have since returned to every-one’s faces. As Kathy says, BCH has providedthem “hope.”

“There is always something going on for themat Mills Home, and they are with other childrenjust like them,” Kathy says. “They feel like theyare in the right place – the place where Godwants them to be.”

____________________________________________________________________

6 11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bchfamily

[ FEATURE STORY }

Brothers gofrom homelessto hopeful_________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Thomas, age 8, and brother Jonathan, age 12, live in Alumni Cottage at Mills Home in Thomasville. There was a time when the boys were without a home until their grandparents, and grandparents’ home church, reached

out to Baptist Children’s Homes for help. Below, Thomas swings just outside of Alumni Cottage.

H O P E HOPE changes lives and dispels

darkness.

From only a desire to serve aging adults, and

with no template, North Carolina Baptists Aging Ministry (NCBAM)emerged from the hearts of NorthCarolina Baptists in 2009.

“When I stood beforethe messengers of thatyear’s Convention to announce the creation of NCBAM,” NCBAMfounder and BCH presi-dent Michael C. Blackwellsays, “I stood believingGod would lead the way.And that is what He hasdone.”

NCBAM marks its fifthanniversary this month –from only an idea five years ago to the reality ofNorth Carolina Baptists serving the needs of thefrail aging all across the state. NCBAM’s state-of-the-art Call Center fields more than 350 callsper month requesting help. There are 15,000volunteers and service providers who stand readyto be the hands and feet of Jesus in meetingthose needs. NCBAM has connected more than2,000 aging adultsto volunteers whohave built themwheelchair ramps,has mobilized1,243 Baptist volunteers to install free smokealarm detectors,and has distributedmore than 16,000prescription man-agement RedBags.

“When I was growing up and playingsports, we would oftensay to one another,‘high five’ as we slappedour palms together incelebration of a greatplay,” NCBAM directorSandy Gregory says. “Today, I shout ‘HIGHFIVE’ to North Carolina Baptists for makingNCBAM’s five years of innovative Christian ministry to and for aging adults a success.”

NCBAM has endeavored to bring awareness of the vast needs of aging adults as well as toequip churches so they can minister and be betterable to meet those needs. NCBAM’s mission hasgrown to include educating churches and church

leadersabout thephenomenonthat our nation is facing – the “Age Wave.”

In 2012, there were approximately 43.1 million people 65 and older. Projections estimatethere will be 56 million by year 2020, 80 millionby 2040, and 92 million by 2060. As the numberof aging adults increases, so will the needs and opportunities for ministry.

“God is glorified as we serve our aging,”

Blackwell says. “I am confident,the next five yearsfor NCBAM willbe as impactful asthe last five years.”

Learn more about NCBAM at www.ncbam.org

[ NORTH CAROLINA BAPTISTS SERVE AGING }

NCBAM marksfive years of ministry_____________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Top left, NCBAM staff members visit aging adults to assesstheir needs. Above left, Milton Hollifield, Jr., Executive Di-

rector of the Baptist State Convention of NC, and BCHpresident Michael C. Blackwell cut the ceremonial ribbonat the NCBAM office dedication. Above center, right and

photo left, aging adults throughout North Carolina are im-pacted by North Carolina Baptists. Below, NCBAM’s Red

Bag program is reaching into homes and saving lives.

1 L e a d e r s h i p a n d M i n i s t r y D i re c t i o n

2 C a l l C e n t e r S e r v i c e s3 S e r v a n t C a re O u t re a c h

P r i o r i t y # 1 : P re v e n t i o n4

W h e e l c h a i r R a m p s5

Top, NCBAM partners with the NC Office of State FireMarshal placing smoke alarms in aging adults’ homes. Middle, volunteers install grab bars helping to reduce

the risk of falls as part of NCBAM’s Priority #1: Preventionprogram. Above, North Carolina Baptists lead the way inbuilding wheelchair ramps for the frail aging in the state.

____________________________________________________________________

11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 7

Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) new affiliate orphanage in Xela, Guatemala –

The Good Shepherd Children’s Home – was issued its official license on October 7 and cannow begin to accept children into care. The longprocess took nealy a year and half to complete.

“There were many frustrations and continuousobstacles to catapult,” BCH chief operating offi-cer Keith Henry said. “We were told many timesthat we were being issued a license and nothinghappened.”

Henry said the orphanage has the support of many Guatemalan officials, but the effort washampered by the bureaucratic processes. He saidBCH was determined to go through the processand be licensed by the government. “We want tobe an example of excellence to the Guatemalanpeople.”

Baptist Children’s Homes has partnered withNorth Carolina Baptist Men and North CarolinaWMU to provide a safe and loving home for theorphaned children of the indigenous Quichétribe. Guatemala has the highest infant mortalityrate in Central America and the highest rate ofmalnutrition in the western hemisphere. Daily,children and families are

battling malnutrition, extreme poverty, earlypregnancy, and child abandonment.

The Guatemalan home can, over the next several months, accept up to 20 with a future capacity of 40. To be accepted into the home,the child must be 0-5 years of age. A child livingat the home then can remain for his/her entirechildhood.

Now that the Home can accept children,Henry said the need for financial support isgreater than

ever. It is estimated that it will cost $95,000 tooperate the facility for a year.

Henry said it is time for those who are willingto help and become what he calls “MVPs” tostep forward.

“An MVP is one who will commit to give financially – ‘m’ is for money,” he said. “The ‘v’ is for an individual or group who will volunteer.Although many have done so much thus far,there is more to do. And ‘p’ is for prayer. I amconvinced that it is through prayer that we havecome this far and it is the power of God that will take us forward.”

For more information on how to become an“MVP,” contact Keith Henry at 336-474-1215,khenry@bchfamily.org or Brenda Gray at 336.474.1230, bbgray@bchfamily.org.

[ GOOD SHEPHERD }

Guatemalaorphanagereceives license_________________________________________________________

Give now and your gift is matched dollar for dollar up to

the $250,000challenge goal! Scanthe QR code or go to www.bch-

family.org/givenow to have your gift doubled.

Double your gift!

© Oleksandr - Fotolia.com

Learn about the new orphanage at www.bchfamily.org/guatemala

Above, The new license for The Good Shepherd Children’s Home. Left, the Home’s director Essly Hernadez, left, celebrates receiving the new license with childcare workers Catarina Jaminez,center, and Lucrecia Yax.

____________________________________________________________________

8 11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10

B R E A K I N G N E W S . . . F I R S T B A B Y A R R I V E S

As this issue of Charity & Children wasbeing completed, news came of the first babyadmitted to The Good Shepherd Children’sHome. The baby arrived late afternoon on October 17 and was handed to the caring staffmembers. The little girl is named Igma Caroline.

“What a long-awaited day of rejoicing thistruly is,” BCH president Michael C. Blackwellsaid. “It’s a hallelujah time!”

As Igma was settling into her new home andchildcare workers were being attentive to theirnew charge, another child arrived.

“At 3:30 a.m., we received another baby –a two month old,” Blackwell said. “God is atwork!”

FBC Reidsville and NC WMU have commit-ted to sponsor the first three children in care.Interested churches, groups or individuals cansponsor additional children. A sponsorship is$4,000 per baby.

The Mills Home Alumni Councilhelps with events on MH cam-

pus for the children in care. If youwould like to help with such events,please let President Estie Culler know.Her contact information is: EstieCuller, 3901 La Port Court, HighPoint, NC 27265, 336-848-6557,estiemae1@aol.com.

I received a call from DebbieWilliams (910-608-9156) saying thather father Oscar Sowers died Septem-ber 25. He was 97-years-old and wasat MH from 1924-36. He wantedfolks to know he had missed being atthe recent Homecomings. He alwaystold his family that he loved everyoneat Mills Home and that he loved the12 years he lived at the campus.Oscar served on the alumni councilat least once that I know of in the1970s. In serving his term, he be-came attached to the various mem-bers and each Homecomingthereafter he would bring those peo-ple note pads with their names em-bossed at the top, a pack of MillsHome stationary with the picture ofthe Mitchell, or little cards with cutesayings on them – almost alwaysamong those cards were cards adver-tising “free hugs.” He loved express-ing his love to his fellow brothers andsisters. Those items were all printedon his own printing press which hekept active until recently.

A few years ago, the AlumniCouncil recognized Oscar – who wasthen in his early 90s – with a specialaward created just for him. He wasrecognized for his diligence in alwaysbeing at Homecoming and for hisprevious service to the council.Today, the award is given yearly tosome deserving association member –it is called the “Oscar Award.”

In case you did not notice, we in-cluded the story of the Oscar Awardin the directory. There is also a list ofthe recipients and other names ofwho had been given some sort ofaward in connection with the MillsHome Alumni Association.

The printing press that is on dis-play at the Mitchell Museum was do-nated by Oscar Sowers. He hadbought it many years before from

Mills Home and ran his business withthat before purchasing a new one. In-cidentally, that printing press is saidto have been the first printing pressMills Home ever owned.

A note on Facebook from HelenEmmons, daughter of Augusta Garri-son, reads, “As some of you mayknow, Mom has been in the hospitalfor several weeks. We brought her home (Hamlet, NC) on Friday,September 12. Yesterday morning,September 22, she went to be withJesus. She had fought a hard battle.Her family had been with her sincewe brought her home and some werewith her when she passed away. Herfuneral was on September 26 at FirstBaptist Church in Hamlet. Burial wasat the Mary Love Cemetery. Wethank you all for your prayers, cards,phone calls, and concern during thesepast few weeks. Please continue tokeep our family in your prayers as wetravel this sad, sad road.”

Augusta Garrison served with herhusband Edward as houseparentsfrom 1983 to 1987. They were muchbeloved by the Mills Home young-sters and called them “Mom” and“Pop.” Pop died around 2010.Friends can send condolences toHelen at helenethe167@yahoo.comor call 864-593-7090.

Thank goodness for the folks whofill out the update sheets. Jack Led-better’s sheet came in July 8. Hecame to MH in 1942 with hisbrother Bill and graduated in 1955from Thomasville High School. Heand his wife Barbara have two off-spring and he now enjoys a carefreeretirement from PBM Graphics. Heexpressed pleasure in recalling his lastHomecoming because there was suchan atmosphere of love. I had anotherletter from him after Homecomingexpressing disappointment at notbeing able to return this year.

Another update sheet came fromLinda Sue Tucker Jambora. She cameto MH in 1955 or 56 and left in1958 or 59. Siblings with her wereJudy and Teddy. She is married toJames Jambora and they have twooffspring, six grandchildren and threegreat grandchildren. When she returns for Homecoming, she enjoys

visiting the cottages, attending theworship service, eating the deliciousfood, and fellowshipping with oldfriends. Now retired, she lives at 624Lafayette Park Dr., Little River, SC,29566. Friends can contact her atlinsu45@gmail.com or 843-734-0183.

According to the 2013 addressbook, Buddy Nesbit has a new ad-dress: 8120 Gwerder Ct., Elk Grove,CA, 95758. Folks can also contacthim at navy_nesbit@hotmail.com,916-683-5140. Buddy came to MHin 1957 with his siblings. He left in1967. Married to Celinda, he is nowenjoying retirement. They have threeoffspring and three grandchildren. At his last Homecoming, he reallyenjoyed seeing friends he had notseen since the 1970s.

Thanks to one of our youngeralumni, Robert Todd King, for his update sheet. Robert came to MH in1985 from Thomasville and left in1988. Siblings with him were Janiceand Angie. You can contact him at:10 Halton Road, Greenville, SC29607, 704-651-3350, tcwrite1980@yahoo.com.

We always like to know where ouralumni are and hope that we can getthem to join the association and re-turn for Homecoming.

Thanks to Viola Batts Rus for a very nice update. She lives at: 82Woodcock Lane, Levittown, NY,11756. She came to MH in 1933with her twin sister Iola and brotherStephen – both are now deceased.Her older sister Addie Lee also cameinto the care of the Thomasville Bap-tist Orphanage in 1933, but she cameto Mills home campus somewhatlater. (Addie now lives in Sequim,WA.) Before moving to New York,Viola taught at Laurinburg HighSchool here in North Carolina. Aftermoving to New York, she married herlate husband Vladimir Rus, a wonder-ful man, who was also a teacher. Violaand Rus had three offspring who pro-vided them with five grandchildren.Widowed in June of 2013, she hadenjoyed a special marriage of 61years. Their children and grandchil-dren have blazed a long trail of college scholarships and advanced

degrees. Viola has sad memories of her early

MH life in the Miles Durham Nurs-ery that stayed with her many years.Her happiest Mills Home memoriesare associated with the wonderfulmusic opportunities with Mr. andMrs. Lord in the band and choir. Shealso loved her English literature andother high school classes. After herMH graduation, she attended UNCGreensboro (then Woman’s College)and later earned her BA in English atNorth Carolina State through a scholarship. Viola says she talks withAddie Lee every week trying to catchup on MH news. And though thereis not much mention of people fromher generation, she very much enjoysreading the alumni column. I hopefolks will notice Viola’s address aboveand send her a card. Not in the bestof health, she noted that she hadbeen on dialysis for three years.

The BCH/Mills Home staff mem-bers and children are thoroughly enjoying the new chimes at MillsHome Baptist Church. Alumni andformer staff who have made dona-tions and selected hymns to be playedat a certain time on a certain day inmemory or in honor of a loved oneare also thrilled. Consequently, theAlumni Council would like you toknow that you can still make a dona-tion of $25 and select a hymn to haveplayed on those chimes as describedabove, especially since we are still try-ing to raise money to help pay for thechimes. Contact Flora Patton – 6428Sisk Carter Rd. Rockwell, NC,28138 – if you wish to take advan-tage of this wonderful opportunity.Talking to Flora might make it easierto select a hymn. Her phone numberis 704-788-1396.

We’ve begun early trying to get information for the 2015 alumni address book, so please send any additions or corrections to Sally BeckFerguson at: 25 Southern Pine Trail,Ormond Beach, FL, 32174, fergu-

sonb@yahoo.com.

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

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

11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 9

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alumni updates and prayer concerns –New chimes welcome addition at Mills Home_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________________________

10 11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10

___________________________________________Camp Duncan

While many individuals make their morningcommute by way of car, girls living at CampDuncan travel by boat. The girls travel tobreakfast at the Chuckwagon, which isacross the lake from the wilderness campsitewhere they live. The fog is thick on this par-ticular morning, but the girls, who live out-doors year-round, are accustomed tonavigating the conditions. Learn more atwww.campduncanNC.org___________________________________________VBS Support

Boys and girls attending Union BaptistChurch in Miller Creek collected a “KidsHelping Kids” offering for BCH. The offeringwas taken each Sunday morning betweenApril and June and continued through thechurch’s Vacation Bible School. The childrengave their change, and sometimes dollars, tothe offering and collected a total of $565.43for BCH’s children.___________________________________________Mile of Pennies

Pine Grove Baptist Church in Franklin haslong supported BCH by giving through the

“Mile of Pennies” program. This year, churchmembers succeeded in collecting 12 miles ofpennies which totaled $12,137.60 for BCH’sresidents. Pine Grove has collected morethan $73,000 since beginning the initiativein 2000. Pictured left to right, BCH’s west-ern area director of development LewisSmith, BCH resident Kimani, and Pine Grovemembers Debbie and Ervin Keener. TheKeeners organize the “Mile of Pennies” collection in their church.___________________________________________Mills Home

Children at Mills Home in Thomasville spentSaturday, October 4 riding roller coastersand playing on other rides at the Charlotteamusement park Carowinds. The trip wasmade possible by the Randolph County Concerned Bikers Association and the annual Bikers Toy Run. Above, Joshua ridesthe carousel. It is the first time the seven-year-old has ever been to an amusementpark. Below, Mills Home residents pose atCarowinds’ dinosaur exhibit.

___________________________________________VolunteersVolunteers from Pleasant Garden BaptistChurch in Pleasant Garden and South ElmStreet Baptist Church in Greensboro paintedthe Family Resource Center at BCH’s MillsHome campus. Both churches have a historyof helping BCH. In addition to the church’s

volunteers, the project was a also part ofPleasant Garden’s staff outreach. ___________________________________________Church Support

“Triad Ignite,” a three-night event in September that brought together churchesfrom across the Triad, collected a BCH offer-ing. The event was organized by Dr. AnthonyHiggs, pastor of Brown New Calvary BaptistChurch in Thomasville. Above, Dr. Higgs andwife Symonetta present the check to BrendaGray, BCH Executive Vice President of Development and Communications.___________________________________________Cameron Boys Camp

Cameron Boys Camp made a recent trip toMcNeill Cottage, BCH’s cottage at IndianBeach. While there, campers were given theopportunity to explore a Coast Guard boat. ___________________________________________Oak Ranch

Jaycob and Mario, residents at Oak Ranch inBroadway, say good-bye to summer duringtheir beach trip at the end of September.

[ 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).

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

Friends of Children Workdays:The perfect one-day missions out-reach. Projects for all ages! StatewideBCH workdays available throughoutMay and September.Call 336-474-1209.

Bed Sponsor Program: Become a bed sponsor and have a plaque withyour name mounted on a child’s bed.Your name reminds a child that youare praying. Call 336-474-1277 orwww.bchfamily.org/bedsponsor.

Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting a “Mile of Pennies.” When it comes toproviding care for hundreds of chil-dren, it takes everyone working to-gether – one penny added to anotherpenny and then another penny. Con-tinue to multiply the pennies and justimagine how far you can go in makinga real difference! Call 336-474-1209.

Walk for Change: Perfect for yourchurch or community organization –walkers recruit financial sponsors togive a cash gift for walking a certaindistance. Set your goal, secure yoursponsors, designate a safe route, and have fun! Call 336-474-1209.

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.

Bike for Change: Bike for Change is a fun and dynamic way for childrento help "change" the lives of children.By pedaling bicycles, children raisesupport and awareness for BCH’sboys and girls. It is a great serviceproject for schools, churches, andother children’s groups. It alsoteaches children the importance ofparticipating in missions outreach. Visit www.bikeforchange.org forresources. Contact Bike for Changecoordinator Jay Westmoreland atbikeforchange@bchfamily.org

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 lo-cations can count on having the safehome and care they need. ContactBrenda Gray at 336-689-4442. Visitwww.bchfamily.org/campaign

Get Involved

Discover ways you can help BCH at www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved

www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved

Iremember October always beinga “spooky” time around Kennedy

Home. We had the old Skeeter Hutback then and it was the place tohave a “perfect” Halloween party. I would go down there with severalof my “helpful” younguns and makethe whole place look “spooky.” Wewould build a big fire in the fireplacesince there was no electricity, putblack paper up everywhere, andhang dead tree limbs all over theporch and inside the building. Wewould go out and find some mossand hang that all around. I wouldmake spooks to hang in the trees allup and down the road and prepare acauldron of cider. One of the funparts about the night was the hayrideon the back of a truck or wagon tothe hut. Of course, several wouldhave to fall off on the way down. I remember going around a sharpcurve, back past the beef cattle, andsome fell off the back in the ditch.What a time we had!

How many of you remember myBecky dressing up, hiding inside thehut and trying to scare everybody?You couldn’t tell it was her. One ofthe big boys got so upset he gave hera black eye. He was really upsetwhen he found out what he haddone. She took it with a big laugh.

I also remember about the lonelytimes on campus when all my younguns left for Thanksgiving. Atthat time, the boys and girls couldhave guests on the second weekendof the month and could go home orto a “visiting home” on the fourthweekend. They would also leave onholidays. I would fix a beautiful dis-play of vegetables on the table in thesanctuary for the Sunday before theyleft. The choir would sing songsabout being “thankful.” Rev. Beals,and later Rev. Dixon, would bring a message about “being thankful.”(I’m about to cry right now remem-bering those times when some of theparents decided they couldn’t havetheir child for the holidays. It alwaysbroke my heart and still does tothink about it.)

I remember one Mother’s Day

weekend when six girls came downin church and asked Becky if theycould sit with her for Mother’s Day.Their mother had turned themdown for the weekend.

It sure reminds us that we need tobe “thankful” for the things theLord provides for us as Thanksgivingapproaches.

Here is a letter from Doris Powers(1948-1959) – our very own Mrs.Kennedy: “Greetings this lovely dayin August and God’s blessings onyou. Even though the big KMH’sCentennial Celebration is past, thebeautiful and triumphant musicfrom that Sunday still lingers in mymemory. What a wonderful, praise-worthy worship service! How evi-dent, too, was the continuing lovefor you and Becky from your choirmembers from yesteryear. They sangtheir hearts out! I am including a story that would go along with thefirst days of school beginning. Theprincipal who is mentioned in the article lives in nearby Greenville withhis wife who also taught me. Theirson Jasper is a dentist.

“Who can ever measure the im-pact for good in a young person’slife when a caring adult interveneson their behalf? It is indeed an act ofmercy when an adult is willing towait and listen attentively to the an-guished cries of a little fifth grader.The new school year had just begunand within the first few minutes I discovered that a dreadful mistakehad been made. I was assigned tothe roster of students for the fourthgrade! I refused to enter the class-room and kept telling the teacherthat I wasn’t supposed to be withthose little people. She reminded methat I had missed most of the previ-ous school year because of rheumaticfever. She was correct, of course, butI couldn’t bear the thought of notbeing with my peers. Tears of frus-tration welled up in my eyes and anequally frustrated teacher sent forthe principal. He was briefed on thecrisis at hand and then he just stoodthere quietly as if trying to make uphis mind. I looked up at him andsaid, ‘Mr. Lewis, I can do the work!

I know how to multiply and divide.’He replied, ‘There’s more to learn-ing than math, but I’m going to letyou be a fifth grader as long as youcan do the work. However, if you’renot passing your subjects when thefirst report card comes out, you’llhave to return to the fourth grade.’

“This was the day that I became a very serious student. That was theyear that I joined the ranks of your‘better-than-average students.’ Afterhigh school graduation, I received a scholarship to college and eventuallybecame a teacher of fourth and fifthgraders. How ironic is that? Thanks,Mr. Lewis! This one is for you.”

Doris had a heart valve tended toin Greenville by Dr. Chitwood andthanks everyone for all the prayersthat have gone up for her. Pleasetake the time to send her a note.Doris H. Powers, 3006 HillmanRd., Kinston, N.C. 28504

Here is a note from PriscillaWoodard Herring: “Until I went toKennedy Home, I had never pickedbutter beans. Ms. Lou Pearl Simmonsrounded up all us girls and headedus to the garden one evening to pickbutter beans. I was so mad – thatmeant no gym or pool time. Thenshe told us that no one could doanything that evening until theywere all shelled and Ms. O’Hare hadthem put in the freezer. We girls satin the television room for hoursshelling the butter beans. It seemedlike an eternity!

“Well, we thought we were smart.We would shell three and throwthree away. We got into the biggesttrouble over that. Everyone of thebutter beans got shelled and shemade us go through the hulls andshell the ones we had thrown away.Mrs. Simmons was a smart woman!We would think we were pullingsomething over on her, but in realityshe was pulling it over on us. I greatly admired her and will alwaysthank the Good Lord for her beingmy first houseparent!

“I wanted to say this was the best Homecoming that I’ve ever attended. Mr. J. Thompson leadingthe choir brought back so many

good memories, and as always hemade us smile. I remember on a choir trip we went up near Raleigh.He got us kids together and talkedto us about behaving. I don’t re-member ever being outta hand, butsome of us in the choir must havebeen. I believe it was the best weever sang and, believe me, I justmake a joyful noise – then and now!To add more pain to his and Ms.Becky’s ears, I tried to take piano les-sons, and again that was just a joyfulnoise. They tried to make me musi-cal and then I said, ‘Well, I’ll try gui-tar lessons with Ms. Wilkerson.’ Butthat didn’t take either. I just contin-ued to make a joyful noise in thechoir. God bless each of you till I seeyou again.”

Please note that all the AlumniCouncil officers have remained thesame as last year.

I need your help! Please take a fewminutes and write an article for meto use. It won’t take you very long.Now would be a great time to sendme one about Christmas at KennedyHome. Please send it right away. Youcan email me at: Jthompson117@ec.rr.com

A friend sent these meaningfulthoughts to ponder: ____________

We could learn a lot from crayons:Some are sharp, some are pretty,

some are dull, some have weirdnames, and all are different colors. . .But they all exist very nicely in thesame box. ____________

A truly happy person is one whocan enjoy the scenery on a detour.____________

Most of us go to our grave withour music still inside us. ____________

Working for God on earth doesnot pay much, but His retirementplan is out of this world.____________

Love each of you a bunch!

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

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

____________________________________________________________________

11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10 11

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Skeeter Hut antics and being thankful –Alumni remember days at Kennedy Home_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By John Thompson, 2500 Simpson Street, Apt. 102, Windsor Place, Jacksonville, N.C. 28546 252-671-3515 jthompson117@ec.rr.com

More Homeword at www.bchfamily.org/news/stories

You can make children’s Christmas wishes come true!

Mail to: Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361. Give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow.

one child

$50

two siblings

$100

holiday outing

$300

one cottage

$600

cottage needs

$1,000

Name _____________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State ________ Zip ____________ Phone ____________________________ Email ____________________________

Credit Card Option: Visa MC Name on card: _________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________________

Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Must have Credit Card Expiration Date: __________ Three-digit security code (on card back): ___ ___ ___

Don’t wait, choose a sponsor levelperfect for you and provide joyousmemories for the children.

____________________________________________________________________

12 11/14 – Charity + Children – 127/10

There are numerous photographstaken by wartime photojournal-

ists recording the heroic action of a soldier carrying a buddy tosafety. The complete weight of the wounded soldier, thoughcumbersome, does not seem todeter the walking soldier. Explod-ing bombs, flying bullets and treacher-ous landscape appear as minor hurdles.

Last year, Staff Sgt. Ty Michael Carter receivedthe Medal of Honor for attempting to save the lifeof a fellow soldier. Realizing there was no one elsewho could help wounded 21-year-old Spc. StephanMace, he left the protection of his damagedHumvee to carry Mace amidst a hail of bullets tosafety and needed medical attention.

There was no photojournalist there that day, butthe action was witnessed by others in the battle. Hisheroic story has been told over and over. His sacrifi-cial action has inspired others around the country.

When Mace died later after being medevaced to a field hospital, Carter was heart broken.

What compels someone to risk so much?Well, everyone on the

frontline or in the foxhole is mutually vulnerable. Anddespite the tendency for thosein a sinking boat to throweach other overboard, mostpeople who are drawn together by mutual challenges stick together.

Like so many other couples, Kathy and I had verylittle when we first married. To say that we barelyhad two sticks to rub together would not be stretch-ing it far. While visiting a possible church to join, we attended their newlywed couples’ Bible class. Wetook our seats and the teacher began by leading usin prayer. He then asked us to count our blessings.Each person shared a handful of treasured thingsbeyond everyone’s spouses, family and friends. Theteacher then asked us, “Which of these blessings

couldyou live

without?”It was difficult

for some to answer thequestion. One couple was

adamant that their washer anddryer were essential and could not be lived withoutwhile another young couple insisted that they couldnot live without two cars. Both may have beentruthful in their evaluations. But their worlds werefar different from our world.

The late model Volkswagen we owned was oursole mode of transportation and it seemed to alwaysneed repairs. Kathy and I constantly scrounged forquarters, even looking between sofa cushions, tofeed the washing machines and dryers at the neigh-borhood laundromat. We had two children and ourthird on the way before we had our first washer and

dryer. Kyle, our oldest child, was in high schoolbefore we owned two cars.

I am convinced that doing without manyextras made us focus on what really matteredmost in our relationship and to our family.

I contend the tougher times provided the opportunity to hold on to each other tighter, to depend on each other more, to “cleave.”

Kyle and Susan have been married ten years now, but soon after they were married, they left for Karamay, China where they taught English at aK-12 school. Although Karamay is a city of 270,232people and an affluent oasis, there were only a fewAmericans. The couple were challenged to fully depend on each other in almost every aspect of lifefor two and a half years. There were many grandmoments they shared, and they became part of a community few of us experience. But they also

carried eachother’s burdensand shared thefrustrations offoreign climate,food, culture, and

expectations. Theywere all the other had, and if they were going tomake it through these years, they were going to do it together. And they did! Now, they look backfondly to those difficult years when the two of themformed a majority in a city of thousands.

A strong commitment to relationship demandsthat one person be willing to sacrifice for someoneelse. In fact, great love is defined by giving self foranother. It is echoed in marriage vows a woman andman pledge to each other – “for better or for worse,for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health,to love and to cherish; from this day forward untildeath do us part.” It is demonstrated in the cama-raderie of soldiers and their determination never toleave one of their own on the field. And it shinesforth in serving children who need loving care.

In another time and place, I witnessed total com-mitment to others in the sacrificial service of Arleneand Kenneth, cottage houseparents. These two re-tired from the pastorate to live among ten childrenwhose life experiences did not include secondchances, tolerance and unconditional love. Theirdays were long and hard, and nothing in the pastprepared them for this present. They survived eachday with constant prayer and steadfast support fromeach other and a belief that they were right wherethey were supposed to be.

People like these showcase commitment to another that doesn’t come with ease or a desire to give only what is expected. Carrying another’s burdens is the purest expression of love.

[ H O M E W O R D }

Carrying burdens essential to loving_________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Edminson is editor of Charity & Children and writes“Homeword” to inspire and encourage families in the midst of full lives and hectic schedules. He has recently published his first book Under One Roof. Email him at wjedminson@bchfamily. org or call 1.800.476.3669, ext. 1217 for information on how you can get your copy.Proceeds benefit the children and families served by BCH.

L O V E LOVEin action fillsevery page.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

______________________