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

131/5

Graduates reach milestone, plan for futures. (Page 6) Bikers set record for “Ride to Clyde” fund raiser. (Page 7)

6/18

Fifty-one-year-old Tim Boyd always keeps an eye out for a hurting child. The Kennedy

Home alum stops suddenly while heading towardthe door of OrthoCarolina in Concord where heserves as one of the clinic’s physician assistants.

“Hey, buddy,” Boyd greets a boy standing with his mom. He had attended the patient earlierand was surprised to see they had not left. Theboy’s stressed look puts everything else on hold. “Can I help you?”

“It’s this new brace,” he tells Boyd. “It doesn’tfeel right.” The boy is recovering from a brokencollar bone and had been fitted with a figure eightclavicle brace.

“Let’s take a look at it again.” The trio go intothe back only to reappear in a few minutes. Bothmom, who appears relieved, and boy are smiling.Boyd walks them out the front door assuring themthey can call him anytime.

“My brother Gary and I had been alone for three weeks,” Boyd begins to recount hischildhood story. “I was about ten and Gary is two years younger.”

It was common for their dad not to comehome. So common, in fact, that Boyd developed a routine. He and his brother would wake in timeto dress and leave for school during the week. Inthe evening, he would scrounge a meal from whatwas in the refrigerator, they would do their home-work, go to bed, and start over the next morning.

Only this time, a couple of nights passed andthe days began to add up into the first week.When there was no more food left in the trailer, he and his brother began to pick up soda cansalong the highway, sell them and spend whatchange they had earned to buy food at the nearby convenience store.

“I don’t remember being scared,” Boyd

confides, “This was normal for us. Kids who areabused don’t realize there is anything different.”

One day, there was a knock at the door. Boydremembers seeing a lady smiling. She told himthat he and Gary were going to go with her.

“We were taken to a foster home first and thenwe came to live at Kennedy Home,” he recalls.“This was the worst and the best time in my life,all rolled up into one.”

The brothers were safe at Kennedy Home.There were adults who made sure they were wellfed and clothed. There were chores, and all thechildren spent three hours a day doing homework.Boyd remembers playing and having fun.

“I learned a great work ethic,” he says. “Welearned that there were others who counted on us and honesty was paramount. I felt good aboutthe person I was becoming.”

Boyd was successful in high school and earnedadmission to the University of North Carolina atChapel Hill. He graduated in 1988. Next, Boydattended Bowman Gray School of Medicine, graduating valedictorian of his class to become a physician assistant in 1991.

“My wife Lisa and I made a commitment in1991 to provide Christmas presents for all thechildren at Kennedy Home,” Boyd says, and thensmiles. “Lisa thought it was like one home –– I told her there were 100 children.”

Lisa Boyd never blinked, and for 26 years thecouple and their immediate family have boughtChristmas for the children and staff who Boyd sees as kin. “They are my family.”

“When you go through what I have, you arethankful,” Boyd says. “You’re thankful for all youhave and for all you can give.”

Alumnus keeps strong kinship ties___________________________________________________By Jim Edminson, Editor

Tim Boyd grew up at Kennedy Home in Kinston. Today, he and Lisa, his wife of 28 years, have two sons, Cameron age 21and Jacob 18. Boyd and his wife are both physician assistants and live in Belmont. The couple have provided Christmas

presents for Kennedy Home residents and staff members for 26 years. They attend Bethlehem Church in Gastonia.

Give and help create great summer memories for a child. – See page 5.

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; and Deneesha Edwards, database clerk. Charity & Children (ISSN 0009-1723-09 USPS100-460) 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 or change, use the above address and write to Attn: Database Clerk, send an email to address@bchfamily.org or call at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at bchfamily.org/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER: Sendchange 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 www.bchblog.org.2 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

[ MY THOUGHTS }

Many mornings when I wake up, my firstthought is some version of “where am I going to find the $58,000 it will take

to operate Baptist Children’s Homes today?”My friends often wonder how I can thrive

in an atmosphere that requires me to askBCH supporters to contribute to its opera-tions. They don’t understand how glad I am

for the privilege of asking, and the joy I receive when supporters respond positively.

And, like most people, few of my friends understand the deep running springs of joy that flow from giving.

Studies show people who give actually live longer, healthier lives. Preoccupied byothers, their own aches and pains diminish.

Giving of themselves, either through theirfinancial means or gifts of presence in otherpeople’s lives, taps wells of joy otherwisethought dry.

So, when I lay the needs of hurting chil-dren and broken families before friends whocan help, I consider myself a “joy geologist.”I have a map and equipment to help themdig through the crust of their lives to findthe joy of giving.

The main reason people do not give, youknow, is because they aren’t asked. You havefriends who are sitting on the sidelines witha full bag of talents, gifts and abilities undertheir arms, ready to help in your family, yourchurch, your schools, your neighborhood. . .if someone would just ask them.

Think of the joy you can rain down byasking.

If people do not give because they are not asked, conversely, they give first of allbecause they are asked. The second reasonpeople give is for the joy of helping others.As president of BCH, I have the rare privi-lege of helping facilitate joy.

I encourage our development staff to seeits role as joy facilitators. Every day whenthey come to work, they can rain unbridledjoy into someone’s otherwise dull, drab, and often gray world by showing them how to help children.

And that, my friends, may be the most significant thing we do.

I spoke recently to development officersfrom across the nation, and related to themthe opportunities I see at hand for them tobring joy to people by helping them give.Their role is significant as each institutionworks hard to forge ahead in uncertaintimes.

Let me share briefly with you, our friendsand donors, how I see the significance of

development opportunities.1. Development officers, joy givers, are to

make friends for their institution and to tella compelling and irresistible story. A capitalcampaign is an organized way to tell yourstory.

2. Development officers are to cultivateinvestors who will make systematic and significant gifts to the institution.

3. They are to aggressively maintain closeand productive relationships with Baptistchurches across the state. These churches“adopted” us and love us still. They want to secure our well-being, as we work in thetask assigned us. But, like our own children,when they don’t talk with us, it’s difficult to meet their needs.

4. Our development officers are to enthu-siastically promote the Thanksgiving Offer-ing, a vital part of our health.

5. Our development joy givers are to ensure that our various publics get the infor-mation they need about our services and thatrelations with the public are wholesome,positive and productive.

6. They are to work closely with our serv-ice delivery providers so that development is seen as a part of the overall mission ofBaptist Children’s Homes and not as just an auxiliary.

7. As our development officers travel the state, talking to hundreds of people every month, I rely on them to help discoverpersons with potential for major leadershiproles, such as trustees.

8. Through careful research, they are to upgrade levels of giving. Those who cangive large amounts find greater joy in havinga significant role in a particular project. Atthe same time, all donors should be consid-ered prospects for a planned or deferred giftto help secure the future.

9. Joy geologists are to help facilitate a continuing dialogue between outside constituencies and the internal organization.

10. And most significantly, they, we, meand all of us are to help our donors experi-ence something they cannot experience ontheir own-the unsurpassed joy of giving.

May the joy of giving rain on youBy Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Subscribe family and friends to C&C at www.bchfamily.org/subscribe. 36/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

When the doctor shook his head saying hecould not give medical approval to

travel to China, Sarah Snell didn’t blink. “I’m notasking you to,” she retorted, “I just need toknow about vaccines or other precautions. I amgoing to China.”

Her physician wasn’t the only naysayer.“Friends and family just didn’t understand,” Snellexplains. “When the Lord opens a door, I can’tnot walk through it.”

Snell departed for her sixth trip to the People’sRepublic on May 9, 2017 –– her 85th birthday.Her previous trip, in 2013, took months of re-covery. “I learned that the Lord can still use youeven when you’re not at your best.”

Sarah was turned down by several exchangeprograms due to age restrictions. “When I ap-plied to The Edge Institute, they simply asked if I could do the work.” The work in this case wasstudying Mandarin Chinese, teaching conversa-tional English to college students, and sharingAmerican culture.

Snell’s 2013 visit to China was highlighted bya divine encounter. As Sarah was leaving a churchservice, a Chinese woman excitedly approachedher. As they hugged, the woman said, “‘All mylife, I’ve known a white woman would come andtalk to me about the love of Jesus.” Snell says atthat moment, God spoke to her heart, “Yourdream has come true.”

Snell’s dream began 80 years ago. “When Iwas five, a poster in the church vestibule showeda starving Chinese child. It troubled me and I asked my father about it. He told me, ‘She’s

hungry not just for food, but to know Jesus lovesher.’ I thought, doesn’t everybody know that? I remember looking at the poster, stomping myfoot and saying, ‘Someday, I’ll tell you!’”

“Even though I’d been in China several timesbefore, until I felt that woman’s arms around meand heard her words, I’d never realized that whatI committed to at age five had become a reality.”

Proselytizing is not allowed in China. Makingfriends is. And that’s fine with affable Snell. She grins, “Simply showing I care has given me plenty of opportunities to share my faith and the Gospel.”

Sarah Snell currentlyserves as interim chaplainat a retirement communityin Virginia and on the Advisory Team for NorthCarolina Baptist AgingMinistry. She and her latehusband, Roy, reared sixsons while serving as missionaries in Asia. An ordained Baptist minister,Reverend Snell has neverfully retired.

Snell saved honorariumsto finance her 2017 trip.But when people learnedher plans, they wanted to help. With extra funds,Snell established scholar-ships for two students to continue the culturalexchange in the UnitedStates.

Snell’s eyes glisten when she speaks of thegoodness of God and the rapt attention He givesto the dreams of children. “It’s hard to commu-nicate the depth and power of God in workingout details as He does. He’s at work in the worldin ways we don’t pay attention to. I’ve seen thatin the miraculous ways He orchestrates my lifeand the lives of others.”

WINNER: Layton’s story won first place at the annual Baptist Communicators Association’sawards banquet held this year in WashingtonD.C.

[ NCBAM FEATURE STORY }

Age doesn’t deter woman from sharing love of Jesus _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Carol Layton, Director of Communications & Administration, NCBAM

National Baptist Group awards “SAVED” video grand prize________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Snell traveled to China for her sixth time in May 2017. Snell’s passion for missions first took root when she was five.

Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) communi-cations director Blake Ragsdale and video

director and editor Randy Durham won the top award for exceptional achievement in radio, television, film and video atthis year’s Baptist Communicators Association’s (BCA) Wilmer C. FieldsAwards banquet held in WashingtonD.C. on April 20.

The 2017 BCH offering video“SAVED” won the M.E. Dodd Awardand also took first place in the “pro-motion video more than three minute”category.

“You could see God working inevery phase of the project,” Ragsdale said. “Myhope is that SAVED honors the Lord and howHe is working in the lives of those BCH serves.”

Ragsdale also credits Randy Durham, owner of

Credence Pictures in Raleigh, who has producedBCH’s offering videos for more than a dozenyears. “God has given me the privilege of work-ing alongside Randy who masterfully brings these stories to life.”

The M.E. Dodd Award is one of only seven divisional grand prize awardspresented each year. It honors the mem-ory of Dr. M.E. Dodd who served as pas-tor of First Baptist Church, Shreveport,LA. for more than 40 years. He was a Southern Baptist Convention president,a pioneer in radio ministry and the firstspeaker on the “Baptist Hour.”

BCH’s North Carolina Baptist AgingMinistry (NCBAM) placed second in the

“other” video category for their “Merry Christ-mas” video. NCBAM director of communica-tions and administration Carol Layton won firstplace in the “feature writing for an article lessthan 750 words” category for “Pressing On!”

In the “overall publication category – promotionand advertising,” Layton won a second for“Prayer Changes Things” and the third placeaward in that category for “Wise Up!” She andCharity & Children (C&C) editor Jim Edmin-son won third in the “overall publication –other” category for “To God Be the Glory.”

Edminson and BCH president/CEO andC&C publisher Michael C. Blackwell wereawarded second place in the “overall publica-tion – book” category for “101 FACES: Behindevery face is a story.” The limited edition bookwas produced to mark C&C’s 130th anniversary in 2017.

BCA is a national group and organizes the annual Wilmer C. Fields Awards Competition.The purpose of the competition is to recognizethe best image-makers and storytellers in Baptistlife. Every year, hundreds of entries are submittedby Baptist-affiliated organizations from across the United States.

Ragsdale

God’s provision in our lives is morethan we can envision. Paul reminds

us in his letter to the Ephesians: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurablymore than we ask or imagine...” May was a month filled with many blessings –– we experienced His unimaginable provision.

As I was beginning to gather mythoughts to write this month’s column, a bus from Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte pulled up outside my window. I watched for a brief momentas the women stepped off the bus and then I went to greet them. The joy on theirfaces flashed as they introduced themselvesas the “Sisters in Stitches.” They came todeliver 26 hand-made quilts “each stitchsewn with love.”

This was not the first time these ladieshad been so generous. I recall a child whohad received one of their quilts a numberof years ago. When the girl graduated fromhigh school and was ready to leave us, the first item she packed was her quilt. I remember seeing her wrap her quiltaround her shoulders while watching a movie on several occasions when I visitedher cottage. It had provided her warmthon cold nights and comfort when thetrauma of her past crept in –– when she needed it most.

Just imagine the Sisters in Stitches gathered, working to create these gifts oflove. Now, hear their laughter and see howmuch fun they enjoy with each other. Thisis a wonderful image of God’s provision forour children through His children.

Outside the back door of my officebuilding is what appears to be a camp-ground. During the first few days of May,we welcomed ten recreational vehicles toMills Home in Thomasville. The group of Campers on Mission were here to helprenovate a cottage and count, sort andshelve food donated during the annualFood Roundup –– food and supplies givenby churches and Baptist associations fromacross the state. Campers on Mission alsohelp with donations as they arrive atCameron Boys Camp in Moore County.Trucks roll in transporting God’s provisionfor our children through His children.

For ten years, the senior adult groupfrom Pitts Baptist Church has traveled toKennedy Home (KH) in Kinston to helpwith the food drive. They not only countand sort the food, but they also provideencouragement, emotional support andlove to everyone at KH. Each year, throughtheir prayers, gift of time and hard work, theyspiritually wrap their arms around us creat-ing another wonderful image of God’s provi-sion for our children through His children.

More than 100 volunteers began arriving the Friday before Mother’s Dayon the Broyhill Home campus in Clyde.They came to cook delicious barbecue andraise monies to provide for the childrenthat will be served at Broyhill in the yearahead. It is a labor of love for members of Nineveh Baptist Church, Pastor MikeLeslie, and other church members

from churches in Haywood Baptist Association.

Imagine the smell of barbecue waftingin the air throughout the night. As the restof the volunteers arrive Saturday morning,there is a buzz of activity. Hours and hoursof work given by awesome volunteers createyet another image of God’s provision for our children through His children.

The sounds of loud mufflers and horns resound as motorcycles leave FortCaswell at Oak Island for the third annualRide to Clyde. The bikers reach their first destination –– Camp Duncan in Aberdeen –– and the girls cheer welcomingtheir guests. When one biker removed the helmet from her hair, one of the girlsshouted in amazement, “They have womenriding motorcycles!” The lady motorcyclistinvited the young girl to sit on her bikeand try on her helmet.

This is a fun and unique picture of God’s provision for our children through Hischildren. This year, Ride to Clyde raised$55,000.

We are so thankful for each gift given.We celebrate the proclamation of God’sgreatest gift through His Son Jesus andthe proclamation of His provision which is indeed exceedingly, abundantly morethan what we could ever ask or imagine,according to the power that worketh in us.

Thank you for the many ways you puthands and feet to your prayers. Always remember, you matter! You matter firstand foremost to God! You matter to thechildren and families we serve. You matterto Dr. Blackwell and to each staff personwho serves.

4 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5 Leave a legacy through planned giving. Visit www.bchlegacy.org.

Imagine God’sabundance___________________________________________

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

It’s fast and easy! Give online at www.bchfamily.org/summer 56/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

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

[ 2018 SUMMER APPEAL }

You help createsummertime memoriesthat children willnever forget.We can’t change a child’s past or remove the heartache of earlier dark summer days. But, we can makesure this summer is filled with bright, beautiful memories. Your sponsorshiphelps with the tremendous summer expenses and provides opportunitiesfor children to have fun!

Help bring smiles to their faces! Make your no hassle gift online at www.bchfamily.org/sum-mer or use the enclosed envelope –– it’s a breeze!

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 help give children BEAUTIFUL memories!

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.

Making Summera breeze!

Making Summera breeze!

6 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5 Read Baptist Children’s Homes’ stories at www.bchblog.org.

BCH RESIDENTSLydea Carson, a resident

at Care House in Lenoir,graduates from Hibriten HighSchool on June 8. She plansto pursue her college degreeand become a registerednurse.

Katherine Edwards willgraduate from North Lenoir

High School on June 9. Sheplans to move from a part-time to full-time position atthe grocery store where she isemployed. She is a resident atKennedy Home in Kinston.

Chelsea Goodman gradu-ates on June 12 from CatawbaValley Community College’sAdult

High School program inHickory. She is a resident at Care House in Lenoir andplans to pursue a degrees inearly childhood education and photography.

Israel Juan, a resident ofKennedy Home in Kinston,graduates on June 9 fromNorth Lenoir High School. He will continue to

work at the local grocery storewhile exploring further educa-tion opportunities.

Pauline Locklear is a resi-dent at Odum Home in Pem-broke. She graduates fromPurnell Swett High School on June 8 and plans to attendRobeson Community Collegeto study

cosmetology. Catalina Perez graduates

from Pisgah High School onJune 16. A resident at Broy-hill Home in Clyde, she will

study ele-mentaryeducationat WesternCarolina University in Cullowhee.

Akevia Wilson graduated onMay 5 from Chowan Univer-sity in Murfreesboro. Akevia is a resident of Britton Min-

istries’ Family Care programin Ahoskie. She will teachthird grade at Bearfield Elementary School.

STAFF MEMBERS’ CHILDREN

Ben-jaminAdamcik,son of human resources direc-tor John Adamcik, graduatedfrom North Carolina StateUniversity in Raleigh on May11. He received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineer-

ing and plans to pursue a mas-ters degree.

Lauryn Beeson is thedaughter of North CarolinaBaptist Aging Ministry(NCBAM) call center directorMelanie Beeson. Lauryn grad-uates on June 9 from NorthDavidson High School andplans to attend Meredith College in Raleigh.

Seth Beeson graduated on May 10 from CampbellUniversity –– Jerry M. WallaceSchool of Osteopathic Medicine in Buies Creek. He received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine andplans to complete general surgery residency in FortWorth, Texas. He is the son

of NCBAM’s Melanie Beeson.Tyson Child graduates from

East Davidson High Schoolon June 9. Tyson is the son ofBrook Child, Assistant Direc-tor of Weekday Education inThomasville. He will attendAppalachian State Universityin Boone. Tyson plans to pursue a Bachelor's of Sciencedegree in political science/pre-professional legalstudies concentration.

Joshua Henry, son of chief operating officer KeithHenry, graduated from HighPoint Christian Academy inHigh Point on May 25. Hewill attend Western CarolinaUniversity and pursue a degree in computer scienceand engineering.

Jonathon Hofstetter is the son of Brenda Hofstetter,NCPreK teacher for WeekdayEducation in Thomasville. He graduates on June 9 fromSouth Davidson High Schooland will pursue a degree inmedia communication fromSouthern Wesleyan University

in Central, SC.Matthew Hofstetter gradu-

ates from South DavidsonHigh School on June 9 andwill attend Southern WesleyanUniversity in Central, SC topursue a degree in youth min-istry. Matthew is the son of

WeekdayEduca-tion’s Brenda Hofstetter.

Cole Jarrell is the son ofClay Jarrell. Clay is the fostercare supervisor at KennedyHome in Kinston. Cole grad-uates from Bethel ChristianAcademy on June 1. He plansto secure an internship in

video editing and production with intentions of pursuing his college education.

Breana Kirsch, daughter ofKim LeSage, assistant directorat Fancy Finds in Thomasville,graduated from WesleyanChristian Academy in HighPoint on May 25. Breana willattend Western Carolina Uni-

versity inCullowhee where she plans to study social work.

Courtney Shore graduatedfrom Guilford TechnicalCommunity College inGreensboro with a cosmetol-ogy degree on May 2. Afterobtaining her state license, she will pursue a career in

cosmetic arts. She is the daughter of JenniferShore who serves as a call cen-ter specialist with NCBAM.

STAFF MEMBERSNicolette Rogers, marketing

and communications managerfor Fancy Finds inThomasville, graduated fromHigh Point University in HighPoint on May 5. She

receivedher Bachelor of Arts in Com-munication with a concentration in EventManagement.

Jennifer Shore graduatedfrom the University of NorthCarolina in Greensboro onMay 2 with a Bachelor Degreein Social Work. She plans to

pursue a Masters in Gerontology. Jennifer is a callcenter specialist with NCBAM and is a formerchild in care living at Broyhill Home in Clyde inthe nineties.

“Baptist Children’s Homes is excited for everygraduate.We are thankful for friends like youwho have prayed to help those we serve achievesuccess.” – Michael C. Blackwell, BCH President/CEO

Carson

Edwards

Perez

[ CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! }

Dreams becomereality for 2018graduates__________________________________________________________

Wilson Hofstetter

Jarrell

Goodman

Adamcik

Shore

Juan

Locklear

Child

Shore

Rogers

Beeson

Beeson

Kirsch

Henry

Hofstetter

McNeill receives “Outstanding Woman in Business” award _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By John Adamcik, BCH Director, Human Resources

The smile on Brian Davis’s face grew wide as motorcyclists pulled out of Mills Home

in Thomasville and headed west. Davis had justreceived news that “Ride to Clyde” had raisednearly $54,500.

“Praise God!” Davis exclaimed as he stood inthe street of Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH)oldest campus. “You may hear me shouting allthe way up the road.”

In just three short years, the motorcycle char-ity ride organized by the Baptist State Conven-tion of North Carolina (BSC) has raised morethan $100,000 for BCH with this year’s finaltotal of $55,000 exceeding the amount of thefirst two years combined.

Davis, the associate executive director-treasurerfor the BSC, heads up the 460-mile, three-dayride that takes riders from Fort Caswell in Oak Island to their destination of BCH’s BroyhillHome in Clyde. Motorcyclists visit three ministrylocations and interact with BCH’s boys and girlsalong the way. Participants raise funds in theweeks and months leading up to the ride.

“We started with about 40-something bikes in2016. Now, here we are with more than 100 mo-torcycles on the 2018 ‘Ride to Clyde,’” explainedRit Varriale, pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Churchin Shelby who helped found the ride. “It’s been areal blessing to watch God go before us.”

For the first time, riders were introduced toBCH’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry asthey heard songs and testimonies from the ladieswho live at Asheboro Home and their caregivers.

“It’s a time to introduce people to what God is doing with North Carolina Baptists across thestate,” Varriale said.

Bikers also made their first visit to Camp Dun-can, the residential wilderness camp for girls inAberdeen. They stopped at Cameron BoysCamp, also in Moore County, in previous years.

“The Children’s Homes is making a world ofdifference with these children,” said motorcyclistTim Starling. “They are teaching them aboutJesus.”

The ride ends in Clyde where bikers experience

the Broyhill Home Barbecue Festival –– the 11thyearly event hosted by Ninevah Baptist Church inWaynesville that also raises thousands of dollarsfor the children.

Plans are already being discussed for next year.“It’s a wonderful time to get together with

other motorcyclists who are like minded, love theLord, and want to minister in the Lord’s name,”Varriale said.

Subscribe family and friends to C&C at www.bchfamily.org/subscribe. 76/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

[ RIDE TO CLYDE }

NC Baptist ride raises record $55,000 for children_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Nancy McNeill, Baptist Children’s Homes’(BCH) Vice President of Human

Resources (HR) and Compliance, wasnamed by the Triad Business Journala 2018 “Outstanding Woman In Business.” The award is presented to women who have demonstrated ex-ceptional leadership, business acumen,mentorship, and community service.

At BCH, McNeill is responsible for the oversight of human resources,compensation and benefits, payroll,workers compensation, Performanceand Quality Improvement (PQI), NC State Licensure, and Council On Accreditation (COA)oversight. McNeill oversees more than 300 staffmembers, ensuring compliance, employee en-

gagement and retention. McNeill is certified as Senior Professional of

Human Resources through the Human ResourceCertification Institute and also SeniorCertified Professional through the Soci-ety for Human Resource Management.

At the Triad Business Journal’sApril award ceremony, McNeill was recognized for her career and commu-nity achievements. Standout professional accomplishments include McNeill helping create and build BCH’s HR and Compliance department and help-ing lead BCH to consecutive successful

COA re-accreditation campaigns in 2011 and 2015.

Outside of BCH, McNeill has been especiallyactive with her church, First Baptist of High

Point. She recently served two terms as Diaconate Chair, helped guide the church’s personnel and stewardship committees, and was a key member of the church’s 2014-15 SeniorMinister Search Committee.

McNeill is a true servant-leader. She is a tirelessadvocate for serving children, adults and familieswho have been hurt by abuse, neglect, abandon-ment, or otherwise have special needs with whichBCH is ideally equipped to help.

McNeill and her goldendoodle Pearl visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, colleges,schools, and civic organizations bringing love and smiles to many facing life’s challenges.

McNeill and her husband Phil have two married daughters; she especially enjoys spendingtime with granddaughter Jillian and grandsonMurphy.

McNeill

Motorcyclist Joe Fjeld shares smiles with one of the boys attending Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Weekday Education program at Mills Home in Thomasville. Mills Home was one of three BCH locations “Ride to Clyde” participants

visited during the three-day, 460-mile charity ride that raised a record total of $55,000 for the children’s homes.

8 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5 Keep up with BCH on Facebook – www. facebook.com/bchfamily.

Polk Association proves a “little is much when God is in it”_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Lewis Smith, BCH Director of Development, Western Area

Fifteen years ago, Baptist Children’s Homes(BCH) challenged North Carolina Baptist

churches to partner with BCH to supply childrenand residents with the food essential to their care.The challenge was substantial –– BCH serves700,000 meals and snacks a year. The annual“Food Roundup” has met the needs and growseach year. It has been my privileged to work withthe churches, pastors, associations, and associa-tional missionaries in western North Carolina toreach yearly goals.

As I look back, I can testify how it’s been awonderful adventure with faithful Baptist peoplewho love this ministryto children and families.I can recount a multi-tude of God-honoringstories, but one specialtale keeps forward inmy mind and fills myheart.

Polk Baptist Associa-tion is a little associationin the western part ofthe state that does big things. The association ac-cepted the challenge to help us with the food

roundup when it beganin 2003. They partneredin 2003 and 2004,reached their goals, butwanted to do more. Theassociation leadershipmet and decided to electan association “food drivecoordinator” to promotethe food round-up eachyear. They chose ChrisDale. Dale was a young,enthusiastic, passionate,creative-thinking associ-

ate pastor servingin the association.Dale prayed andinvestigated waysto increase the as-sociation’s partici-pation. Dale proposed to challenge eachof Polk Association’s 24 churches to set agoal of collecting $300 in food cards.(Food cards have money placed on thecard and are from individual grocerystores and stores like Walmart.)

The recommendation received overwhelmingsupport. The association set a goal in 2005 of

$8,000 dollars andgloriously met itraising a total of$8,223 in giftcards.

God truly blessedPolk Association intheir efforts. Dale’sfood card idea hascontinued for 13years and this littleassociation withsuch a big heart hasgiven more than$130,000 in foodcards helping fillplates and heartsover and over againthrough these manyyears.

Polk Baptist Association is truly “A Little Asso-ciation that does BIG THINGS” for the good ofour children and the Glory of God.

The Food Roundup is an annual initiativeinviting associations, churches and other friendsto collect food, supplies and gift cards for BCH.Visit www.bchfoodroundup.org for more info.

Pictured left to right: Polk Baptist Association (PBA) Directorof Missions Rev. Phil Bailey, association treasurer Rosa Jack-

son, former PBA director Rev. Hubert Street, and BCH’s West-ern Director of Development Lewis Smith.

Chris Dale and Smith

Akeynote address is usually made from a podium. There is often fanfare and

a lengthy introduction of the speaker. WhenBaptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) presi-dent/CEO Dr. Michael C. Blackwell walkedbefore this group as keynote speaker, he satcomfortably in a chair and invited those lis-tening to share in a conversation.

The 76-year-old marks his 35th anniver-sary as BCH’s leader this year and is asought after conference speaker. On this oc-casion, he is speaking to a group attendingthe fourth annual Senior Adult MinistryState Leadership Conference held May 1 atRich Fork Baptist Church in Thomasville.The conference is produced by BCH’sNorth Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry(NCBAM) and AAIM (Aging Adults Inno-vating Ministry). More than 180 ministers,lay leaders and aging adults from North andSouth Carolina attended

“You can’t go back and create a new begin-ning,” Blackwell began, “but you can go forwardand make a new ending.”

Using the conference’s theme “Living For-ward”, Blackwell encouraged listeners to neveroutgrow a passion. “Keep on, keeping on, refo-

cus your purpose.” “We have acquired wisdom and perspective,”

he said. “We have proven ourselves. But it’s notover. Our time of influence may be stronger nowthan ever.”

NCBAM Director Dr. Sandy Gregory is enthu-siastic about the growth of the conference. “Each

year, the number of attendees has grown.Church leaders are finding this event to bea valuable resource for strengthening theirministries to senior adults.”

Special music for the event was pro-vided by soloist Jenny Wayne and choirsfrom Woodlawn Baptist Church inConover and Alexis Baptist Church.

Carolyn Hill, retired nursing home ad-ministrator and senior adult retreat plan-ner, closed the event by examining the“call” of a senior adult minister and thenproviding opportunity for attendees towash the hands of the person next to themand offer a prayer of blessing.

The conference featured seven breakoutsessions: “The Nuts and Bolts of SeniorAdult Ministry,” “Rediscovering Your BestSelf,” “Grandparents Raising Grandchil-dren: How Can Churches Help?,” “Build-ing an Intergenerational Community,”

“Looking Forward, Living Forward.” “What toExpect When You Age,” and “ENCORE Fellow-ship and Planning.”

Three regional leadership gatherings areplanned for the fall: Boone, Sept. 20; Raleigh,Oct. 9; and Thomasville, Oct. 16. Call 877-506-2226 for more information.

BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell visits with Johnny Hughey ofWoodlawn Baptist Church of Conover after Blackwell’s keynote address.

[ AGING ADULTS INNOVATING MINISTRY }

Blackwell urges aging to face future with confidence ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Carol Layton, Director of Communications & Administration, NCBAM and Jim Edminson, Editor, C&C

The alumni council met Sunday,May 6 to continue working on

plans for Homecoming. Alumni areasked to encourage old friends tomake plans as well. It is amazing how a little conversation can start thereminiscing and then the door opensto encourage others to make plans toreturn home. It’s a good idea to reg-ister ahead of time, write a check foryour dues, and order items from thelist provided in the Homecoming letter you will receive. Mail every-thing back by the stated deadline sothat you won’t have to stand in lineat the registration tables. Rememberthis year’s theme is Hawaiian Luau.Beautiful decorations will adorn thegym walls and tables creating a veryfestive mood. A delicious Luau-stylemeal will be served. It will be veryfitting for folks to wear any “Hawai-ian” costumes they might happen toown. Of course, many folks will weartheir red or navy blue Mills Home(MH) shirts with the ocean wave onthem. There will be “mood creating”music and a time to dance as well asobserve exhibition dancers. Itemswill be available to purchase and tobid on. A group photo opportunityis at 3:00 on Saturday along with a watermelon feast. Don’t miss it.

In mid June, President Bob May-ton’s Homecoming letter will bemailed. It will let you know all theother events of the weekend. Pleasekeep that letter safe until you are ableto fill out the registration form. Re-member to find items worth at least$10 to donate to the silent auctionwhich is being handled again thisyear by Mark and Cecelia TownsendWilkerson and Jimmy Rochelle.

Pete Knight and the Knight familysend appreciation to the alumni whoattended the memorial service fortheir sister Marsha Knight Phillips onApril 3 in Kernersville – Jim Rochelle,Keith Campbell, J.W. Wood, and BobMayton. Pete noted that Bob haddriven all the way to Reidsville thatday thinking that Marsha’s servicewas there. He wrote, “Despite thesad circumstances of the day, we all had a big laugh over that.”

I very much enjoyed a conversa-tion with Ted Chandler in early May.

Ted is doing quite well and worksone day a week at Bowman GrayHospital. He also spoke of interest-ing projects in which he is still in-volved. After we solved the problemsof the world, he mentioned to methat one day recently while out shop-ping, he engaged in conversationwith a pleasant young lady. In a shorttime, their discussion turned to theirown personal backgrounds and theyoung lady was very excited to learnthat Ted had grown up in the chil-dren’s home where her mother hadgrown up. That young lady turnedout to be the daughter of EleanorJohnson Dietz. She called her motherand the three of them enjoyed reminiscing a bit about Mills Home.Again, we find it is truly a smallworld. This reminds me of the factthat I recently met a cousin of mineon Facebook. It has been interestingand rewarding, but the really nicesurprise came on May 8 when I sawon Facebook that she was promotingthe Ride to Clyde fundraiser for Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH).She was equally surprised when I told her I grew up at Mills Home.

When I began writing about the Hauser twins from the class of1957, I began rambling through allthe twins I could think of with helpfrom several alumni on Facebook.The Hauser twins were at MH from1944-1956. Other twins on campusduring their time were Iola and ViolaBatts and Doris and Dorothy Maney(40s). The following were from the1950s: Ray and Roy Puckett, Glennand Lynn (Lenn) Randolph, Jean andJerry Curtis, Kay and Rae Smith, andtwo Thomas girls. As far as I know,Iola, Dorothy, Violet, Viola, and Rayare the only ones deceased in the list I mentioned. Jean and Jerry werethe only girl/boy twins in that day.Other twin I learned from later yearswere: Jeanette and Juanette Tran-tham from the 60s; Charles andClifton Lambreth from the 70s; andToby and Joby Beal from the 80s.

Mona Trantham Garrison gave a brief update on the Trantham twinsof the 1960s. Juanette and Jeanette,both live in Charlotte. They aredoing fine. Juanette (Thomas) isoften heard from on Facebook.

Jeanette, who was widowed about 12years ago, is doing well. Mona wrotethat both are fun loving and as funnyas ever. Ray Ball also mentioned theMooney boys from the 1950s.

We were sad to learn that F.Thurston Bowman died. Commentsby various alumni followed showingvery eloquently the feelings ofalumni. Janice Lewis Doherty wrote:“His life was such a powerful testi-mony for service, Godly abidinglove, and integrity! He was a friend,supporter and mentor! I love himand Mrs. Bowman! Estie Cullerwrote: “You know, Mr. Bowman wasa scholar and a true Southern gentle-man and a soft spoken Christian withintegrity beyond compare. This is sad news to hear. God’s comfort andpeace be with Mrs. Bowman andtheir children. I love him dearly.”

Fred Thurston Bowman grew up on a farm near Taylorsville andlearned to be a very hard worker.Even though farm work necessitatedhis missing a lot of school, he fin-ished high school and entered King’sbusiness college. Unfortunately, hiseducation was interrupted by WWII.Still, he forged lifelong friendshipswhile in service and became the keyplanner for his annual gathering of“Army Boys.” After returning home,he resumed his education at CatawbaCollege and became the first mem-ber of his family to attend college.He graduated in 1950 with a degreein accounting and accepted a job at Cannon Mills in Kannapolis. In1961, he became the treasurer atBCH. He and Helen devoted morethan 27 years in ministry and aredearly loved. Besides his work astreasurer, Thurston taught Sundayschool at Mills Home BaptistChurch. Attending another churchin Thomasville, he headed the Sun-day school department until he was90 and was a deacon for 62 years.He held leading positions in count-less community organizations such as Rotary Club, Thomasville CityCouncil, Thomasville City SchoolBoard, Thomasville Hospital Board,and Tom Finch Community YMCABoard. In 2014, he was presentedwith the Order of the Long LeafPine, North Carolina’s highest civil-

ian honor. It was a fitting testamentto his consistent stewardship of fam-ily, country, church, and community.

Thurston is survived by Helen, his wife of 71 years, son Charles anddaughter Miriam, and three grand-children. Many alumni attended ei-ther his visitation in Thomasville orthe memorial service in High Point.Thurston was buried at the CarolinaMemorial Park of Concord-Kan-napolis. Condolences may be sent toHelen and the family at 13 HedrickDr., Thomasville, NC 27262, orwww.jcgreenandsons.com.

Heidi Beal Webb entered MH in1977 from Maiden. Siblings whowere at MH with her were Rhonda,Robin, Tammy, twins Toby and Joby,and Melany. Heidi and her husbandDavid Allen Webb are proud parentsof two offspring and grandparents to two grandchildren. Heidi’s career has been “being a proud full-timemother” and David has been an elec-trician. They live at 216 Shawn Rd.,Mt. Holly, NC 28120. Heidi can be contacted at crazeladywebb1@gmail.com. Heidi enjoyed seeing all her childhood friends at her lastHomecoming. In recalling memo-rable events from campus life, she recalled the time Mr. Hoyle made her and her friend Trina work on the farm. Unexpectedly, they crossedpaths with a bull that chased themboth all over the field. It was a prettyscary thing to happen, but luckilythey did not get hurt.

A fairly short update sheet saysthat Jimmy Smith came to MH in1960 from Leaksville (now Eden)with siblings Janet and Deborah andhe left in 1966. He married Susanand had one child. His career hasbeen as a rate analyst with ABF.Jimmy was somewhat amazed at one Homecoming when he was ableto remember all the names of thefriends from the old days. Friendscan contact him at 3500 S. BostonSt., Fort Smith, AR 72903. 479-

646-6815.

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Plan to attend Homecoming on August 3, 4 and 5Alumni remember Fred Thurston Bowman_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni 96/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

10 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5 Discover ways to help at www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved.

You can help!bchfamily.org/getinvolved

_______________________________Throughout April, churches across North Car-olina have collected tons of food, supplies andgift cards for Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH)“Food Roundup.” Thank you for helping tofeed BCH’s children and families for a year! _______________________________South Yadkin Association

Girls volunteer by boxing up donations col-lected by churches in the South Yadkin Associa-tion and delivered to Fairview Baptist Church inStatesville which served as the drop off point._______________________________Tuckasegee Association

Friends from Tuckasegee Association churchesdelivered donations to Broyhill Home in Clyde.

_______________________________Eastern Association

The staff at Eastern Association hold an enve-lope with more than $2,500 in gift cards. Theassociation’s churches also filled approximately400 boxes with food and supplies._______________________________Union Cross Baptist Church

Volunteers from Union Cross Baptist Church in Kernersville brought a car load of food andsupplies to Mills Home in Thomasville._______________________________Tabor City Baptist Church

In addition to the food they collected, mem-bers of Tabor City Baptist Church supplied potsand other assorted bakeware to be used in thecottages.

_______________________________New Hope Baptist Church

Longtime supporters from New Hope BaptistChurch in Robbinsville collected $1,500 in foodand gift cards for Broyhill Home in Clyde._______________________________New South River Association

New South River Association collected $2,500in gift cards along with food and additionalsupplies._______________________________Friendship Baptist Church

Friends from Friendship Baptist in Level Crossbrought items to Mills Home in Thomasville.

Every day at churches and BCH facilities “around the state,” staffmembers, residents and North Carolina Baptists are making news. Learn more by connecting throughsocial media.

Around the State

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, Res. Mgr., 910-521-3433www.odumhome.org

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

6. Cameron Boys Camp Drew Scott, 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., 336-474-1313

9. Tucker Greater Vision MinistrySara Becker, Mgr., 336-687.6384

10. HOMEBASE at W. Carolina UniversityJim Dean, Dir., 828-293-4660

11. Developmental Disabilities Ministry Peggy Pennington, Dir., 828-964-0731 www.hereismyhome.org

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

13. Good Shepherd Children’s Home, GuatemalaKeith Henry, 336-474-1215

Baptist Children’s Homes’ heart beatswith a rhythm of hope! Is there a ministrythat can help you or someone you know?Learn more at www.bchfamily.org/help

YOUR VBS CAN HELP!Collect an offering | Invite a speaker

Download resourcesVisit www.bchkids.org

By the time you receive thisissue, Kennedy Home (KH)

Homecoming will be only fondmemories. I’ll write all about it inmy next column. Many thanks inadvance to Yvonne Jackson Nelson(our KH interim alumni president)and the alumni officers for planningthis meaningful event.

My thoughts are on mothers as I write this column. I know thatwhen Becky and I moved to the KHcampus, we did the right thing be-cause we received so many blessingsduring the five years we served. Theday each year that broke my heartwas Mother’s Day. I saw so manychildren who were looking forwardto their mother being at church onthat special day and then during theweek prior they would learn thatplans had changed. This was hardon the children. I remember a littleboy, about 10 years old, who wassinging a special solo for the servicejust for his mother –– she didn’tcome. He stood there and cried andcried while trying to sing the solothat year. One Mother’s Day, we ar-rived at the church and had fiveteenage girls come up to Becky andask her if they could sit on the pewwith her. They wanted her to betheir “mother” that day. They satwith her in worship and then satwith her in the gym for lunch. I sawthis kind of thing happen over andover again.

We need churches to come andhelp out at Kennedy Home. I’masking you all to go to your churchstaff and ask them to lead the way to make plans to come to KH onFriends of Children Workday, or anyof BCH’s campuses, at least once a year.

My youngest son, Scott, went to KH with a group of adults andyouth from the Parkview BaptistChurch of Morehead City to servein May. The youth minister BillieCronan from our church, Center-view Baptist Church of Jacksonville,has taken groups six or more timesthrough the years to help out on

a workday. Billie has a large groupof youth show up every Sunday andWednesday nights. She also takesthe lead in helping in the homes of many of our church membersthroughout the year. BCH sends reminders to her about upcomingworkdays. When they get to KHthey are assigned a specific job to do. One time they worked onfences. Once they cleaned a wholecottage from top to bottom. On another time, they cut bushes. Thewhole group is assigned somethingto do as a team effort. One time,they took a “goodie box” to put ineach bedroom that included thingssuch as popcorn, candy and movies.On a recent visit, the group went to a cottage to present a devotional,sing and have fellowship with thechildrens and staff. Please get yourchurch involved.

David Bradley (1970s) is lookingforward to helping with the musicand line dancing at this year’sHomecoming. He is helping the DJRonnie Matthews. David wrote thata close friend, Rose, fell recently andbroke her wrist. She had surgery onMay 3. He asked for us to be prayfor her recovery.

Ed Paitt (1960-1969) sent a noterecently. It reads: “I read every issueof Charity & Children. This papermeans a lot to me. The articles areinteresting and tell us so muchabout the children and their needs.I enjoy the KH and Mills Homealumni columns –– the differentpeople sharing their stories aboutthemselves and their friends. I mayhave had an awful day and I pick upC&C and read an article that some-one has sent in and it makes my day.It turns my bad day to good and reminds me of my childhood whichwent from major negative to a lov-ing and wonderful ten years ofbeing loved and protected.”

Thanks, Ed. Please write somemore in the future. I’m sure youhave lots of stories to tell.

Katie Parker recently wrote:“Dear John, I had rotator cuff com-pletely torn and my bicep muscles

repaired on March 15 in theGreenville hospital. The doctor saidit will take months to heal. I hopeand pray I will be able to raise myarm high enough to fix hair again. I have been a hairdresser with myown shop since I was 19 years old.God has blessed me with a talentand skill to be self employed. KHhelped mold me into the person I am today. They taught me to workhard and take pride in all I do. As I grew older, I realized how muchKH blessed me and how fortunatewe were, my brother Jerry Jackson,my sister Yvonne, and myself, to liveat KH. Our family lived close byand came for visits two weekends a month, and on the other twoweekends, we went home for a visit.We were so lucky to have familywho came to pick us up and take us home from Friday until Sundayafternoon. Someone always came tovisit every other weekend. I remem-ber some kids would go home withstrangers for visits. They were veryblessed to have people that wantedto keep these precious little chil-dren. I knew at a very young agethat Charity & Children was whatKH was all about. God will takewonderful care of us and will alwaysbe here to pick us up and carry uswhen we can not.”

Thanks, Katie. I’m sorry I could-n’t find the years that you were atKH. I know that you and your fam-ily were well loved.

Susie Hughes was in BCH fostercare from 1969 to 1978 and lived atKH from 1978 to 1985. She wrote:“For those of you who don't knowme, I was in five BCH foster homesfrom age of two to 11. At age 11, I moved to KH with my brotherJesse –– who was called Jeff whenwe lived there. I lived in Bunker,Lenoir and Pollock Cottages. Myhouseparents were the McCormicks,the Lafones, the Latties, and theGodwins. I stayed at KH until I graduated high school in 1985. At that time, I was told that I wasone of the longest tenured childrenin care –– age 2 to 18. As a child infoster care and living at KH, never

did I ever dream I would be where Iam today teaching English overseas.

“I remember as a child in churchlistening to visiting missionaries andbeing mesmerized. They wouldshow slides and talk about their livesliving in another country. They weremy heroes. They inspired me towant to see the world, yet I thoughtI was only dreaming.

“I am grateful for the opportu-nity to live overseas and also traveloverseas when I can. I consider my-self a traveler, not a tourist. Atourist does not always see how realpeople live, which is important tome. I have been to 19 countriesnow and taught in quite a few.Whether I am living in a country to teach or I am just passingthrough, I always learn somethingnew. Traveling is a wonderful education in itself. It forces you to trust strangers and it breaksdown prejudices. Traveling makesyou grateful for things which toooften are taken for granted.

“Some places warm your heartand other places touch your soul in ways you could never imagine.Then, there are those places that aredifficult to adjust to. I am in Taiwannow and it definitely has been themost difficult place in which to adjust. No matter where I am orhow much I love the place, or not, there is always a lesson to belearned. Although it has been themost difficult for me, I have to saythat overall, the people are superkind and they are the most honestpeople I have ever met in my life. I don’t know why the doors openedfor me to come here, but they haveand I await my blessings.”

Thanks, Susie. Please share moreof your story in the future.

Becky will be 74 in August and I will be 75 in September, but wewill always be here for you. Love

you all a bunch. – jt

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Plan to attend autumn workday on September 15Alumna tells tales of being a world traveler_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 116/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

Read more at #Homeword or www.bchfamily.org/charityandchildren.12 6/18 – Charity & Children – 131/5

The old black and white photographshows me, not more than two years

old, with an open-end crescent wrench in myhand. My dad stretches over the fender ofthe family car and tinkers with the engine. I stand on tip toes, his ready assistant.

As soon as I could crawl, I could be found not far from my dad’s side. I was hisshadow –– a miniature version. I learnedhow to do many handy things while I taggedalong and watched him. I learned to changean automobile’s oil, cut lumber with a handsaw, and perfect my swing of a hammer. I also learned to anticipate his needs, partlybecause it was a life lesson Dad deemed I learn, but also because my dad spoke little because of his stuttering.

It is thought that a stutter is connected to experiences. Childhood trauma and anxi-ety from stressful encounters with adults can impede speech development.

Dad’s speech imped-iment plagued him from childhood. He was raised

malnourished and was abused by the adultsin his life. Extreme poverty forced him towork picking cotton before he was 12, and he found himself loading goods aboardcargo ships on the docks of New Orleans bythe time he was 16. Out of his adversity, helearned that hard work was invaluable inputting food in his stomach. His work ethicwould be a key to helping him unlock thedoor of opportunity despite his disability.

Dad also taught me the importance of having the right tool for the job. I have a number of his tools in my garage and still fall back to one of his old tool boxes to findjust the right one for the job at hand.

Dad lived by never backing down from a challenge. He turned things that may havebeen insurmountable for some into hurdleslooked upon from life’s rearview mirror. Hewas a man who chose to see the glass halffull and not half empty.

Most would agree, challenges are oftenopportunities in disguise. As believers, “weknow that all things work together for goodto them that love God.” Scripture confirmsthat after the weeping, “joy comes with themorning.”

We also understand that opportunitiesconversely bring obstacles. In fact, scripture

teaches that with every God opportu-nity, there will be challenges ––

at times perilous and foreboding.

Oh, the joy of freedom! The Israelites no longer suffered Egyptian bondage. Theywere heading “to a land flowing with milkand honey” –– what opportunity!

Joshua and Caleb were part of a team who were given the task of scouting out the “Promised Land.” After a 40-day ven-ture through Canaan, the explorers reported,“We went into the land to which you sent us,and it does flow with milk and honey! Hereis its fruit. But the people who live there arepowerful, and the cities are fortified andvery large.”

The report was frightening to those whoheard it. Fear of “what if?” took hold, andthe crowd balked. “Then Caleb silenced thepeople before Moses and said, ‘We should goup and take possession of the land, for wecan certainly do it.’”

But the Israelites turned away and wan-dered in the wilderness for 40 more years.God opportunities demand of us a faith that,despite the obstacles, seizes what has beenlaid out before us.

So, what is it in your life that is prevent-ing you from moving forward? Despite yourchallenges and fears, turn your heart towardGod. Seek Him first setting your eyes onwhere He says to go and embracing His

promises. Claim your future!

[ #HOMEWORD }

God is greater than our fear____________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Edminson writes to encourage readers with personal anecdotes of home life. He is available for preaching and speaking engagements. Email him at wjedminson@bchfamily.org to schedule a date.