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

129/2

Friend brings fresh eggs to Family Care home. (page 6) More children, more Food Roundup needs. (page 8)

3/16

Beth takes hold of her personal bowling ball,clutching it tightly. Its swirling design of

bright blues and purples is as colorful as theforty-two-year-old’s personality.

She steps onto the wooden floor alongside herfellow residents from Lanier and Mercer Homes.She lifts her arm back and then thrusts the ballforward. It speeds down the lane knocking overseveral of the white pins.

Beth isn’t particularly pleased with her first attempt, but onlookers would never know it. Her smile beams as she scoops up her ball to tryagain. Beth approaches her life with the same enthusiasm.

Lanier Home has been Beth’s “home” since2009. The group home for women is a part ofBaptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Developmen-tal Disabilities Ministry. Its counterpart, MercerHome for men, sits beside Lanier Home on a3.47-acre piece of property in Sanford.

Jane Willett-Cromer, a resident of the nearbytown of Gulf and mother of John Willett, a spe-cial needs adult who lives at Mercer Home, giftedthe property to BCH under the banner of WillettMinistries – named in honor of her late husband.The gift made it possible for John, Beth and theother residents to have the homes they need.

Beth has lived in group homes most of her life.But that did not make moving to Lanier Homeeasy. “It was scary when I first came,” she admits. “Change is real tough on me.”

Today, Beth says she does better adjusting tochange. She has the stability of living with theexact same group of ladies for the past five years.Beth also gives credit to her live-in care givers.

“Barbara (Hertzog) and Janet (Littleton) havegotten me through good times and bad times,”she says. “When change gets me down, Janet gets

me out of it. She makes me laugh.”Beth enjoys laughing and being social. The

relationships with her care givers and the resi-dents are something she holds dear. It is some-thing she never had growing up.

The close connections she cherishes extend beyond the doorstep of Lanier Home and intothe Sanford community. Beth is president of the local chapter of the Aktion Club, a Kiwanis-supported program for developmentally disabledadults. She volunteers at the Stevens Centerwhich provides support to individuals with disabilities by involving them in community opportunities.

During the weekdays, Beth attends classes andworks at Lee County Industries (LCI), anothercommunity outlet for educational, vocational andemployment opportunities. Through LCI, Bethis working towards receiving her GED.

“I did not receive a high school diploma,” sheexplains, “so getting my GED is very importantto me. It’s going to feel good when I hold it inmy hands.”

Beth and her fellow residents attend First Baptist Church in Sanford. The church providesoutstanding outreaches to special needs adultsthrough their Sunday School’s “Love Class” andWednesday evening “SonShine” classes. Beth willbe singing as a part of the church’s special needsworship service in March for National Develop-mental Disabilities Awareness Month. (See page 3)

“I love my church staff,” Beth beams.“They’repretty special and go through a lot with us.”

Beth knows beyond any doubt that she cancount on her community friends and particularlythe ladies and staff she lives with at Lanier Home.

“I think of them as my family,” she concludes.

Beth displays her colorful bowling ball as she prepares to knock down some pins. Every Monday is bowling dayfor Beth and the other residents at Lanier Home in Sanford, BCH’s group home for developmentally disabled

adult women. Scan the QR code or go to www.bchnc.org/ddmbeth to see photos and video of Beth.

Beth is on a rollat Lanier Home___________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

[ “Home is where your needs are met.” – Gray }[ “Dates serve as building blocks before marriage.” – Edminson }

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

.2 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

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 www.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

[ MY THOUGHTS }

Learn about Developmental Disabilities Ministry at www.hereismyhome.org____________________________________________________________________

3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2 3.

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) Trusteesgathered from around the state at Mills

Home in Thomasville on January19. Trusteechair Jay Westmoreland from Charlotte presidedas the group welcomed nine new Trustees. Six ofthe new Trustees are serving for the first time.

The new Trustees are: Carl Anderson, LeaBethel Baptist in Prospect Hill; Lenuel Chamber-lain, Bethel Baptist in Yadkinville; Jim Dyer,Christ Baptist in Raleigh; Abe Elmore, WestfieldBaptist in Dunn; Marcia Heckman, Cross Pointein Concord; Ronnie Holman, Baton Baptist inHudson; Gail King, First Baptist Reidsville;Wendy Peters, Calvary in Winston-Salem; SteveShreve, Pleasant Garden Baptist in Greensboro.

Trustees were presented an exemplary auditreport and heard from the ministry’s investmentconsultants. BCH’s chief operating officer KeithHenry shared with Trustees the efforts staffmembers take to enhance performance and pur-sue excellence through improving processes andmaintaining good risk management practices.

He told Trustees that the ministry was operat-ing at 100% residential capacity.

Henry also reported on the work at BCH’sXela, Guatemala affiliate The Good ShepherdChildren’s Home. He told the group that thenumber of children in care has reached 17. Hestated that the Home is fully staffed including adirector with qualified individuals from the area.The Home continues to host volunteer groupsfrom North Carolina. Henry and executive vicepresident, development and communicationsBrenda Gray are traveling to the Home with fourTrustees and other friends the week of Easter.

Trustees heard apresentation onBCH’s new pro-gram – Fancy Finds.

Fancy Finds sellsgently-used items —items with potentialfor repurposing andones that have beenartfully restored. Theupscale retail shop will open in 2016.

Fancy Finds alsooffers personalizedDIY classes and con-signment and estatesale services.

One hundred per-cent of the proceedsgoes to benefit thechildren, aging adultsand families BCHserves.

BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwelladdressed the Trustees and thanked them fortheir support of the BCH capital campaign.

“What you do speaks volumes,” Blackwell said.“You let our children know you care and thatthey are worthy of love.”

He also thanked the trustees for empoweringBCH’s staff to do the ministry. “The passion ofour staff is unparalleled. They love and respectyou and they know you love and respect them.”

BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell addresses Trustees and staff members attendingthe Trustee Meeting in Thomasville on January 19. The full body of the Trustees meets twice

a year. The next meeting is slated for September 20 at Mills Home.

[ JANUARY TRUSTEE MEETING }

Trustees gather,approve reports___________________________________________________

March is National Developmental DisabilitiesAwareness month as proclaimed in 1987 by Pres-ident Ronald Reagan. Since that time, there havebeen many steps forward in educating societyabout the special needs population.

According to Baptist Children’s Homes’(BCH) Peggy Pennington, there is opportunityfor continued growth in supporting these specialindividuals that are so near to her heart.

“Folks who have developmental disabilities are just like you and me,” she explained. “Theyare people in our community who have the samegoals and dreams that we all have. They just needsome extra support.”

Pennington is Director of BCH’s Develop-mental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) that providesnine statewide group homes for special needsmen and women. She and her staff, who providecare for the residents, work hard each day to givethem needed support and resources.

“Involving our residents in their communitiesis a natural part of what we do through DDM,”Pennington said. “Creating opportunities forthem to have interactions with friends both insideand outside of our homes is so important.”

Pennington said DDM residents actively volunteer, are locally employed, are involved inchurch, and attend a variety of educational classes.

“We provide them with at least 14 hours of ac-tivities each week,” she said. “We work with themto identify things that are important to them, thethings they want to have as a part of their lives,and ensure that every day is a meaningful day.”

The overall aim for DDM is to support eachresident in reaching his or her life goals whateverthose dreams may be.

“We want the public to know that specialneeds adults have the ability to achieve theirdreams,” she concluded. “It’s about focusing on ability over disability.”

Anderson Chamberlain Dyer Elmore Heckman Holman King Peters Shreve

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

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

today and we can double it!

BCH’s capital campaign provides help now and for the future through

renovating the ministry’s statewidecare locations, raising daily operating

funds, and building the endowment.

Learn how you can be a part of the campaign bycarefully increasing your giving through a five-yearpledge or outright gift. Contact Brenda Gray at

336.689-4442 / bbgray@bchfamily.org

DDM emphasizes ability over disability_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Every child that comes to Baptist Children’sHomes (BCH) has one thing in common –

hunger. Some are hungry for food and some arehungry for hope. Some are hungry for love andsome are hungry for safety. Some are hungry for a kind word and some are hungry for a caringtouch. Some are hungry for someone they cantrust. Some are hungry for an opportunity tolearn. Some are hungry to escape their chaos. But whatever their reason, they are all hungry in their own way.

Many of the children in BCH’s care have lived in situations where there was not alwaysfood, clean clothes, kind words, or caring embraces. Far too often, their lives have been filled with chaos, pain and hopelessness.

A child who is hungry finds it hard to behopeful. A child who is ignored stops talking. A child robbed of affection won’t give or receivehugs. A child who experiences betrayal strugglesto trust.

Children who come into our care and are hungry for food eat as if they will not eat again ina long time. I have seen a child stare at his plateas if he can’t believe the food is really for him.Some children actually put food in their pocketsand then hide it in their rooms. As they begin tofeel safe and secure, those that gorged themselvesslow down. Those who are more timid begin tofeel at home and simply enjoy the meal.

Mealtimes at BCH are about filling tummies,but it is also about more. For many of our boysand girls, food represents love, hope and security.Meals are times to offer encouragement and give loving hugs. Eating the meal prepared bytheir cottage parents is a perfect time to catch up on the day’s events. Meals are a time whencottage parents and children sit, listen and learnfrom each other. With as many as 12 children sitting around the dining room table, all experience a feeling of home. Devotions and

presenting the Gospel messageof God’s love, healingand hope follow manybreakfasts and eveningmeals.

Jenny lives at BroyhillHome in Clyde. Sherman lives at Kennedy Home in Kinston. Jenny and Sherman have things in common. They bothcame to us this past year and they both camehungry – hungry for food, hungry for a home,hungry for safety, and hungry for hope.

Sherman told me that he felt abandoned. Hefelt his own mother did not love him. He wenton to tell me: “I was angry. I was empty.”

Sherman knows what it is like to be hungryphysically and to wonder when he would eatagain. He knows what it is like to be hungryemotionally and to feel as if no one cares. Heknows spiritual hunger as well.

Recently while sharing his testimony, Shermansaid: “When I first came to Kennedy Home I pushed everyone away. But the staff at Baptist Children’s Homes are very stubborn people.They do not give up on you. They get to you.”

Sherman recounted how on one particularnight, feeling desperate, he got out of bed, fell on his knees and began weeping and crying out to God. He said his cottage parents helped

him as he sought answers to the questions he

had on his heart. In August of2015, Sherman asked Jesus to comeinto his heart. He says that his favorite Bibleverse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans toprosper you and not to harm you, plans to giveyou hope and a future.”

Jenny’s life was filled with despair. Like Sherman, Jenny had known what it was like to be hungry physically, emotionally and spiritually.Jenny shared: “When I first came to BroyhillHome I was very hurt. I felt abandoned and I felt like there was no need to even be alive. I had lived a childhood that no child should have to live. A childhood filled with drugs and fighting.”

Jenny’s father committed suicide when she was 11. Because her mother struggled with herown issues, Jenny’s mom was unable to care forher. Since living at Broyhill, Jenny has been fedphysical food, emotional food and spiritual food.She is quick to tell anyone that she loves Broyhill.She says her life is better. She says that everythingshe experiences at Broyhill brings light to her life.Like Sherman, her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah29:11. Jenny is planning to go to college and oneday serve as part of the juvenile justice system.

For Jenny and Sherman, Baptist Children’sHomes is home – home is where your needs aremet. Thank you for helping to make a home forthe children who turn to us hungry.

In the past two years, the numbers BCH isfeeding has increased by more than 24%. Wecould not meet this need without your help.Please help feed the children. For more informa-tion on how you can be a part of meeting thephysical, emotional and spiritual needs of theseprecious children, call me at 336-689-4442. Formore information on BCH’s Food Roundup, see page 8 or go online at www.bchfamily.org/

foodroundup.

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

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.

Food Roundup: AprilFriends of Children Workdays:

Oak Ranch in Broadway –April 30 and Sept. 24

Camp Duncan in Aberdeen –May 14 and Sept. 17

Mills Home in Thomasville – Sept. 10Kennedy Home in Kinston – Sept. 10Cameron Boys Camp – Sept. 10Odum Home in Pembroke – Sept. 17

Founders Days:Cameron Boys Camp – May 3Camp Duncan – Sept. 27

Broyhill BBQ Festival:Broyhill Home in Clyde – May 7

Hope in Style Fashion Show:Greensboro Country Club – Aug. 13

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

Week of Prayer: Nov. 13-20

Mark your calendarsand be a part of BCH’s2016 events. For moreinformation call 336-474-1209. More events will beadded soon.Please note that somedates & events havechanged.

You won’t want to miss these 2016 events

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Children hunger for food and more______________________________________________________________

By Brenda B. Gray, Executive VP, Dev. & Com.

____________________________________________________________________

.4 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

[ E A S T E R A P P E A L }

Your gift can make a difference immediately — www.bchfamily.org/givenow

have been many highlightsthroughout my nearly 33 years as President,but nothing is more rewarding than seeingboys and girls ask Jesus into their hearts.

Children coming to know Jesus is whyRobert and Diane Earley serve as house-parents. Every afternoon, the deliciousaroma of a home-cooked meal fills theircottage. The girls know it’s almost dinnertime and time for their daily devotion.

The Earleys teachthem about God’s never-failing love.

The girls circle around and Robert writes the day’s scripture on a white board that hangs on the kitchen wall.In unison, the group reads the scripture and Robert sharesa devotional thought. He talks about how much God

loves each of them and how His son Jesus died for them. They end their time by holding handsas a family and praying.

Sixteen-year-old Oksana was moved by the words she heard. The Earleys watched as the Gospel message took hold and they were there when Oksana asked Jesus to be her Savior.Robert shared that he felt like he was standing on a mountaintop!

You are a part of decisions like Oksana’s. You are a part of changing lives forever. This Easter as we celebrate Christ’s triumphant resurrection, I ask you to help again.

Houseparents like the Earleys share hope with children every day. A gift this Easter makes itpossible to give children the caring home they deserve where Godly men and women showthem unconditional love. As many as 80% of our residents come to us unchurched. Your giftprovides children a safe home, warm beds and caring cottageparents who share the Gospel.

Thank you for being an essential part of changing the lives of children and families.

With kindness,

Michael C. BlackwellPresident/CEO

$50 $100 $250 $500 $ ______________ Any size gift!

I want to help change lives this Easter!

Name ________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State ______ Zip __________ Phone __________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________

Credit Card Option: Visa MC Name on card: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Signature: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Must have Credit Card Expiration Date: ____________ Contact me with information on how to prepare a Christian Will.

Three-digit security code (on card back): ___ ___ ___ I have included Baptist Children’s Homes in my estate plans.

Mail to: BCHP.O. Box 338Thomasville, NC 27361

Your gift pays eternal dividends.

There

____________________________________________________________________

3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2 5.

Learn about Family Care at www.bchfamily.org/familycare____________________________________________________________________

.6 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

Go out to the chicken yard at Kenneth Robinette’s home near Rockingham on

a warm morning in early spring and you’ll findhim and four-year-old granddaughter Madelyngathering freshly laid eggs.

“Raising the chickens was all about the grandkids,” Kenneth says. “I wanted them to see thebirds peck through the shells, grow from smallchicks, and then lay their own eggs.”

What started with a few unhatched eggs hasgrown to 40 chickens and a few guineafowl.Being raised on a farm in South Carolina, Ken-neth learned lessons that he holds dear today.

“Farming is hard work,” he says. “But youlearn what’s important. You learn responsibility.You learn how to take care of things and see yourhard work turn into something worthwhile. Itmakes you a better person.”

Some of the eggs the family raise are placedinto cartons and Kenneth and wife Claudia deliverthe fresh eggs to the moms and their children living at The Claude and Lois Smith Family CareHome in Marston, only a few miles from the couple’s home.

Claudia and hersister Beverly Smithwanted their parentshome to be used for something thatwould honor theirmemory. After Clau-dia learned aboutBaptist Children’sHomes (BCH) possi-ble need from herpastor Jim Nelson atFirst Baptist Churchof Rockingham, shecalled the ministry.

“My parents built this home and lived in it for70 years,” Claudia says. “As my dad’s businessgrew, they added on and over time the homegrew, too.”

Sam Barefoot, BCH’s senior vice presidentoverseeing properties, toured the large familyhome and quickly determined it would be idealfor a Family Care house. The additions the Smithsmade over time were now perfect for multiplemoms and their children.

Claude Smith was a “pioneer,” daughter Clau-dia says. Feeling limited while pursuing a collegeeducation from NC State, he and his bride begana broom business. He created a device to auto-

mate broom making, patented it, and the businessboomed shipping “Rapid” brooms around theUnited States. The success of this venture allowedClaude to turn his active imagination to real estate development. In a short time, Rockinghamhad its first open-air shopping center, RichmondPlaza. The business grew, and after Kenneth andClaudia married, Kenneth joined the company.

Their two childrenare part of the familybusiness today – sonNeil is the company’sCEO and daughterGabrielle leads themarketing efforts.

With a clear usefor the home nowdetermined, Claudiaand Kenneth beganto make some neededimprovements beforedeeding the propertyto BCH.

Churches from Pee Dee Baptist Associationjoined the project and donated labor for the remodeling and renovations. Led by FBC Rock-ingham member Dennis Holloway, the group,comprised of 16 different churches and 56 volun-teers, painted every inch of the interior, moved a couple walls, refurbished the kitchen, andbrought new life to the Smith home.

“It’s been lovingly transformed into somethingbeautiful again,” Claudia says. “They took thingsthat had been loved by my parents and refinishedand refurbished them. Instead of it being shad-owy, the light now pours into the rooms.”

The Robinettes have invested their hearts aswell as their resources. The couple looks for ways

to be involved. They have encouraged the community to help, too. Kenneth is planning to conduct cooking classes for the moms. He isbuilding raised garden beds behind Smith Home.He plans to teach the mothers to grow vegetablesand then can and freeze what they grow.

“The home can be a spring board for a betterlife,” Claudia says. “The home offers a stableplace. It is a place where moms can be with theirchildren and prepare for their futures. As timerolls by, we look forward to seeing how thesefamilies’ lives are transformed.”

[ BCH FRIENDS STORY }

Fresh eggsfor Family Caremoms and kids___________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Kenneth and Claudia Robinette’s chickens lay enough eggs to be shared with the mothers and children living at TheClaude and Lois Smith Family Care Home in Marston. The Smith Home once belonged to Claudia’s parents. She and sister

Beverly Smith wanted their childhood home to be used for something that honored their parent’s memory. The largemulti-bedroom house was perfect for Family Care ministry.

Read BCH’s stories on the new blog – www.bchblog.org

Since accounting was scripted on papyrus inancient Egypt, storage and the management

of financial information has been laborious. Filing cabinets in more modern times have filledentire floors of buildings and the shuffling ofmanila folders has employed countless people.So, one can understand how the idea of businesspractices going paperless would be intriguing.

“When I first came to Baptist Children’sHomes (BCH) five years ago, I thought it wouldbe a great opportunity to go paperless in thebusiness office,” BCH’s Treasurer Bill Chaissonsays.

Chaisson said the goal was to maximize the use of technology. He knew certain businessprocesses would involve widespread change andconverting systems to digital and paperless sys-tems would be tough. He also believed it wouldpay off. With a clear vision in place, Chaisson andthe business office’s staff began the arduous task.

“Going paperless meant saving time and ulti-mately saving money for the ministry,” Chaissonsays. “I knew itwould take ourentire team work-ing together.”

During a resent state-widemanagementmeeting, Chaissonannounced thegoal had beenreached. “Thebusiness officeteam and staff inevery area at BCHhave made whatsome might havethought impossi-ble – BCH’s busi-ness practices are 100% paperless.”

Before going paperless, a BCH facility threehours from Thomasville would send a large,paper-filled envelope via mail. The envelope wasstuffed with all kinds of business related paper-work to be processed. Postage was attached andthe envelope was delivered.

A staff person at the facility gathered the paperwork and mailed it, then a staff person atBCH’s business office handled all the paperworkagain and shuffled it around processing it withvarious business office staff touching the paper-work multiple times.

Today, the paperwork is scanned and placed

into a program at its origination site. A staff person at BCH’s business office accesses it on a desktop. Any approvals or other processes takeplace by just opening files and doing the work on computers.

“Going paperless is good stewardship,” Chais-son says. “Staff across BCH see the benefit and

the savings. They can do a search and call up anythingfrom their desktops thatthey need to do their jobs.”

Chaisson says going digi-tal affects almost everything.BCH’s yearly audit has gonefrom taking more than aweek to complete to finish-ing the task in two days.

Chaisson has been ardentabout his responsibilities.

“I can be unrelenting,”he says. “I’m always lookingfor ways we can save thisministry money and bemore efficient.”

Chaisson says working for a nonprofit is different from his previous jobs.He says he never expected to experience what hehas experienced serving with a ministry.

“There are always challenges in the businessworld,” he says. “At first glance, the challenges

appear the same. You work hard and you’re goodstewards, but in ministry you quickly see how financial needs are clearly met by God. He bringsthings about.”

Chaisson says that just the right donor gift arrives or funds are received from an estate at just the right time.

“I didn’t see that in the corporate worldwhere I had worked before,” he asserts. “Here,you realize your calling is bigger than the almighty coin. It’s about the ministry – about the children. I feel blessed to be a part.”

BCH Treasurer Bill Chaisson and BCH accounting assistant Sissy Britt look over “the numbers” while conducting an account analysis. Chaisson has led BCH’s business office staff in becoming 100% paperless over the five years sincetaking his postilion. Chaisson is responsible for BCH’s financial management and oversees the office’s daily operations.

[ BCH BUSINESS OFFICE }

Office achievesgoal of going100% paperless________________________________________________ ___By Jim Edminson, Editor

Right, BCH’s Treasurer Bill Chaisson and BCH’s business office staff, left to right, Sissy Britt, Faith Frazier, Patricia

Carroll, Courtney Stillwell, and Paula Trent.

THE MISSION: Show God’s love to

BCH’s boys & girls including children

at the new Guatemala Orphanage.

A “Mission: Kids4Kids”offering

through your VBS changes lives!

to download the flyer, activity sheet, Mile of Pennies

labels and videos including the new Guatemala video.

____________________________________________________________________

3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2 7.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS:__ Canned Fruits__ Paper Products (paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, napkins)__ Household cleaning products (i.e. bleach, Comet, Lysol spray and wipes, Clorox spray and wipes, Windex, Pinesol, Pledge, Tilex, etc.)__ Fruit Juice (Apple, Orange, Grape, Cranberry)__ Laundry Detergent__ Bottled Water__ Dry Cereal__ Spaghetti Sauce__ Pasta (Spaghetti, Lasagna, Macaroni)__ Canned Tomatoes (diced, sauce, paste)__ Pancake Mix and Syrup__ Soups (All types & condensed)__ Sugar (Granulated & Brown)__ Flour__ Splenda__ Popcorn, Kettle Corn__ Apple Sauce

__ Fruit Pie Filling (Cherry and Peach)__ Beverage Mixes (Tea, Tang, Kool-Aid, Lemonade, Cider Mix - All Sugar Free)__ Vegetable Oil, Shortening, Olive Oil, Pam Cooking Spray, Bakers Choice__ Canned Sweet Potatoes, Canned Yams__ Canned Meats (pink salmon, tuna, roast beef, chicken - packed in water)__ Stuffing Mix__ Gravy Mixes__ Hamburger, Chicken, and Tuna Helper (all types)__ Pickles (Sweet & Dill)__ Refried Beans__ Hot Chocolate Mix__ Snack Foods with & without sugar (Fruit Rollups, Fruit Cups, Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, Pepperoni Sticks, Cheese Nips, Pretzels, etc.)__ Health Snacks (Dried

Fruit, Nuts, Raisins, Cranraisins, Trail Mix)

__ Individual Cookie Packs__ Jello__ PopTarts

__ Rice__ Instant Potatoes (scalloped, au gratin, mashed, julienne)__ Muffin Mixes__ Bisquick Mix__ Kidney Beans__ Baked Beans__ Pickle Relish__ Cranberry Sauce__ Mac & Cheese__ Corn Meal__ Jiffy Mixes, Corn Muffin Mix__ Potatoes__ Hush Puppy Mix__ Peanut Butter__ Jelly, Jams, Preserves (Strawberry is their favorite)__ Pizza & Pizza Dough Mix__ Saltine Crackers, Ritz

Crackers, Graham Crackers__ Sauces (A-1, Steak, BBQ, Texas Pete, Cheese, Worcestershire, Soy, Teriyaki, Sweet & Sour)__ Spices and Seasonings (including Salt & Pepper)__ Dishwashing detergents__ Laundry pre-treating products (i.e. Shout, Spray and Wash)

__ Brooms, Mops, ScrubBrushes, Dust Pans

__ Foil and Plastic Wrap__ SOS Pads__ Fabric Softener __ Dryer Sheets__ Sanitary Pads & Tampons__ Hand Lotion__ Shampoo__ Body Wash__ Soap__ Hand Sanitizer

OTHER NEEDED ITEMS:__ Brownie & Cookie Mix__ Canned Vegetables__ Individual Chef Boyardee cups__ Clif brand nutrition bars__ Hot Dog Chili__ Coffee (Regular & Decaf)__ Coffee Creamer__ Sweetened Condensed Milk__ Evaporated Milk__ Dehydrated Food (powdered milk & eggs, dehydrated meals)

__ Flavorings (Vanilla, etc.)__ French Fried Onions__ Honey__ Ketchup__ Mustard

__ Oatmeal__ Parmesan Cheese__ Puddings, Pudding Cups__ Salsa__ Vinegar__ Paper Products (Cups, Plates, Bowls, Plastic Ware, Dixie Cups)

__ Copy/Printer Paper __ Trash Bags (large & small)__ Zip-Loc bags (Sandwich,

Snack, Quart & Gallon Sizes)__ Band Aids__ Rubbing Alcohol/Peroxide__ Anti-bacterial ointment__ Razors__ Shaving Cream/Shaving Gel__ Dental Floss__ Hair brushes__ Deodorant__ Conditioner__ Tooth Paste__ Tooth Brushes__ Diapers (all sizes)__ Baby Wipes__ Bug Repellent__ Wasp/Hornet Spray__ Sunblock 30+

__ Batteries (AA , AAA and D)__ Disposable Gloves (Latex & Non-Latex)

Help! Collect needed items for 2016 Food Roundup in April_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When it comes to feeding the boys andgirls being cared for by Baptist Chil-

dren’s Homes (BCH), it boils down to simplemath: the more chil-dren served meansmore food is needed.

With the number ofchildren living inBCH’s homes rising24% between 2013 and2015, the annual FoodRoundup is more im-portant than ever.

“The increase inBCH’s populationspeaks directly to thetremendous needs ofchildren and families inour state,” BCH presi-dent Michael C. Blackwell says.

That number will rise again in 2016. There are already plans in place to open an additional

children’s residential cottage by mid year. This isin addition to the Smith Home, a new FamilyCare home in Marston, that opened last year.

As many as 700,000 meals andsnacks are prepared throughout theyear at BCH facilities.

“There are more mouths to feed, and we want to ensure thattogether, through the help of thecommunity, that we are able to pro-vide for every child that turns to us for help,” Blackwell states.

In April, the food drive giveschurches, businesses and commu-nity friends a hands-on way to helpthe children by challenging them to collect a minimum of $350,000worth of non-perishable fooditems, supplies and gift cards.

“It’s vital that people participate in the FoodRoundup for multiple reasons,” Blackwell ex-plains. “Giving to the food drive allows us to use

funds designated for food purchases in otherways. And the children’s smiles – their faces say itall. When people give to the Food Roundup itsays so much to the children. So many of ourboys and girls come from dysfunctional and trau-matic circumstances where the adults in theirlives have let them down. Through the fooddrive, they see people they can count on.”

Begin collecting and boxing your Roundupfood now. Next, deliver the items to collectionpoints throughout the state in April. Collectionpoints will be printed in next month’s Charity &Children.

Download ads, slides and resources at www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup____________________________________________________________________

.8 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

[ FOOD ROUNDUP }

More childrenmeans morefood needed________________________________________________________

Additional info:Gift Cards are greatlyappreciated to buy perishables and items not received. (i.e. Walmart,Sams Clubs, Food Lion,Lowes, Ingles, Piggly Wiggly, etc.)

We can use all size cans.Some locations prefer #10 cans (family size).

Please check for expireddates on food.

Please help our volunteertruck drivers by packingyour church’s donations in small, sturdy boxes.

For more information contact Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277or email him at awilliams@bchfamily.org.

April 2016

Trevor & Tabitha’sFood Roundup Video

Share the siblings’ story with yourchurch or group. Download at

www.tiny.cc/foodroundup

Together, We Can Do More! #AsOneVisit www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup to downloadresources, including needs list (coming soon), collection

guide, collection points list (coming soon), ads, flyers, and Trevor and Tabitha’s 3-minute video.

Questions? Contact Alan Williams at awilliams@ bchfamily.org or 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1277.

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

Anote from Susie Parsad reads:“I’m a proud new grandma as of

January 7th. My son and his wife hada beautiful, healthy baby boy whomthey named after his dad, Edward Lin-coln.” Susie wrote that she planned togo to Houston the next Wednesday tospend a week spoiling the baby andspending time with the family.

We were so sorry to learn that MHpastor Randy Stewart lost his mother,Geraldine Stewart, shortly afterChristmas. The family was soon to celebrate her 90th birthday. They wereso thankful that she had celebratedThanksgiving with them and been ableto see all the children and grandchil-dren. She had been mother and fatherto Randy and his three sisters sinceRandy was only 17 months old. Pleasekeep Randy and his family in yourthoughts and prayers. Condolencesmay be sent to Randy and the familyat 420 Biggs Ave, Thomasville, NC27360.

Our hearts go out to Ted Marlowewho lost his wife Linda on November20, 2015. Folks will remember Ted asthe son of Tom and Chris Marlowe –Huffman Cottage houseparents in the1950s and ’60s. Send condolences toTed at 1203 Wild Rose Dr., Dekalb,TX, 75559.

Wallace Maultsby mentioned notlong ago that he had lost track of VanHall, a beloved friend whose familywas brought to MH in the same carwith Wallace. He was at MH from1933-1944. In January, his daughterLinda wrote on Facebook asking aboutHomecoming 2016 saying she and hertwo sisters would love to come. Shewrote: “Our father was at Mills Homefrom age 5 (with sisters Annabelle andEstelle) until he graduated in 1944and went into the U.S. Navy in Cali-fornia. Our family ended up in Okla-homa and my dad Van Hall would pullour trailer and drive us three kids to camp in the Smokey Mountains in route to reunions. He continued attending your reunions every coupleof years until about 2000. We just losthim in August of 2015. He was almost88 years old. I would love to visit MillsHome again and offer help to thehome in whatever appropriate ways I can find.” Condolences may be sentto Linda Hall Brady’s Facebook page.

A note on the MH Facebook page

from Bennie Christmas Phillips: “It iswith a heavy and broken heart that I inform you that we have lost yet another dear and loving alumni today,January 11, 2016. Frances Burgesspassed away at Baptist Hospital whereshe had been a patient for approxi-mately three weeks.”

A memorial service for Frances washeld at the Love of God BaptistChurch in Thomasville. I was struck bythe young minister who conducted theservice. It was a very positive serviceand urged Frances’s mourners to seek a life in Christ that could give themhope for an eternal life. Frances’sdaughter Candi traveled 16 hours withher two small children from her homein Missouri to honor her mother andtake Frances’s beloved dog into herown family. During the service, she satwith several of the Mills Home alumni.Bennie also mentioned that Candi’sfamily had suffered some recent hard-ship and asked that we continue tokeep her in our prayers. Friends cansend condolences to Candi Porter at20758 Country Rd. 80, Jasper, MO64755. I do not have an address forFrances’s other two offspring Johnnyand April.

A note from Opal Ainsworth hadthe sad news of the death of hermother, Bertha Willis Wells, who diedDecember 21, 2015. Bertha came toMH in 1933 and graduated in 1945.In response to Opal, I was unable tofind any surviving classmates of hermother. Bertha had been living inVicksburg, MS for quite a few years.Friends can offer condolences to Opalat: oeainsworth@gmail.com. More onBertha next month.

I was deeply saddened to learn thatClem Martinez Pridemore died January21, 2016 at her residence in Randle-man. Her family was with her. Clemwas a member of the popular MartinezMills Home family of the 1950s and60s. Natives of Randolph County, theycame to MH in 1956 and Clem grad-uated in 1960. At Mills Home, she wasvery active in the church – alwayssinging in the choir and taking part in GAs and YWA. She was also activein high school, especially on the bas-ketball team. She lived a large part ofher adult life in California but cameback to home once her son was grown.She was an active member at GraceBaptist Church and of the Joyful Noise

Gospel Quartet. A friend described heras “a gracious, loving and giving ladywho was always prim and properlydressed.” She was preceded in deathby her husband Larry and five siblingswho were not reared at MH.

Clem is survived by her son Michaeland his wife Jennifer, one grandsonand one granddaughter both of whomserve in the U.S. army, brothersRichard, Felix and Nick, and sistersTerri, Nancy, Geneva, and Mary. Shehad a great love of and devotion to hersiblings, Mills Home family, and herGrace Baptist Church family. On a very cold, snowy January 25th, herfriends and family celebrated her lifewith a very meaningful service in a little Randleman church brimmingwith warmth and hospitality. Her sis-ters and many other lady friends cele-brated Clem’s love for style andfashion by wearing hats and caps forthe service – enhancing the “Clemspirit” which pervaded our time to-gether that day.

Helen McGee James reminded methat she and Clem were known as theM&M sisters and they were always together at Homecoming trying to getother people involved in the weekend’sactivities. She also said that Clemtaught her to enjoy life each and everyday and to always look for happinessno matter what was going on. Theyhad a rather long motto which reads:Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep youstrong, sorrow keeps you human, failureskeep you humble, success keeps you grow-ing, but only God keeps you going.

Margaret Hale Miller passed awayon December 18, 2015. With both herparents dying by the time she was four,she spent a long time at Mills Home.She was valedictorian of her graduat-ing class and was provided funds to attend Mars Hill by a generous bene-factor. After college, she moved toFayetteville where she met and marriedDavid Miller. They had three offspringand Margaret worked as a bookkeeperfor the Fayetteville City Schools. Whenher son Brad began running for publicoffice, she spent long hours politickingon his behalf. Brad served as a memberof the NC House of Representativesfrom 1992-1994 and a member of theNC Senate from 1996-2002. Margaretand her family established the Mar-garet Miller Endowed Scholarship atMars Hill University last year to cele-

brate her 100th birthday. The scholar-ship is for children raised at orphan-ages (children’s homes). If you wouldwish to contribute to that scholarship,make checks to Mars Hill University,The Margaret Miller Endowed Schol-arship, Mars Hill University, Attn. TimMcClain, P.O. Box 6792, Mars Hill,NC, 28764.

Some weeks ago, Sandy Penleywrote on Facebook asking for prayersfor Joey Lambert after sharing the sadnews of his health issues. In responseto that, Teresa Penley Henson repliedto Harry Walls Facebook page on Jan.28, that Joey is now taking radiationand chemo pills to shrink the cancerin his colon. When he was checkedlast, the doctor told him he wouldhave surgery at Forsythe Hospital, inWinston Salem on February 15,2016. He will be off work for fiveweeks. His address is: Joey Lambert,8 Country Manor Drive, Thomasville,NC 27360.

Stan Hoyle recently had to be moved from his rehab facility to a regular hospital. His heart has beenstabilized and he is back in the rehabfacility and back at his internet“Global Ministries.” He shares mean-ingful sermons and inspiration withhis Facebook friends and seems to tryto encourage preachers all over theworld. Imogene and John have bothbeen up there with him and Facebookfriends have offered fervent encour-agement and prayers. Friends can con-tact Stan at this address: 7800Jandaracres Dr., Cincinnati, OH45248, Elm 211. [513-376-2089]

Kris Lether is very kind to keep usinformed about his mother Addie LeeBatts Lether. He was happy to reportthat she is back home after spendinga few days in the hospital. Send hercheerful messages to 86 Nelson Rd.,West, Sequim, WA 98382 or to kojack@olypen.com, or call 360-683-3749. He also asked that we remem-ber his Aunt Viola Rus in prayer. Shealso is back home after a recent hos-pital stay. Send get well messages toher at 82 Woodcock Lane, Levittown,

NC, 11756, or call 516-796-7498.

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Births, illnesses and passings mark alums’ lives –Group offers praise, prayer and sympathy_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________________________

3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2 9.

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

________________________________Guatemala Leadership Meets

The Good Shepherd Ministries leadership groupgathered for a meeting at Baptist Children’sHomes’ (BCH) Mills Home campus in Thomasvillethe weekend of January 8. This group works withBCH to operate the orphanage and medical clinicin Xela, Guatemala collectively known as GoodShepherd Ministries. BCH’s chief operating officerKeith Henry is a part of this mission-mindedgroup.________________________________Weekday Education

Savannah, above, shows her Carolina Pantherspride as children attending the Weekday Educa-tion centers in Thomasville celebrated the NFLfootball team’s participation in the championshipgame, Super Bowl 50. Learn more about Week-day Education for community preschoolersand children from Kindergarten to fifth gradeat www.weekdayeducation.org________________________________Developmental Disabilities Ministry

Beth, right, a resident at Lanier Home in Sanford,

presents a check from the Aktion Club to a repre-sentative from the Christian United OutreachCenter of Lee County. Beth is the President of thelocal chapter of the Aktion Club, a Kiwanis sup-ported program for developmentally disabledadults. The club raised $1,000 for the center thatmeets the various needs of Lee County residents.Lanier Home is one of nine statewide grouphomes BCH provides as a part of its Developmen-tal Disabilities Ministry. Learn more atwww.hereismyhome.org________________________________Guatemala Orphanage

Emilia was born on January 4 and came to TheGood Shepherd Children’s Home, BCH’s affiliateorphanage in Xela, Guatemala, just ten days later.The infant was abandoned almost immediatelyafter her birth. She is healthy and doing well atthe orphanage. Learn more about theGuatemala orphanage and sponsoring a childby visiting www.orphanreach.org________________________________Church Support

Led by pastor Keith McKinney, center, the congre-gation at Boiling Springs Baptist Church in BoilingSprings collected $5,222 for the children andfamilies BCH serves. Left to right, GA directorBarbara Lail, McKinney, BCH trustee and churchmember Joann Lutz. Invite a speaker to sharethe BCH story with your church. Visitwww.bchfamily.org/speaker or call 336-474-1218.________________________________Camp DuncanGirls living at Camp Duncan in Aberdeen, BCH’syear-round girls residential wilderness ministry,made the most of the first snowfall of the new

year. The girls broke out their sleds and speddown the hills around the 700-acre camp prop-erty. Learn more at www.campduncanNC.org________________________________Christmas Giving

For 35 years, members from First Baptist Churchin Brevard has hosted a Christmas party for thechildren at BCH’s Broyhill Home in Clyde. PastorTommy Crocker and members provide a meal,present a Christmas devotion, organize gamesand share presents. Thank you to all thechurches and friends who gave generously toBCH this Christmas season. ________________________________Odum Home

For the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, volunteers from the University of North Carolinain Pembroke assisted with work projects on Janu-ary 19 at BCH’s Odum Home. The university is located across the street from the campus. Thegroup spent the day organizing the food pantry,supply closet and the gym. Learn more atwww.odumhome.org________________________________North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry

On February 3, North Carolina Baptist Aging Min-istry (NCBAM) met with representatives from theJewish community in Charlotte. NCBAM sharedits model with them and learned of their workwith aging adults at Temple Beth El, Jewish FamilyServices of Charlotte, and Wise Transitions.

[ AROUND THE STATE }

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

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

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

____________________________________________________________________

.10 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

Get Involvedwww.bchfamily.org/getinvolved

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

Food Roundup: This is a great opportunity for churches, businessesand organizations to help provide thefood needs of the boys and girls incare. Call 336-474-1277.

Friends of Children Workdays:The perfect one-day missions out-reach. Projects for all ages! StatewideBCH workdays available in May andSeptember. See 2015 dates on pg. 6Call 336-474-1209.

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

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

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

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

Sharing Hope...Changing LivesCapital Campaign: The campaign isabout securing BCH’s future so thatchildren and families who come intocare at the ministry’s 19 statewide lo-cations can count on having the safehome and care they need. ContactBrenda Gray at 336-689-4442. Visitwww.bchfamily.org/campaign

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

Attention everyone! Please notethe date of this year’s Kennedy

Home (KH) Homecoming. Alumniat last year’s Homecoming voted tochange the date to the first weekendin June. Please talk it over with yourwhole family and make your plans tobe there in June. Hopefully, it willwork well for all! Remember, goahead and mark your calendar anddon’t forget to make your motelreservations if needed.

I sincerely hope that you had a great Christmas this past December.It was busy for everyone. By now I know that many of you are workingon your church’s Easter Cantata. I really do hope that most, if not all,of our alumni attends worship serv-ices every Sunday and I hope you aresinging in the church choir. I spentmany hours getting you ready. Don’tmiss the glorious opportunity to liftyour voice unto the Lord.

Today – especially today – I’m sitting here writing my column andthinking about the freedom we havein the United States. I live near a mil-itary base and they have been practic-ing “war games” all day. When anexplosion goes off, which is aboutevery five or six minutes, the wholehouse shakes. You can hear the win-dows make a noise or hear a great big“pow” in the air. You might think I would be annoyed, but I can’t helpbut be thankful that we have thesemen and women who are willing tolearn these tasks for our freedom.Pray for them daily.

I love to hear from those of youwho lived at Kennedy Home a longtime ago. I recently received a letterwith an article from Doris S. Wilkinsof 2401 Holloway Terrace, Raleigh,NC 27608.

She writes: “Dear Mr. Thompson,I have resisted writing for a longtime, even though I know the exis-tence of the Kennedy Home Columndepends on us, the Alumni, for it’slife blood.

“My sister Frances and brother Edward Wilkins and myself went froma ‘run down’ shack in Wilmington to

a huge two story building at KH in the summer of 1942. This wasprobably the best thing that ever happened to us since birth, but it was also the most traumatic event of our lives. Only now as I pen these words have I given thought tohow this move must have impactedmy brother who was onlyfive years old.To have lost a mother threeyears earlier, to have lost a grandmotherwho had beenour care takerfor several years,and to be sepa-rated from his two sisters must havebeen so hard for a little fellow.

“Back then not only were childrenseparated by boy/girl, but we wereonly able to see siblings once a week.One of the most revolutionary stepsBaptist Children’s Homes ever tookwas allowing brothers and sisters tobe together.

“I am grateful that the Baptistswere there for us! Life provides uswith so many gifts as well as losses.The beauty is that we can learn to accept both. For many, life seemskinder and less harsh, but growth depends on how we use our resources to move on.

“My early years at the Biggs Cottage were enjoyable. There was a grapevine that provided shelterfrom the sun and a place that offeredprotection when we experimentedwith rabbit tobacco. How we acquired matches is a mystery and thefact that we never set fire to anythingwas a miracle.

“The game I especially enjoyedwas called “breaking our windowlights.” The origin of this game is un-known. We would divide up into twosmall groups. One group would takea trek around the area and return toshare their journey by drawing a mapin the dirt that included the trees cir-cled as well as other maneuvers made.The other team had to read the mapand locate the first group’s route.

“Saturday evenings were special forthe younger ones who got to stay upand listen to the ‘Hit Parade.’

“Duties, as I recall, changed everythree months or so. The laundryroom was the girls’ job. I lovedMable and the other woman who worked there. I can still hear

Mable smackingand popping thatgum she alwayschewed. Thosetreks around cam-pus with thosehemp baskets ofclean linen was a challenge. Wewould go a shortdistance, put thosebaskets down and

rest. I have no idea how long the tripfrom the laundry building to theHardee building was in those daysbut it seemed to take forever.

“When we got to the Pollockbuilding, we did our own cooking. I loved the homemade butter I made– even though I had a sore arm for

days after shaking that heavy bottle ofclabbered milk. We also got to inviteour teachers for meals. I still remem-ber the coconut pie I made. It was sosoft that it had to be eaten with a spoon.

“The day I left KH to enroll atChowan College was another ‘leav-ing home’ event. That was difficultbut later became rewarding. Thepeople who were so special to mewere Daddy Drogden, Cleve Wilkie,Ms. Hoggard, Mrs. Smith, and RubyWyatt. Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Pearl atthe sewing room were so dear. FayeTyndall was my best friend but manyothers were special. Mary Alice Laney,Hazel Edwards, Lenis Jackson, andMac Winslow. (I may have some ofthese names spelled wrong. Forgiveme.)

“Thank you Kennedy Home forbeing there when I needed you.Thank you for the loans that madecollege possible. But most of all,thank you for the opportunity to besafe and cared for at a time when I was so vulnerable.

“I spent most of my adult life as a social worker for Wake County andat the Methodist Home for Children.How blessed I was to have been a part of the lives of so many specialchildren. In a small way, it was anopportunity to return the good thatwas offered me.

“My brother and his wife BarbaraAnn Glazier live in Alabama. Francesis here with me.

“Have a healthy and rewardingnew year. Doris Wilkins.”

Doris, thank you so much for writ-ing this very fine article. I know thereaders will agree that it is mostmeaningful. Many of you who passedthrough Kennedy Home at one timeor another have a story to share withall of us. Don’t delay. Start writingtoday and send me some articles. Youcan write a letter and mail it or sendan email.

Phillip Dupree writes this: “Wher-ever there is a human being, there isan opportunity for a kindness.”

Debbie Lassiter sent this informa-tion: Debra Louise Beaman Morris,59, of Snow Hill, died Wednesday,Feb. 11 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital.

Mary Lee Etheridge Feige sent thisby way of Donna Duty concerning a former houseparent at Pollock andBiggs Cottages and social workerduring the 1980s and 1990s: Mr.Calvin Godwin is very sick and is inhospice care at his home in Selma.You might want to send him a cardor give him a call: 1595 Firetower Rd.Selma, NC; Phone 919-965-8891.

Please note that the Alumni Beach Cottage Retreat will be onMay 20-22. If you would like to jointhe fun, contact me to sign up. Call252-671-3515 or email jthomp-son117@ec.rr.com.

Remember, I need your articlesand tidbits. Send me what you canright away for the next column.

Love – JT

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

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Kennedy Home Homecoming set for June 4 & 5 –Alumna recalls toting baskets of clean laundry_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

But most of all, thankyou for the opportunityto be safe and cared forat a time when I wasso vulnerable.

– Doris Wilkins

____________________________________________________________________

3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2 11.

More Homeword at www.bchfamily.org/charityandchildren____________________________________________________________________

.12 3/16 – Charity & Children – 129/2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11.Good Shepherd MinistriesGuatemala Orphanage & ClinicKeith Henry, BCH C.O.O.336-474-1215

Kathy and I were teenagers when we starteddating. Our first date was memorable.

“You don’t mind if we take my little brotherto the ballpark for his game, do you?” Kathy, the oldest of five children, asked. Her mom wasworking late this Friday. “My Aunt Helen willtake it from there.”

No problem. Russ was a scraggly, red hairedsix year old. He was kinda cute, and it would giveus something to talk about. Having him along atthe beginning would help us avoid any awkwardperiods of silence.

“This is Aunt Helen,” Kathy said as this smil-ing, dark haired lady trotted toward us, reachedout, and grabbed me for a hug.

“Jimmy, I’ve heard so much about you,” shesaid as I gasped and blinked repeatedly.

It was a warm welcome that I cherish today.Then? I was caught a little off guard. My faceburned as we smiled and shared small talk untilKathy told her aunt that we needed to leave.

Kathy looked sheepish as I opened her cardoor. “Pizza okay?” I asked. The tension broke.

She later revealed how she was relieved aboutpizza. No forks or knives – all she had to worryabout going wrong was the“what if” pizza sauce fell on herlight colored, flowery blouse.

The movie was at 7:20. Wehad plenty of time. The 50sthrowback, I hoped, would be ahit on our first outing together. The moviewould usher some soon-to-be stars into the lime-light. George Lucas’s American Graffiti was any-thing but the perfect choice for a first date fortwo 16-year-olds. (Not to be prudish, but mostof the movie we spent not making eye contact.)

Clearly, our first date was memorable, eventhough it did not go down as one of our great-est. I’m so glad they got better.

Dates aredesigned forcouples to getto know eachother. Datesare ideal forconnecting,growing com-monality andcreating moments that belongonly to the couple. Dates serve as buildingblocks before marriage. They are opportunitiesfor individuals to meld as two people strive to become “one.”

During our years of dating, Kathy and I atelots of pizza. We also enjoyed meals at Los Ami-gos and consuming cheeseburgers, fries and Dr.Peppers at McDonalds. We developed a bettertrack record at the movies and expanded our out-ings to include trips to the local zoo and touristpoints across Louisiana, like Jackson Square inNew Orleans and Hodges Gardens near the bassfisher’s haven, Toledo Bend Lake. We spent vacations with each other’s families. On Sundayevenings, Kathy joined me at New Hope BaptistChurch and then we had dinner with her family.Our successful dating culminated with a success-

ful engagement and then marriage.“When did the babysitter say she

would be here?” I called from thehallway. My wife and I had planned,canceled, replanned, and almost hadto cancel again our date night. We

were determined to succeed.Two children in the first five years of marriage

was the equivalent of couple time being vacu-umed away with a “whoosh.” We made marrieddate nights our answer.

“Here are the numbers of the places we will be tonight.” Kathy handed a paper to Jennifer.

“Have fun,” she said with Amie on her hip and Kyle running back inside. We waved until

turning the corner. Notfar away from home, I stoppedthe car in a parking lot. We sat in silence,decompressing, until we finally began talking. We talked about everything. Date nights becameabout reconnecting.

Two more children and opportunities for thechildren to be picked up by adoring grandparentsmade stay-at-home dates our favorites.

There were dates when Kathy lovingly prepared meals for two. Other times, I rented a movie from Blockbuster and picked up a pizza.We enjoyed the food and laughed at the movies,but most dates were soon taken over by a closeembrace and the buzz of the television in thebackground. We treasured being together, justthe two of us.

We are empty nesters now, and we still date.We go to favorite spots, hold hands, talk abouteverything under the sun, and even dream aboutour future together. Connecting and reconnect-ing is essential to all relationships.

Kathy just emailed: “I don’t have homework!Stream a movie tonight?” I smile. I think I’ll pick

up pizza.

Edminson is editor of Charity & Children and writes“Homeword” to inspire and encourage families. He isavailable for preaching and speaking engagements. Email him at wjedminson@bchfamily. org or call 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1217 to schedule a date.

L O V ETrue LOVEis gentle and

kind.

[ H O M E W O R D }

Date nights connect,reconnect couples_________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor