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

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Help needed to put hurricane behind Kennedy Home. (Page 4) Make it a summer to remember! (Page 5)

5/17

Amanda and Jeremy Parton, withtheir daughters four-year-old

Kimsey and 10-year-old Ellie, are a Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) fostercare family. Currently, they have one foster child living with them.

“Being a part of an organization that aligns with our Christian faith is soimportant,” Jeremy Parton says. “It was a blessing joining the BCH family.”

BCH is building a statewide network of foster care families. The immediate goalis to have 30 BCH foster care homes bythe end of 2017.

“We are passionate about this ministry,”BCH western area foster home supervisorBob McCleary says. “It is our intention to grow the foster family care ministry,but it is important to recruit families thathave the best chance of being successful.And then we spend a lot of time workingto make the best match – putting the rightchild with the right family.”

Amanda Parton says meeting the chal-lenges they face as foster parents is easierwith the support of BCH’s foster care case managers.

“I can pick up the phone and call anytime with a question or just have someoneserve as a sounding board,” she says. “Thesupport is great and the training providedmakes us better able to face whatever maycome. The training covers many things –

things you may never realize you needuntil something happens – and thenyou’re prepared.”

McCleary says his job consists of recruiting foster care families, placing a child in the best home to meet thatchild’s needs, and supporting and trainingfoster parents. “We can do everything the way it needs to be done, but if we failto support our foster care families, then it can all be lost. Nothing can kill the passion of dedicated foster parents morethan lack of support.”

The Partons say they were raised inBaptist churches where they learned about BCH. They were thrilled when they learned BCH was recruiting fostercare families.

“From day one, we had confidence in this ministry,” Jeremy Parton says. “To know God was leading us to becomefoster parents and then to learn we couldserve through BCH, it was God’s hand.”

McCleary says serving children andfamilies through foster family care homesis a way BCH can even better meet the needs of children. He says some childrenthrive in a setting like Broyhill Home.Other children are served best by livingwith a foster care family like the Partons.BCH offers both options.

“A smaller foster care home environ-ment with parents, and maybe siblings,can be the perfect setting. Our focus is always what’s best for the child,” McCleary says. (Continued on page 8.)

Family openshome to fostercare ministry______________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Amanda and Jeremy Parton, with their daughters four-year-old Kimsey and 10-year-old Ellie, have opened their home to become a BCH foster family. BCH is on track to have 30 foster care homes across North Carolina

by the end of 2017 – with hopes for continued expansion in the years ahead.

$100,000 ChallengeHelp build a new Guatemalan

children’s home. (Page 8)

This column begins a seriesof lessons on health and reachingyour optimumyou!

Do you possess anything more valu-able than your health?

For too long, I regarded my health as a given. I treated my body with disregardand was inconsistent with what I put into itand what I required of it. In return, it wasthreatening to derail me.

By 1994, I had been president of BaptistChildren’s Homes for 11 years. The workwas relentless, and I seldom took a break oflong enough duration ever to relax.

I ate my way through both stress and celebration and desperately needed the three-month sabbatical my trustees offered me.

I retreated to Episcopal Seminary in Virginia, a sojourn that included days of qui-etude and meditation. The enforced silencesqueezed like shackles around a voluble person like me. But too seldom do any of us come to a halt long enough to listen, toclose our mouths and open our ears, andthen to meditate on “what is.”

It was a pivotal experience.The following year, I was to return as an

alumnus to share with the current partici-pants any epiphany of my own retreat. I tookup the offer of BCH benefactor Paul Broyhillfor time at his house to cogitate, think, pray,and meditate about what I’d learned.

From those days in the Broyhill home I defined the three prongs of my new health-ful lifestyle: diet, exercise and meditation. In this part, we will focus on diet.

Diet: You are what you eatNo single factor determines your health

more than what you put into your mouth.Plain and simple, you are what you eat.Nutritionist Victor Lindlahr believed

that food controls health and wrote in 1923,“Ninety percent of the diseases known toman are caused by cheap foodstuffs. You are what you eat.”

I’ve known this most of my life,

kind of in the way I knew Mount Everest is a mountain. It’s a fact, but a tidbit that somehow was never taken seriously by me.

I grew up with three basic food groups:sugar, salt and fat.

My mother was overweight, and I was her only child. She was a good cook in thatshe made tasty dishes. She believed in cleanplates.

Unlike Mom and me, when my dad wasfull he could slide his chair away from thedinner table with a word of appreciation –“Enjoyed it.”

My young and impressionable mind believed my only option was a clean plate,and Mom was a good cook. Draw your own conclusions.

But I kept active and at six-feet tall, 190pounds at high school graduation was notout of bounds.

Still, I was already conscious of myweight, and, I actually popped my first dietpill in high school. They didn’t become ahabit, but looking back I understand thepressure even then to conform to a certainbody image.

I didn’t have the same pressures to eateverything while in college at Chapel Hill. In fact, I lost 20 pounds. Besides being activein campus life, I worked at the dining hall toget a free meal. I wanted to be a journalistand worked hard on the Daily Tar Heel staff.I worked harder there than in the classroomand loved it.

I loved the beautiful University of NorthCarolina campus, too. And I walked every-where, always aware that walking was goodfor me. No doubt I did my share of moaningand groaning having to cross the large cam-pus on foot, especially when I was scurryingto meet a deadline. But the walking kept me healthy and feeling good.

Real world stress hit me once I graduated

and started working two jobs.My response? Comfort food.

Fifty pounds piled onto my frame andtook me up to 240 pounds before I knewwhat was happening. And I hadn’t gottenany taller.

This was real life now. It all counted, and I felt driven to conquer every mountain.Lack of sleep, demands of school and workwhile trying to be a good husband and feel-ing like I was “on stage” in every area of liferaised my stress quotient to dangerous levels.

My prescription was comfort food. Understress, I ate. It didn’t matter what – anythingto put into my mouth. The sensation of foodand the taste of something sweet or saltywould calm me.

When I was my most careless self, I couldeat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts at one sit-ting. Once during a vacation week in a periodof high stress, I ate a quart of ice cream everyday and tablespoon after tablespoon ofpeanut butter.

When I was pastor in Carthage, graduatedfrom seminary, and down to one job, I caught on to the running craze. I ran everyday, sometimes twice a day. I knew all aboutthe runner’s high, and I craved a daily fix.

Then one night, I stepped into a hole andsprained my ankle. My running days wereover and my eating days returned.

I had the good fortune to meet GerardMusante in 1975. He was a healthy- lifestyleguru and diet expert. He recognized that a diet is not something you’re “on” butsomething you “have.”

He ran a program at Duke Universityto which I faithfully went every week for a group session. It cost $20 each week (lunch included), and he designed a healthy,weight loss diet for me on which I dropped52 pounds. I was never happier than at that time.

A structured lifestyle and diet felt good!

PART 1 By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Optimizing You

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

Read Baptist Children’s Homes’ stories at bchblog.org.2 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

Subscribe family and friends to C&C at bchfamily.org/subscribe. 35/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

No matter where she has served during her 19 years at Kennedy Home, Brenda

Hinson finds opportunities for ministry. Hinsonbegan as a cottage parent at Baptist Children’sHomes’ (BCH) Kinston campus and today servesas an administrative assistant.

Hinson’s bright smile and cheery voice greetschildren and guests as they first arrive at the administrative office.

“I love sitting at the front desk and hearing the phone ring,” Hinson shared. “Is the personon the other end upset? Does that person need a listening ear or a cheerful voice? I always try to answer the phone enthusiastically.”

Just as she did as a cottage parent, Hinson embraces every opportunity that arises to let thechildren know she cares.

“I love seeing the children come into the of-fice. The last thing I say to them as they pass bymy window is ‘I love you,’” Hinson said. “Theydon’t always respond at first, but eventuallythey’ll say ‘I love you’back to me.”

Hinson has experi-enced tremendousheartache during hertenure. Her husband,son and a grandson haveeach passed away duringher years at KennedyHome.

“Brenda knows loss.She understands howmany of the children feelbecause of the losses theyhave experienced in their own lives,” BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell said whenintroducing Hinson. “It makes a great differenceto have such an empathetic person at the frontdoor to welcome you.”

Hinson is one of seven BCH staff membersto be honored with the 2017 Employee of theYear Award. Each year, recipients are nominatedand chosen by their peers. The group was recog-nized on April 7 at Mills Home in Thomasville at a ceremony including BCH trustees and staffmembers. Each winner addressed the audienceafter receiving the award from Blackwell andtrustee chair John Lee.

“If you ask any of our staff members, they all will tell you that they are here to make a dif-ference,” Blackwell said. “These recipients of theEmployee of the Year award are living, breathing

witnesses to BCH’s vision statement of sharinghope. . .changing lives.”

2017 HonoreesScott Cummings is a senior child care worker

at Drake Cottage in Franklin. Cummings consis-tently models what it means to bea servant of Jesus Christ. He al-ways puts the interests of othersahead of his own. Alongside hiswife, Connie, Cummings providescare and support to the boys living atDrake Cottage.

Dana Hartman serves as a case manager at Mills Home inThomasville. Hartman’s love forthe families she works with alwayscomes through in the way she interacts with them. It is evident,

at all times, that her motivation comes from sin-cerely caring about the children.

Brenda Hinson is the administrative assistantat Kennedy Home in Kinston. Working at thefront desk, it is Hinson’s cheerful voice and smil-ing face that people hear and see first. She can always be heard greeting visitors, children andstaff with a cheerful “How are you?” and “Godbless you!”

Mitzi Mann is the payroll manager and education fund accountant for BCH’s state administration in Thomasville. Mann’s role hasgrown larger during her tenure, and she hastaken on additional responsibilities. Her workethic is a model to her co-workers. Mann is always willing to help.

Alicia Rosser serves as farm manager at OakRanch in Broadway – a family care location. She

works behind the scenes feeding and groomingthe horses, cleaning stalls and assisting with a number of maintenance projects. Most impor-tantly, she manages Oak Ranch’s equine therapyprogram ensuring the family care children andmothers spend time with the horses.

Yvetta Smith is the east regional director for the North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry(NCBAM). Smith began as a volunteer and todaychannels her passion to help aging adults in herfull-time role. She has developed a successfulpilot program in less than a year that will bringsafer medication management to aging adults in her area.

[ EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR}

Staff honoredby trusteesand peers___________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

BCH President/CEO Michael C. Blackwell and Trustee Chair John Lee with the 2017 Employees of the Year, left to right:Scott Cummings, Broyhill Home Senior Child Care Worker; Emily Adler, Camp Duncan Group Work Supervisor; Dana Hart-man, Mills Home Case Manager; Alicia Rosser, Oak Ranch Farm Manager; Brenda Hinson, Kennedy Home Administrative

Assistant; Mitzi Mann, BCH Payroll Manager and Education Fund; Yvetta Smith, NCBAM East Regional Director.

Events CalendarFancy Finds Resale ShopOpen 1st & 3rd Fridays and Saturdays

Ride to Clyde Motorcycle Ride:East to West Charity Ride – May 10–13

Broyhill BBQ Festival:Broyhill Home in Clyde – May 13

Friends of Children Workday:Kennedy Home in Kinston – May 6Oak Ranch in Broadway – May 6Odum Home in Pembroke – May 6Camp Duncan in Aberdeen – May 13

Hope in Style Fashion Show:Greensboro Country Club – Aug. 26

“If you ask any of our staff members, they

all will tell you that they are here to make

a difference.” – Michael C. Blackwell

On May 29, our country celebrates Memo-rial Day. It’s the day we remember and

honor those who gave their lives protecting ourfreedom. Almost everywhere in the world, peoplehave designated a special day to remember thosewho died in battle and to honor the family andfriends they left behind. Thousands of Americanswill gather in Washington D.C. for the NationalMemorial Day Parade to share the story of honorand sacrifice that spreads across generations.

In Thomasville, where Mills Home is located,Memorial Day is celebrated with great pride. Theday begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at theNorth Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial lo-cated two miles south of Thomasville along I-85.The annual Memorial Day Parade follows, andfree hot dogs and soda are served at noon. Thousands from all over North Carolina attendmaking the celebration one of the largest of itskind in the southeastern United States.

May is filled with other special occasions. May 14 is the time we honor and celebrate our mothers. On Mother’s Day churches makespecial presentations. Families gather for luncheshonoring moms. For others, the day is a time to treasure the memories of their late mothers.

May is also a time of college graduations. Parents and grandparents gather to celebrate the momentous occasion.

May is a time of weddings. John and I will celebrate 44 years on May 19 – so many specialmemories

As I remember, I cannot help but think of thechildren served since Baptist Children’s Homes

(BCH) was founded in 1885. There havebeen many who havegraduated school,become adults and gone on tobecome great citizens in theircommunities.

I remember the facesof the children and familieswho have been helped since I began to serve at BCH. I remem-ber the faces of those who came to know Jesus. I see the faces of the dedicated staff memberswho serve to help others in need. I remember,with a great sense of gratitude, friends like youwho have given of their love, care and resourcesto impact these lives with the love of God. And I thank my God upon every remembrance ofyou. (Philippians 1:3)

It’s important to remember those special peo-ple in our lives who have encouraged us and in-fluenced us in such positive and wonderful ways.Stop, take a moment, and remember and cherishthose memories.

As you look for special ways to honor and re-member family and friends in the month of May,I have an idea for you to consider. A great way toremember moms, graduates, brides and grooms,and other special people who have been signifi-cant in your life is to send a gift in their honor ormemory to help children and families in need.

I believe there is no better way to remembersomeone than to honor them in a way that makes

a difference in the life of a child. Recently, I attended an event in which a happy

couple announced their wedding. Instead of re-ceiving gifts for themselves, they asked that theirfamily and friends give gifts to others in need.They shared how they wanted to begin their livestogether by giving to others.

This month as we take time to remember,honor and celebrate, we place you at the top of our thankful list. You are important to thisministry. Through your prayers and loving support, you are making a lasting impact. Thankyou for helping to lift high the cross of Jesus sothat those we serve can experience everlastingfreedom. Send your gift in honor or memory of your loved one today!

For more information, call me at 336-689-4442.

4 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4 Give to hurricane relief. Visit bchfamily.org/givenow.

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.

$700,000 still needed to put hurricane behind Kennedy Home _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Even after months of repairs and countless hours lovingly poured out

by 4,000 volunteers, there is still more thatneeds to be done to bring Kennedy Homeback after last year’s Hurricane Matthew.

“We are determined to put this storm behind us,” BCH president/CEO Michael C.Blackwell said. “With one final push and theamazing generosity of our supporters, we hopeto raise the last monies needed.”

Blackwell said that the cost to cover damages and make repairs has reached $1.5million. Additional monies are needed imme-diately to relocate and build a new food locker. The present walk-in refrigerators were

destroyed and all the food on campus was lostduring the storm. The current food locker wasbuilt on a concrete slab. Plans are to relocatethe food locker to an existing, raised buildingand then renovate the building and add newrefrigeration units. It is important to take stepsnow to prevent the same loss in the future.

Electrical system work has to be done onthe Kinston campus. The Cedar Dell roof hasto be replaced and additional cottage repairsand renovations need to be completed.

“We are grateful to all who have and arehelping,” Blackwell said. “Thank you.”

For more information on how to help, contact Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442 or email her at bbgray@bchfamily.org.

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Month of May is time to remember and honor___________________________________________________________________________________

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

“We are grateful to all who have and

are helping.”– Michael C. Blackwell

Go to bchfamily.org/summer or mail your gift.

Help a child immediately. Give at bchfamily.org/summer. 55/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

[ 2 0 1 7 S U M M E R A P P E A L }

I love watermelon.Cold watermelon tastes so good on a hot summer day. I can’t eat a slice

today without smiling and recalling the seed-spitting contests I won as a boy.Think about your fondest childhood summertime memory – finding

seashells along the beach, playing softball with friends, road trips with the family,or fireworks and grilling hot dogs. Now, imagine if your memories were filled

with anger, pain and darkness. This is the reality for many of the boys andgirls who come to us. Abuse and neglect overshadow their memories.

Today is your opportunity to do something about it. Give a summertime gift and help create joyful, new memories for a child to cherish for a lifetime. Your generosity offers hope, healing and happiness to boys and girls who desperately needsomething to smile about!

Please help children this summer! Your gift is important to meet needs and to ensure a child’s summer is filled with encouragingactivities that create lasting memories. Use the coupon or give online

at www.bchfamily.org/summer.

– Michael C. BlackwellPresident/CEO (And watermelonseed-spitting champion)

Mmmm...Watermelon!

Sunshine sponsor for $5,000.00 Sizzle sponsor for $2,500.00 Splash sponsor for $1,250.00

Super sponsor for $500.00 Sensation sponsor for $250.00 Smiles sponsor for $50.00

$ ______ ____________ Other Amount

I want to make it a summer to remember!

To make a gift by check, please print your information below and mail this form with your check. Name ___________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State ____ Zip __________ Phone _____________________________________ Email __________________________________

To make a gift by credit card: 1) Give online at www.bchfamily.org/summer, or 2) Make your gift by phone by calling Faith Frazier at 336-474-1312.

Yes, I would like to receive email updates from Baptist Children's Homes.

Contact me with information on how to prepare a Christian Will. I have included Baptist Children’s Homes in my estate plans.

Mail coupon to: BCH P.O. Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361

Jay and Kim Smith spent 26 years sharing the Gospel as missionaries in West Africa.

Today, the couple continues to share Christ’slove in their new role as Baptist Children’sHomes’ (BCH) cottage parents where they care for as many as 12 girls at Mills Home in Thomasville.

“It’s still a mission field but a different missionfield,” Kim explains.

Her husband agrees. “We love these girls withthe love of God just as we loved the people inWest Africa.”

Before the couple met, God impressed on each of them a desire to be involved with foreignmissions. Not long after they married, they contacted the Southern Baptist Convention’sForeign Mission Board, known today as the International Mission Board (IMB), to discusstheir desire to serve as international missionaries.

“It was now about finding the right jobmatch,” Kim says. “Jay received his degree inagricultural education, and we were looking forsomething in that field.”

In October 1990, with their second child onthe way, the couple received the IMB assignmentfor which they had been waiting. They arrived in West Africa three months later.

On the mission field, the Smiths worked withestablished churches to minister at a bible schooland home craft center for girls. At the same time,the Smiths were parenting their children.

“We were learning a new language and raisinglittle ones while doing our work,” Jay says. “Wespent quite a bit of time in the village buildingfriendships. They were getting to know our kidsand we were getting to know theirs.”

After 16 years of ministering in hospitable conditions, the Smiths were assigned to a differ-ent area in the region where the Gospel was unwelcome and Christians were persecuted. It forced them to use extreme caution.

“By this time, there were groups of believersnative to the area who would come to us for discipleship and training. They would then goout and evangelize,” Jay explains. “We weremore in the background.”

With conditions becoming increasingly dangerous, the Smiths returned to the states in2015 for what they envisioned to be a temporaryrespite. But while stateside, the IMB unexpect-edly announced it was in the middle of a financial crisis and laid off hundreds of missionaries andstaff members. The Smiths were given the

option of retiring early.“We weren’t ready to retire, but we prayed

through it and God made it clear to us that ourtime with the IMB was ending,” Kim says.

The couple once again prayed. But this time, they were seeking direction for their future. As they searched for new ministry opportunities,they came across information about Baptist Children’s Homes.

“We didn’t know anything about BCH. We had no background. We had no training,”Kim says.

“But God kept bringing us back to it,” Jaycontinues. “Just as He called us to internationalmissions, it was the same way with BCH.”

The couple joined BCH in February 2016.BCH trains all cottage parents equipping them

to provide the highest-quality care for children.The Smiths underwent training in TherapeuticCrisis Intervention, the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) practice model, and participated in a three-part internal staffmember orientation. In addition, they receivecontinuous training throughout their time as cottage parents.

The Smiths joined Robert and Diane Earley as the cottage parent team at Blackwell Cottage.One couple lives with the girls 24 hours a day,seven days a week for two weeks and then rotateoff and the other couple serves two weeks.

By April 2016, the Smiths had transitioned to their new mission field.

“The girls need God. They are up againstthings man can’t fix,” Kim shares.

As with the majority of the children served byBCH, the girls cannot remain with their familiesfor a variety of reasons. Most have experiencedsome form of physical and emotional trauma.

“We aren’t here to replace their parents, but

we want to take care of them and be there forthem physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Kim explains. “We want to help them feel safe.”

Through devotions, prayer and personal conversations, the Smiths introduce the girls to Jesus.

“It’s the same as on the international missionfield – having Jesus in people’s lives helps themwith what they are going through,” Jays says.“Here, the mission field is to help the girls understand who God is and for them to come to faith in Christ. There’s nothing like seeing a life change before your eyes.”

During their first year at BCH, the Smithshave witnessed several girls accept Jesus as Savior.

“We’re a family here. We had that on the mission field, and it’s one of the things that drewus here,” Jay says.

6 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

[ COTTAGE PARENTS FEATURE }

Smiths discovernew missionfield at BCH ___________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Longtime missionaries Jay and Kim Smith continue their work to share the Gospel as cottage parents at Baptist Children’sHomes (BCH). Through the International Mission Board, the couple ministered in West Africa for 26 years, sometimes in

dangerous conditions. Today, they have found a mission field working with girls at BCH’s Mills Home in Thomasville.

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

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) is building the Westmoreland

Family Children’s Home in Quetzalte-nango, Guatemala. The new home will complement its affiliate orphanage,The Good Shepherd Children’s Home.

Through a $100,000 challenge gift,BCH hopes to reach the $200,000 goalneeded to construct the home.

Since opening its doors in October2014, 62 orphans have been rescuedthrough Good Shepherd Ministrieswhich includes the orphanage andnearby medical clinic. Each of these 62 lives may have been lost if not forthe orphanage and the missionaries and churches who provide the supportvital to the children’s daily care.

Before Good Shepherd, many of theabandoned and malnourished boys andgirls were living on the streets. Some of the infants were found lying in card-board boxes, at public wash stations,and inside rusty shopping carts.

“They were discarded like trash andleft to die,” says BCH Chief OperatingOfficer Keith Henry, who overseesBCH’s involvement with Good Shep-herd. “The situation was more direthan I ever imagined.”

That reality became overwhelmingwhen Henry toured a Guatemalanstate-operated facility. Nearly 800 children were packed into a compoundmade for 400.

“It ripped my heart,” says Henry.BCH supporter and trustee Jay

Westmoreland saw conditions firsthandwhen visiting Good Shepherd in 2016.

“It’s impossible to understand the need until you see the children for yourself,” explains Westmoreland.“We’ve seen the success at Good Shepherd, but we also realize that this home has reached its capacity.”

Construction for the second home has begun using the $100,000 challenge gift made by Westmorelandand his wife Scarlett. The gift, made in honor of his father Dr. Ted G. West-moreland, will help provide a lovingenvironment for additional children.

“Scarlett and I hope other familiesand friends will join us in making thenew home a reality,” says Westmore-land. “We have to help as many children as we can.”

Your gift will be matched dollar fordollar through the $100,000 challenge.Contact BCH’s Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442 or bbgray@bchfamily.org.

Learn more at bchfamily.org/guatemala. 75/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

[ GUATEMALA MISSION GROWS }

Challenge issued to build new Guatemalan home ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Trustee Jay Westmoreland rocks one of the orphans during a 2016 trip to Good Shepherd Children's Home in Guatemala.He and his wife Scarlett are encouraging others to join them

in raising funds to build a much-needed second home.

Donor Naming Opportunities_______________________________________________

Kitchen & Dining Area .....................$25,000Living Room .......................................$25,000Six Bedrooms .....................$5,000 per roomCentral Courtyard Garden.................$5,000Open Air Laundry Room ....................$2,500Donors will be recognized with plaques placed in the Westmoreland Children’s Home.

(Continued from page 1.) The Partons both work outside of their

home. Jeremy directs Haywood Pathways Center – a nonprofit that serves the homeless,and Amanda is a department chair at South College in Asheville. Their lives are hectic, butboth agree that being foster parents helps createbalance and reminds themwhat is important day to day.

“I see homeless peopleeveryday who did not have the support of a Christianhome when they were children,” Jeremy Parton says. “The childrenwho come through BCH are ‘homeless’ and needa family – whether they need a home for a shorttime or a longer time, whether it’s at a place likeBroyhill Home or in a foster family home likeours. What we do now for children will maketheir lives better as they grow into adults.”

Amanda agrees. “We want to give a childhope – for now and for the future. We share ourhome and strive to show them what a relation-ship with God looks like.”

McCleary stresses the importance of a fosterfamily being focused on mission. “It is not a wayto make extra money. BCH’s foster homes musthave adequate income to financially support their

family without relying on the foster care pay-ment. Foster care payments only reimburse forroom, board and supervision.”

Children entering foster care range in age frominfancy to age 21. The situations they come fromcan be very diverse. What they all share is a need for a place to call home, a place to belong, and

people who will love and nurture them. A foster family home provides 24-hour,seven-days-a-week care for between oneand five children. Families are requiredto have family foster licensure which includes, but is not limited to:l Applicants must meet the minimum

age requirement of 21 years old. There is noupper age limit.

l Applicants must have stable income and a home in a North Carolina community within100 miles of one of the following BCH locations:Kennedy Home in Kinston, Mills Home inThomasville, or Broyhill Home in Clyde.

l Applicants must complete an application,have a mutual home assessment and a criminalbackground check.

l Applicants and family members must meetminimum physical and mental health require-ments.

l Applicants must complete 30 hours of

pre-service training through BCH.To find out more about becoming a foster

family, contact one of the following BCH representatives:

In western North Carolina, call Bob McClearyat 828-593-9648,; or email him atbmccleary@bchfamily.org.

In the central part of the state, call DanettaChristmas at 336-474-1238, or email her atdchristmas@bchfamily.org.

In the East and along the coast, call Christo-pher Allabaugh at 252-933-3650, or email him atcallabaugh@bchfamily.org.

8 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4 Learn more about foster care at bchfostercare.org.

Before coming to Broyhill Home in Clyde,Sam* was not a stand-out in school. In fact,

he was more comfortable in the shadows, awayfrom the taunting.

Life at home didn’t foster success. He spenthours playing video games. He shut himself offfrom others. He held in his feelings.

It all turned around when he and his brotherStevie* began living at Broyhill in March 2016.The clothes that carried the stench of their pastwere thrown out. They sat with their cottage par-ents and the other boys around a dinner table formeals. Being clean and eating good, nutritionalfood benefited the boys. They began to feel better and enjoy life more.

During Sam’s first month in care, he hardlyspoke and never looked anyone in the eyes. But hereceived the new things he was given – clothes, aclean room, books, and shoes – with a soft spoken“thank you.” He was in awe of his new life.

Back in school with much of his past behindhim, he dove into his school work with fervor. In a short time, he had reached the milestone ofbeing a member of his middle school’s “MillionWord Club.” The achievement in the acceleratedreading program drew attention of teachers andBroyhill staff members. Their encouragement

boosted Sam’s self-esteem.

In the fall of thisschool year, now a freshman in highschool, Sam took hismath end-of-courseexam – and thenforgot about it.

When his scorecame back, he haddone very well. Hehad achieved thehighest level of “5”with a total score of 266. Comparatively, he scoredin the upper 5% of those taking the test. He sur-passed the average scores of those in his school,district and in North Carolina.

Going from low self-esteem to where he is today is an even bigger accomplishment. Hesmiles, looks people in the eyes and helps around his cottage. And he was selected to participate in his school’s elite, honor choir.

Sam recently accepted Christ into his heart. Heis inquisitive during cottage devotions and, whengiven the opportunity, he shares his testimony. He dreams of a good life and has set his gaze onattending Gardner-Webb University in a few years.

[ CHILD’S SUCCESS FEATURE }

Sam* makes high math score on EOC assessment_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

BCH expanding foster family care ministry across the state _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C A R ECARE and

see lives changedforever.

SCORE COMPARISONSACHIEVEMENT

LEVELS

Sam’s Score

School

District

State (2012-13)

1 2 3 4 5

230 240 250 260 270 280

* Although Sam and Stevie’s story is real, their names have been changed.

Y o u r V B S c a n m a k e a

D I F F E R E N C E !Collect an offering / Invite a speaker / Download resources

Visit www.bchkids.org & learn how your VBS can help.

James Bird took a keen interest lastyear serving on the Membership

Committee and he is eager to letfolks know that we’re expecting YOUfor Homecoming. Mark your calen-dar with the dates August 4, 5 and 6.Also, remember May 31 as the dead-line for changes for the address direc-tory. It will go to press in June. Sendaddress changes to Sally B. Ferguson,25 Southern Pine Trail, OrmondBeach, FL, 32174.

We were pleased to get an updateon Joey Lambert from Sandy Penley.Over the last few years, Joey has suf-fered some health problems, chieflysurgeries dealing with cancer. Mostrecently he had to have hernia sur-gery followed by gall bladder surgery.As you can only imagine, times havebeen trying for Joey. Sandy asks thatwe keep him in our prayers andplease send encouraging get wellmessages to him at: 8 Manor Dr.,Thomasville, NC, 27360.

Sandy has had her own set of diffi-culties dealing with another foot sur-gery, but she is very encouraged andfeels certain this last surgery is thebest one yet. She’s been lucky to havefriends like Harry Walls helping her.She has had to deal with specialboots, walkers and other ambulatoryequipment. It is still hard for Sandyto get out and meander around forfun and entertainment. Let’s pleasecheer her up with calls (704-619-8633) and emails (sandyapenley@gmail.com). Thanks to Sandy for herhelp on this particular column.

Jeanie Helms Cooper had surgeryon March 24 which reversed thesurgery she had last April. It has beena very difficult year. She and the fam-ily ask that you please continue yourprayers, calls, cards and visits. Jeaniesuffered a serious set-back aroundMarch 29 with fluid on the lungs andthe onset of pneumonia. Send cardsto Jane Helms Brown’s home at 720Curry Rd., High Point, 27265.Friends can reach Jeanie by phone at 336-905-1852.

We were deeply saddened to learnthat Christine Beshears Evans diedsuddenly at her home at Badin Lakeon Saturday, March 25. Although she

had other siblings, Chris came toMH with only her sister Jerrie in1955. She graduated from THS in1966 and spent that summer workingin Michigan where she reconnectedwith her older brothers. She liked itso well “up north,” she decided toremain. She married Robert Evansand spent most of her adult life inMichigan. After they both retired,they moved to Badin Lake to be nearher sister in Thomasville. Friends andfamily gathered at J.C. Green FuneralHome for visitation and a celebrationof her life on March 29. She wasburied at Holly Hill Cemetery inThomasville. Friends wishing to makea memorial donation are asked tosend it to Baptist Children’s Homesof NC, PO Box 338, Thomasville,NC 27361-9911.

A brief note from Dennis andDinah Webster reads, “Sad news ofanother Mills Home orphan’s pass-ing. May God console Robert andJerrie and family. Christine will be re-membered lovingly by all those thatknew her and interacted with her, es-pecially in her years at Mills Home.”

Sharon Watterson is an “uptown”graduate of the THS class of 1965and she is noted for her kindness inkeeping that class connected (spwat-terson@gmail.com). On March 27,she shared a note with the MillsHome alumni on Facebook fromJames Sebastian. She also requestedprayers for James.

James identified himself as a mem-ber of the 1965 class. He is in badhealth and was told in October hehad only four weeks to live. ButJames credits the Lord with a won-derful extension of his life. He haslived 23 more weeks. His majorproblems have been with lungs andheart for the last two years, being inand out of hospitals several times. He recently was in hospice care inWilmington, but is now back home.His daughter Teresa and son-in-lawTim share his home. Their problemsare compounded because Tim is deal-ing with liver cancer. So, James is ask-ing for prayer from friends for himselfand his family. He would love to hearfrom his friends. Please share yourlove and concern by sending cardsand letters to: 2160 Trout Ave., SW,

Supply, NC, 28462. James sends hisappreciation to Sharon for all thework she does for the Class of 1965.

We were very sorry to hear thatSusie Steelman Parsad had a car acci-dent in January. The airbag was thechief cause of quite a few injuries:hematoma, broken nose, broken ribs,abdominal bruising, and concussion.Her truck was totaled. The injuries tothe abdomen caused eating problems,weight loss and necessitated eventualhospitalization. She says, “Everythinghas healed except the concussion. Iam still trying to overcome the con-stant headaches and confused think-ing. I’m hoping my neurologist willclear me for scheduled knee replace-ment on April 12.”

Susie concluded, “I’m asking forprayers for healing. Blessings to all ofyou.” Let’s send get well cards toSusie at: 5103 221st St., MountlakeTerrace, WA, 98043 or email her atsusanparsad@comcast.net.

Daphne Hooks Belanger has re-mained close friends with her MillsHome buddy Linda Jarrell Barnessince they both graduated. Throughgood times and the bad, they lookedout for each other. So it was no sur-prise that when Linda and her hus-band Jimmy ended up with verychallenging health issues, Daphnepacked her bags, left her home inArkansas and headed to Matthews,NC. Once there, she took over theirlives aiding them in every way possi-ble – helping them deal with physicalchallenges, getting them in for doc-tor appointments, picking up medi-cines, grocery shopping, and cookingmeals. It has been amazing the helpshe has given for her two specialfriends who are showing vast signs ofimprovement. Jimmy especially is sothankful for the renewed vigor he hasgained from the delicious foodDaphne has prepared. Linda wishesto express her heartfelt appreciate forall that Daphne has done for her andJimmy. They are both so grateful tohave such a friend. Daphne plans toreturn home soon to take care ofsome important issues like filingtaxes, but she plans to return to offerfurther assistance. That is being a“devoted sister.”

I mentioned in the last columnthat Lorraine Owen Brewer passedaway in March. She was preceded indeath by her father, a daughter and agrandson. She is survived by her hus-band Tommy Brewer, one son andthree grandchildren. Lorraine cameto MH in 1959 and graduated in1964. She was buried March 13 inBlack Mountain where she resided.She was active in MH campus andchurch life and at the ThomasvilleCity Schools. Most folks will remem-ber her as one of the talented highstepping majorettes of the THSband. Lorraine was known to all as abeautiful, kind, sweet person whohad a positive influence on everyone.

Rich Lewis informed the Facebookgroup that his “MH brother”Matthew T. Lambert of Kannapolis,passed away Sunday, March 5.Matthew was preceded in death byhis parents, sister Lola and brothersCharles and Jeffrey Lambert. Sur-vivors include his children Keisha andKayla Lambert and Aaron Aleshire;granddaughter Brielle Breitwieser;sister Carla Lambert; brothers John,Kevin and Mike Lambert, and friendsKeith and BJ Lambert. Matt was agraduate of A.L. Brown HighSchool. He owned and operatedP&L Utilities with his son. Matt wasknown as a hard worker, but hisgreatest accomplishments were hischildren and granddaughter. He willbe sorely missed by his family andfriends. For folks interested in mak-ing a memorial donation in his name,the family requests it be sent it to theBaptist Children’s Homes of NC,P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC,27361.

And finally, a good report fromSally B. Ferguson: “I’ve got somegood news. I went to my urologiston Tuesday for my six month checkup and it was all clear. No cancer.The doctor said it’s been four yearssince I was first diagnosed with blad-der cancer. So now I’ve graduated to

a yearly check up sched-ule. God is good.”

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Homecoming slated for August 4, 5 & 6 –Alumni covet prayers as they face challenges_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni 95/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

_______________________________Broyhill Home

Girls living at Broyhill Home in the mountainsnear Clyde get creative during an afternoon atMs. Arty Pants Creation Station in Waynesville.Children took part in a paint session allowingthem to learn skills, but most all, have fun._______________________________Camp Duncan

Campers made the most of an expedition tothe Everglades National Park in Florida. Thegirls’ canoe trip included exploring the sur-rounding islands outside the park where theydiscovered citrus trees and ate the delicious co-conut. Trips like this add to their educationalexperience._______________________________Community Support

Staff members from The Little Bank in LaGrange chose Kennedy Home in Kinston astheir nonprofit to support in 2017. They made a $3,000 donation to the eastern area campus.

_______________________________Mills Home

The boys and girls at Mills Home in Thomasvilleare already taking advantage of the Springweather. Recently, the children and their cot-tage parents experienced the scenic view atPilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, above, aswell as the overlook at Morrow Mountain StatePark in Albemarle, below.

_______________________________Kennedy Home

Seven Springs Baptist Church held its “GrandNew Opry” benefit for Kennedy Home onMarch 4. The evening featured family-friendlyhumor and live music including Gospel, bluegrass, folk, and traditional country. An impersonator of legendary Grand Ole Opry star Minnie Pearl, above, made an appearance.

_______________________________Odum Home

Members of Mission: M25 Ministry spent theday with children and staff at Odum Home inPembroke on April 8. Based on the verses fromMatthew 25: 34-40, their vision is to serve“the overlooked, lost, and hurting in today’s so-ciety.” The group led in a number of activitiesincluding a time of devotion. They brought giftbags and prepared lunch and treats._______________________________Developmental Disabilities Ministry

Residents from Lanier Home and Mercer Homein Sanford love to bowl. The men and womenparticipated in the 2017 bowling league at theStevens Center in Sanford. The Stevens Centerprovides enrichment programs and services foradults with developmental disabilities. Thegroup attended the league’s awards banquet onMarch 20. Please note: Positions for QPs andDSPs are currently available. For more infor-mation, visit www.bchcareers.org._______________________________Church Volunteers

On April 8, volunteers from Hermon BaptistChurch in Waxhaw replaced the windows at thehome of Mills Home Baptist Church pastorRandy Stewart and his wife Diane.

You can help!bchfamily.org/getinvolved

10 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4 Discover ways to help at bchfamily.org/getinvolved

Every day at churches and BCH facilities “around the state,” staffmembers, residents and North Carolina Baptists are making news. In Charity & Children and throughBCH's social media posts, friendscan connect daily, weekly andmonthly to learn about all of BCH's happenings.

Around the State

Are you ready for a greatHomecoming on June 3 and

4? Yvonne Nelson, Amanda andSpencer Nelson, Janet ClarkWilliams, Brian Baltzell, MichaelGrimsley, Doris and Jimmie Powers,John Williams, and John Thompsonmet with alumni president BillySmithwick at Kennedy Home (KH)to plan this year’s Homecoming.

Everyone is so excited that Rev.Horace Hawes and his wife Marywill be our guest and Rev. Haweswill serve as our pastor for theweekend. This is very unusual tohave someone two years in a row.

Rev. Hawes was social work di-rector in the 70s and was loved byall. This was when Rev. RogerWilliams was KH director.

I hope everyone is planning toattend Homecoming. Doris Russ,Becky, and I will be leading themusic during worship. Try to comeon Saturday, June 3. Let’s pack thechoir loft and make some beautifulmusic for the Sunday morningservice. We will have SundaySchool at 10:00 a.m. with a quick choir practice at 10:30 a.m.Worship is at 11:00 a.m.

There will be a delicious meal onSaturday evening followed by ourannual business meeting. Then youare invited to a fun time in thegym. Plan to bring your family.

I will be sharing information on the Beach Cottage Alumni Retreat on Sept. 1-4 in anothercolumn. I think we can have 60folks in the cottage. Let’s set that as our goal.

Bonita and David Leary, formerpastor and wife at KH, sent a fewmemories. “David and I were bothseminary students when David wascalled to KH as pastor in 1960.Daughter Emma was one year old.Son Stanley was born in 1962.What a fun place to rear children.Those were the days!

“Willie Walker’s locker priceswere great. Milk and cheese werefree. Pork was forty cents a pound.Beef was fifty cents a pound. Fresh

vegetable delivered daily. Whatmore could you want?

“Walker’s beagle had puppies.One of those, Ginger, was our firstpet. She lived for 18 years.

“Other pets followed. CCB boysfound a “possum.” David took theboys and the possum to the wood-shop and built it a house.

“In the process, they discoveredthat the he was a she with five littleones and she bit David.

“David’s first pastorate meant hisfirst baptismal and first baptismalboots. He decided to try his bootson in his office. Why did he stepoutside onto the porch wearingnothing but the chest-high boots,we’ll never know. I looked out ofthe parsonage window just in timeto see him trying to get back insidethe door that locked behind him.

“Those baptized in David's firstbaptism on May 7, 1961 were:Linda Arnold, Kenneth Barwick,Robert Barwick, Philip Edge, CharlesGibson, Florence Gilmore, BrendaGreen, Joan Green, Linda Mervin,Bonnie Packard, Janice Pail, JanetPate, Donna Sisk, and JamesSexton.

“We enjoyed visits from the chil-dren. Stanley Lowe liked to climbour pull-down attic steps. RogerJolly brought us butter-cups hepicked along the road. WilliamStallings played with Stanley. BettySue Tharrington and Emma spentmany happy hours together. WandaButler and Darlene Jones becamevery dear to us. Billy Bunn becamestranded in the pecan tree in ourfront yard when W.A. Smith andDavid stopped under it for an extended conversation. Billy alsohad a problem when his midgetfootball uniform pants dropped tohis feet while he was playing. Therewere quite a few spectators at thatgame in LaGrange. His face maystill be red.

“Happy, loving, fun memories. –Bonita and David Leary”

Edward Gaston Pait sent a noteto remember. “Kathy, Janice and Iwere invited to move to Williams

Cottage. The girls in Pollock talkedher into staying with them as weonly had a year and a half left be-fore graduation. Since then, I havecome to realize the impact we KHbrothers and sisters may have hadon the younger children. Whiledoing our chores, going to thefarm at 4:30 a.m. and then leavingon a school bus at 7:00 a.m. andthen reversing the tasks in the after-noon kept us busy, we didn’t knowwe were setting standards thatsome younger children took withthem. I have many stories toshare.”

Mary Hamilton, a former workerin the sewing room, has gone to bewith Mr. Henry, her husband, inheaven. She was loved so much byall of us. She and Mrs. Rae Brockworked side-by-side for many yearsin the sewing room. Mr. Henryworked in the huge 25 acre gardendown on the farm. He helped toprovide many, many delicious veg-etables for us all to share. DonnaDuty wrote a note stating that Mrs.Hamilton had a great talent forsewing. Donna also states thatDickie Maynor and his wife Pamwere very close to Miss Mary andspent a lot of time with herthrough the years. I remember heralways trying to help Becky andme. I remember Mr. Henry wasdriving back to the campus one dayand out on the highway 70 he hadpulled over to the side of the roadand had a heart attack. We willsurely miss both of them.

Alice Jeanne Ramsey Byrd sent anarticle entitled “Special Guests forDinner.”

“Mother had a strong feeling forthe children at KH. She under-stood because she was only abouttwo years old when her motherdied.

“It seems just a few years, but itwas a long time ago when my fam-ily in Kinston had special guestsfrom KH for a Sunday dinner. Thetime might have been in the1930s – in the spring. We hadguest from time to time but usuallyrelatives from out of town. My sib-

lings and I were excited to learnthat our visitors would be children.

“On Sunday morning while mybrothers and I were in SundaySchool, my Mother and grand-mother Ramsey (who lived with us)prepared the best meal of the week.Then they would sit and listen tothe radio to hear the church wor-ship service and know when to ex-pect us home. We lived in Kinstonin an old 1920-something housewith very large rooms. The kitchenwas large enough to have a biground oak table that could easilyseat six to eight people. But theroom we called the sitting roomhad a large table that could haveextra leaves added to seat guests.

“It was not often used, butlooked pretty with a fresh table-cloth and company dinnerware.When the KH children arrived, I noticed they were younger thanme, wearing their Sunday best.After my father led in the usualprayer before eating, the food was passed around for all to share.A usual menu would have freshlyfried chicken, mashed potatoes,canned garden peas, hot biscuitsmade from scratch by my grand-mother, pickles, and a desert of sweet potato or lemon pie. Or possibly we could have freshpork shoulder, sweet potatoes, and peas.

“After finishing the meal, I re-member being surprised that thechildren rose from the table, pickedup their plates, and took the emptyplates across the wide center hall tothe kitchen. This must have beenthe custom at KH.

“The children were polite andwell mannered. I have a clear mem-ory of a pleasant occasion for all ofus.”

Remember, I’m always ready tohelp you, night or day. Just give me

a call and I will comea running. jt

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Former KH pastor and wife remember children –Family hosts KH children for dinner in 1930s_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kennedyhomealumni 115/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

Read more at #Homeword or bchfamily.org/charityandchildren.12 5/17 – Charity & Children – 130/4

When I was a boy, Mom wouldn’t let me and my siblings go barefoot

until after Easter. I’m not sure of theedict’s origin, but it is akin to the Southerndictum that forbids wearing white untilMemorial Day. All I know is that it was a rite of spring that was passed down fromher mother and grandmother.

The bottoms of our feet would toughenin a few weeks, but until then we lookedlike carnival performers walking across broken glass. Being barefoot was worth the initial discomfort.

The weather warmed. We spent moretime playing outside. The quality of therough and tumble of the day was marked

by the amount of dirt on my feet. As thesun began to sink, I would while away thefinal rays of light with my toes wiggling incool grass, lying on my back set to countstars as night fell.

A child passing time in this simple way, I believe, pleases God.Four-year-old grandsonRoger understands thisjoy of simple living.

Of my son and daugh-ter-in-law’s three chil-dren, Roger is the onewho is most often blurredin group photos. He is seldom still. It is not fidgetiness but moreof a restlessness that comes from a keenpassion for adventure. He finds joy injumping, bouncing, climbing, sliding, andrunning. But he is not reckless; in fact he is the only one of the three children whohas not broken a bone.

Being a long distance grand-parent, I keep up with my Texas

grandchildren on Insta-gram, using FaceTime

and by pictures emailedfrom their mom anddad. Pictures ofRoger always make

me smile. Most

photos ofRoger feature

him appearing like Mowgli in Rudyard

Kipling’s Jungle Book, but instead of a jungle, he is in his

suburban backyard.

Bare feet are his preference and shirts are always optional. A recent picture has his head peeping out from his blue nylonhammock we gave him for Christmas. Another is one of him running across theyard playing tag with his older brother Stuart – both boys barefoot and shirtless.The most memorable one is him jumpingon his backyard trampoline with a hugesmile, shirtless, arms raised, wearing only white undershorts.

Roger seems to drink up happiness. So, what is his secret?

First, Roger doesn’t worry about any-thing. He has great parents who take care of him. He is safe and loved.

Next, Roger believes he can. He is toldby his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles that he is able to dream and be andbecome whatever he wants.

And finally, he makes joy a priority. There are lots of things that fill his daysand could distract him, but Roger neverforgets to be happy.

Scripture teaches that joy comes fromtrusting God. Jesus admonishes us to notworry about our life. “Look at the birds ofthe sky: they don’t sow, or reap, or gatherinto barns, yet your Heavenly Father feedsthem.” He then reminds us how God values us even more.

Believing we can is so important. Havingsomeone else believe we can launches aworld of possibilities. When Peter asked if he could walk on the water, Jesus said,“Come.” Scripture teaches we “can do allthings” in Christ. Jesus believes we can!

The Psalmist reminds us to “delight inthe Lord.” Trust and be happy. Rememberwhat it’s like to be a child sometimes. It

pleases our Heavenly Father.

Edminson writes “Homeword” to encourage readers with personal anecdotes of home life.He is available for preaching and speaking engagements. Email him at wjedminson@bch-family.org or call 800-476-3669, ext. 1217 toschedule a date.

[ # H O M E W O R D }

1. Western Area Family Services Linda 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 www.kennedyhome.org

4. Odum Home Kathy Locklear, Resident Mgr.910-521-3433www.odumhome.org

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

6. Cameron Boys Camp Stephen Ashton, Dir. 910-245-4034 www.cameronboyscamp.org

7. Camp Duncan for Girls Paul Daley, Dir. 910-944-3077 www.campduncanNC.org

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

9. Dev. Disabilities Ministry Peggy Pennington, Dir. 336-474-1261www.hereismyhome.org

10.NC Baptist Aging MinistrySandy Gregory, Dir. 336-474-1221www.ncbam.org

11. Tucker Greater Vision MinistryMarjorie Rorie, Dir. 336-747-0018

12.HOMEBASE at WCUJim Dean, Dir. 828-293-4660

13.Good Shepherd Children’sHome, GuatemalaKeith Henry336-474-1215

Ideas or suggestions, contact: Keith HenryChief Operating Officer 336-474-1215

Can we help?_____________________________________To learn more about BCH’s min-istriy, call 800-476-3669 or go online at www.bchfamily.org.

Remembering to be childlikemakes us happy and pleases God_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor