Invite a speaker to Share the STORY by calling 336-474-1209 or go online to www.bchfamily.org/speaker.

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

131/9

Double your gift: $250,000 end-of-the-year challenge issued! (Page 4) Blackwell receives award. (Page 6)

10/18

Hurricane hits Kennedy againFlorence displaces children, campuses suffer damageAfter having barely recovered

from the devastation of Hur-ricane Matthew almost two yearsago, Baptist Children’s Homes(BCH) has once again sustainedmajor damage. Children, cottageparents and staff at four of BCH’sEastern North Carolina locationsevacuated ahead of the storm toMills Home in Thomasville.While the storm brought destruc-

tion and hardship to the Carolinas,it could not bring down the spiritsof the children and staff.“We have stood tall in the face

of this catastrophic storm. We maybend, but we will never break,” says BCH president/CEOMichael C. Blackwell. “As we assess our lossesand begin to recover, ourprayers go out to all thosewho have felt Florence’sdestructive force.”The primary damage

occurred at KennedyHome in Kinston, whichwas dealt $1.5 million in damagefrom Hurricane Matthew, and MillsHome in Thomasville.

Damage appears to be minimal at Odum Home in Pembroke, and at

Cameron BoysCamp andCamp Duncan,both in MooreCounty.There is

water damageinside Mc-Neill Home atIndian Beach

as well as damage to the dock.At Mills Home, trees fell hitting

two buildings (continued on page 3)

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 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

[ MY THOUGHTS }

Say what you will about Zac-cheaus, but he was a man on

a mission and would not be deterred. There was a buzz throughout the

city that day. Jesus would be passingthrough Jericho. There were no plansto stop –– Jesus was passing through.There was pushing and scrambling to see him, but Zaccheaus was goingto be left out and left behind.

Zaccheaus was not the most popular man in the crowd. He was a chief tax collector, rich, and short of stature. But, he was a man on a mission and would not be deterred.Running ahead of the crowd, hescrambled up a sycamore tree to get a better view. Little did he know thathis life would be changed forever.

If Zaccheaus were speaking to us today, he would share five truths of his encounter with Jesus.

First, he would say.. .THIS MANSEES ME. As the crowd surroundedJesus and pushed closer to see andtouch him, Jesus stopped in histracks. “Zaccheaus, make haste andcome down, for I must stay at yourhouse today.” Jesus not only noticedZaccheaus, he called him by name. He saw him. Not as a tax collector,but one standing in the grace of God.That is the way Jesus sees you. He seesyou as men and women of promiseand potential. He calls you by name,he wants to stay at your house today.THIS MAN SEES YOU.

Secondly, Zaccheaus wouldsay, THIS MAN KNOWS ME. Jesusknew the insecurities of this man. He knew that Zaccheaus was despisedand rejected by men, but God hadtold Jesus that Jesus himself would be despised and rejected by men. Inthe Bible, the word “know” means intimate knowledge. Jesus knew the secrets of Zaccheaus. But he accepted him and not only that. . .

Thirdly, Zaccheaus would say,THIS MAN CALLS ME. Can’t you justsee Zaccheaus shimmering down thatsycamore tree. Jesus called him andreceived him joyfully. This was thehighlight of Zaccheaus’ life –– to putaside the burdens of being a chief taxcollector and right away give half ofhis worldly goods to the poor. It wasa call to be his best self –– his higherself –– his godly self. It is the samecall Jesus makes to us today. Put away

your sins, put away your depression,put away your shortcomings, andshimmy down whatever sycamore tree there may be in your life. THISMAN CALLS YOU.

Fourthly, Zaccheaus would say, THIS MAN LOVES ME. This isGod’s love, a love that can conquerhate, a love that can overcome evil, a love that allowed God to give hisonly begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall have everlastinglife. This is a love that is all-encom-passing, all forgiving, all empowering.It is the love of God through JesusChrist, who, on that day, became theLord of Zaccheaus’ life. THIS MANLOVES YOU.

Fifthly, Zaccheaus would say THIS MAN SAVES ME. To the astonishment of everyone aroundhim, Jesus said of Zaccheaus, “Todaysalvation has come to this house, sincehe is a son of Abraham. For the Sonof man came to seek and save thatwhich was lost.” And, so it is with us.Jesus came, not to call the righteous,but sinners to repentance. All youhave to do is call His name.“Your name, Jesus, is the name

above all names, Your name, Jesus, is the name before which we bow. Yourname, Jesus, is the name that shows us God. Your name, Jesus, is a strong and mighty tower, your name, Jesus is a shelter like no other. Cause nothinghas the power to save but your name.”

Five truthsfrom a lifechangedforeverLuke 19:1-10

_______________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Donate to Hurricane Relief at www.bchfamily.org/givenow 310/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

Grant aids with damage leftover from Hurricane Matthew________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Ronald McDonald HouseCharities of North Carolina

(RMHC of NC) has selectedBaptist Children’s Homes (BCH)as the recipient of one of its fivespring grants. On Wednesday, August 22, RMHC of NC boardmembers presented a $20,000check to BCH president/CEOMichael C. Blackwell and staffmembers at Kennedy Home inKinston.The grant will go toward the

rewiring of Kennedy Home,which was severely damaged dur-ing Hurricane Matthew in 2016.Despite new losses from Hurri-cane Florence, Kennedy Homehas still been addressing issuesleftover from Hurricane Matthewtwo years earlier. “As the local McDonald’s

owner/operator in Eastern NorthCarolina, I have seen the incredi-ble work Baptist Children’sHomes has done to support chil-dren in this area,” said RMHC ofNC board member Wade Dixon. His wife Danacurrently serves on BCH’s Board of Trustees.

“Their dedication to the community was so in-spiring to the board, making them an obviouschoice for this grant.”

Like the rest of EasternNorth Carolina, the KennedyHome campus was greatly impacted by HurricaneMatthew. Because of severeflooding and a lightningstrike, the campus’s electricalinfrastructure desperatelyneeds replacing. “After suffering so much

damage from HurricaneMatthew in 2016 and thenbeing struck by lightning thispast year, this money will go along way to help us continueto serve children in this com-munity,” Blackwell said. “Weare so grateful to have beenchosen as recipients of thisyear’s spring grant.”It has taken the better part

of two years since the stormstruck for Kennedy Home torecover. Many of the buildingsreceived water damage includ-ing children’s cottages, his-toric Cedar Dell manor, andthe campus food locker.

The rewiring efforts will help the entire campus including the children’s cottages.

Baptist Children’s Homes’ Kennedy Home in Kinston received a $20,000 grant from the Ronald Mc-Donald House Charities of North Carolina to repair its electrical infrastrucutre impacted by HurricaneMatthew. L to R: Rose Bryant, Kennedy Home Director of Family Services; Dana Dixon, BCH Trustee;Wade Dixon, RMHC of NC Board Member; Michael C. Blackwell, BCH President/CEO; Brian Baltzell,

Kennedy Home Director; Chris Allabaugh, Kennedy Home Director of Residential Services.

[ HURRICANE FLORENCE }

BCH assesses losses and rising costs from storm_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor(continued from page 1) knocking out powerto half the campus for a short period. Vol-unteer and professional crews worked to re-move the trees, remove others in danger offalling, and clear debris from buildings andgrounds.Kennedy Home was hit the heaviest as

water rose flooding the property and dam-aging several buildings. Wind and rain alsobrought down trees and damaged the powersystem. Lines and poles fell causing a poweroutage that lasted almost a week. All theperishable food in the cottages was lost aswell as items in the food locker’s walk-incooler and freezer.After the flood waters receded, Kennedy

Home director Brian Baltzell, a team of staffmembers, and volunteers returned to assessdamage and begin cleaning up.“We thank God for our friends and all

they do to help keep children safe and meettheir needs,” Baltzell says. “We are trulygrateful for all they have done and will do.”It took prolonged efforts and financial

support to help Kennedy Home, as well asBCH’s other impacted locations, recoverfrom Hurricane Matthew in 2016. There arestill issues stemming from Matthew beingaddressed at Kennedy Home.While assessments are being made, details

emerging regarding Kennedy’s losses are: Roofs on several buildings and cottagesneed repairing.

Exterior and interior doors and windowsat some buildings need replacing.

The campus gym, which was critically damaged in Matthew, requires repairs.

Cedar Dell ceilings were damaged and the basement flooded.

Problems causing plumbing issues across campus are being identified.

All perishable food in cottages and the food storage building were lost.

Repairs to the campus power system will be among the most costly.

“I am humbled at the ways friends helpduring times of crisis,” Blackwell says. “I askfor their faithful support once again.”

You can help bring relief by. . .Praying for our children and staff members.

Pray for those in the Carolinas impacted and forthose assisting in meeting needs.

Donating financial support. It is the quickestway to help allowing us to apply your gift

to the most urgent needs. Go online to bchfami-ly.org/givenow and choose “Hurricane Relief”

from the Direct my Gift drop-down menu. Orcall Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442 or email her

at bbgray@bchfamily.org. Check should be made and mailed to:

Baptist Children’s HomesAttn: Hurricane Relief

P.O. Box 338, Thomasville NC 27361

Volunteering skilled services to assist withtree removal, electrical, plumbing, and more.

Contact Sam Barefoot at 336-474-1224or email at svbarefoot@bchfamily.org.

Sunday morning, September 16,worshipers gathered at Mills

Home Baptist Church (MHBC)on the Mills Home campus inThomasville. It was not a typicalSunday morning service. That day,children and staff members fromKennedy Home, Odum Home andCameron Boys Camp were in atten-dance. The church was a buzz ofnoise and excitement.We shared scripture, we recited

the Lord’s Prayer, and we sang the first hymn . As the pastor ofMHBC, Randy Stewart, began byasking for prayer requests, littlehands and big hands alike wereraised. Children asked for prayersfor their family and friends. Weshared prayers for those joining theservice from other campuses. Therewere prayers of thankfulness for themany individuals, restaurants andchurches who had reached out tohelp with meals. We offered prayersfor communities across North andSouth Carolina being impacted byHurricane Florence. There was asense of sincerity in every request.There was also hope in prayersbeing answered.Standing to sing, I listened to

the words and was overcome withemotion. Imagine precious childrenand staff members singing to God:

When my hopes and dreams

are far from meAnd I’m runnin’ out of faithI see the future I picture slowly fade away

And when the tears of pain and heartache

Are pouring down my faceI find my peace in Jesus’ name

In the eye of the stormYou remain in control

And in the middle of the warYou guard my soul

You alone are the anchorWhen my sails are tornYour love surrounds me In the eye of the storm

As the rain poured and wind

blew that night, the electrical powerfailed on the Mills Home campus.But the power of God didn’t. His lovesurrounded and protected each one.For days, news of the effects

of Hurricane Florence flowed in asthe reports of devastation crashinginto the lives of so many. But forthose at BCH, there were severalconstants. First, BCH family andfriends immediately offered help.Calls came asking: What can we do? When can we help cleanup the campuses? What meal would the children enjoy? Can we take a special offering? Over and over, I answered phone

calls that offered expressions of loveand concern. “Please tell everyonethere that we love them and arepraying for them.”Secondly, throughout this time ––

thanks to you –– hope was constant.Even in the midst of the storm,hope abounded. As the aftermath

of Hurricane Florence wore on, I was moved by the hope expressedby those who had been most impacted. Theywere so gratefulfor the first responders andothers who cameto their aid. Menand womentalked about theblessings, theirfamilies, and theencouragementof their friends.They talkedabout how theywould rebuildtheir houses,their businessesand their lives. Itis true that at ourweakest that Godhelps us becomeour strongest.Hope makes thedifference. Thank you

for supplying abig dose of hopeduring this timeof need. You havebeen the willingarms to hold chil-dren and familiesin crisis, not justduring HurricaneFlorence, but daily through BCH’smany ministries. You have been the eager hands that removed trees,lessened the devastation, and wipedaway tears. Thank you for touchingso many with hope and love.

In just a few short weeks, inchurches all across the state, Baptistswill lovingly give to support the

ministry of Bap-tist Children’sHomes throughthe annualThanksgiving Offering. The offering is a life-line to this min-istry. For thosechildren, individ-uals and familiesserved, your giftsare the lifebuoyin the midst oftheir storms. The offering

scripture focusthis year is:“Come to Me, all who are wearyand heavy-laden,and I will giveyou rest.” Thankyou for helpingto insure a placefor those whocome hurtingand beatendown. Because of you, we areable to helpthose burdenedand weary by the tumultuous

storms in their lives –– to help theweak find rest and peace in Jesusname.For hurricane damage updates

and to learn more about ways youcan help, call me at 336-689-4442.

4 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9 Leave a legacy through planned giving. Visit www.bchlegacy.org.

Children pray for those impacted by Hurricane Florence_______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Individuals who are age 70½ or older canmake gifts directly from their IRA to charity in2018 and beyond. Please change a child’s lifethrough an IRA charitable rollover gift. Here’s how:IRA Charitable RolloverYou may be looking for a way to make a big

difference to help further Baptist Children’sHomes’ (BCH) mission. If you are 70½ or olderyou may also be interested in a way to lower theincome and taxes from your IRA withdrawals. AnIRA charitable rollover is a way you can help con-tinue our work and benefit this year. IRA (Custodian) Transfer to BCHBenefits of an IRA charitable rollover are:

•Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000from your IRA to our organization•Satisfy your required minimum distribution

(RMD) for the year•Reduce your taxable income, even if you do

not itemize deductions•Make a gift that is not subject to the 50% de-

duction limits on charitable gifts•Help further the work and mission of our or-

ganizationHow an IRA charitable rollover gift works:1. Contact your IRA plan administrator to

make a gift from your IRA to BCH.

2. Your IRA funds will be directly transferredto BCH to help continue the ministry’s impor-tant work. 3. Please note that IRA charitable rollover gifts

do not qualify for a charitable deduction.4. Please contact us if you wish for your gift to

be used for a specific purpose. If you have questions, please contact Brenda Gray

by calling 336-689-4442 or email her at bbgray@bchfamily.orgAnd as a bonus, your IRA gift can be DOUBLED

as a part of our year-end Matching Gift Challenge!

Permanent extension for IRA charitable gifts benefit children_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Download Annual Offering resources at www.bchoffering.org 510/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

The 59th Annual Western Area Conference(WAC) was held Thursday, September 6 at

Broyhill Home in Clyde. Hundreds of BaptistChildren’s Homes (BCH) supporters represent-ing Baptist churches from throughout westernNorth Carolina attended the event which in-cluded cottage tours, Gospel singing and a barbe-cue meal. Children and former children in careparticipated in song and by sharing testimonies. Also, this year’s annual celebration highlighted

BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell’s35th anniversary as the ministry’s longest tenuredleader. Blackwell assumed the mantle on July 1,1983. “As I share with you today,” BCH’s statewide

director for child/residential services Linda Mor-gan told the crowd attending the event, “I amsharing through the eyes of a staff member whohas been fortunate to serve with Dr. Blackwellthroughout his 35 years. Today, we come to cele-brate both he and his wife Catherine’s successesin this ministry.”Morgan said Mrs. Blackwell has been her

husband’s greatest encourager. Morgan said thatCatherine has “truly been the wind beneath hiswings.”“Congratulations, boss and Mrs. Blackwell, on

a job well done,” Morgan said. “Because of thiscouple’s servantship to children and families inneed, today we name a cottage here on campusthe Michael C. and Catherine Kanipe BlackwellCottage.” Hunt Broyhill presented The Broyhill Founders

Award for Distinguished Service to Dr. Blackwellon behalf of The Broyhill Family Foundation andhis father Paul H. Broyhill, who is the Founda-tion’s chair.Broyhill said the award was presented to Black-

well for “his long-standing devotion and commit-

ment” to BCH and “for his extraordinary Chris-tian leadership” exhibited since becoming presi-dent/CEO.The plaque Broyhill presented reads: “The

Broyhill Founders Award is rarely given and isearned through decades of loyal support anddedicated service to the ideals that brought Bap-tist Children’s Homes into existence in 1885.”

This year’s WAC Friends ofChildren award was presentedto Bethany Baptist Church inWendell. Morgan said in pre-senting the award: “BethanyBaptist Church, year after year,you have shared your love withus. You are God’s hands andfeet to those we serve. Youhave shown our children thatthere is hope.”Blackwell delivered the

WAC annual message. Heshared five truths Zaccheauswould want us all to know.(See his sermon on page 2.)The conference is held each

year on the first Thursday ofSeptember and serves to intro-duce Baptists and other friendsof children to the ministry.

[ ANNUAL WESTERN AREA CONFERENCE }

Blackwell honored for “extraordinary” leadership _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Dr. Blackwell and his wife Catherine, center, stand in front of the recently named “Michael C. and Catherine Kanipe Blackwell Cottage” on the Broyhill Home campus in Clyde. BCH’s Board of Trustees made the designation to honorBlackwell’s 35 years of service as president/CEO. The couple is joined by the cottage’s houseparents and, far left, Broyhill

Home director Linda Morgan. Below right, Trustee Chair Sybil Stewart and BCH’s Chief Operating Officer Keith Henrypresent the naming plaque that will be mounted outside the newly named cottage. Bottom right, The Broyhill Family

Foundation president Hunt Broyhill, right, presents to Blackwell “The Broyhill Founders Award for Distinguished Service” to commemorate Blackwell’s 35 years of service.

6 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9 Keep up with BCH on Facebook – www. facebook.com/bchfamily.

Members of Bethany Baptist Church in Wendell receive the 2018 Western Area Conference “Friends of Children” award. The church consistently and lov-

ingly supports Baptist Children’s Homes volunteering throughout the year.

Pastor Randy Stewart reaches out and takesthe young boy’s hand as he steps into the

baptismal waters. They have enough time to ex-change a quick smile just before Stewart looksout into the congregation.“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and

of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!” Stewart pro-claims, his right hand raised towards heaven.The boy takes a deep breath as the pastor leans

him back. Emerging from the waters with asmile, the new Christian wipes his eyes. He stepsout of the pool and greets his two brothers, allthree wet from their turn in the baptismal waters.“I’ve seen the power of God over and over

again,” Stewart says. He has served as pastor ofMills Home Baptist Church in Thomasville for26 years. “And to see these young people stepforward and say, ‘I want Jesus to be my Lord andSavior,’ and to baptize them? Wow!”The church is at the center of the Mills Home

campus in Thomasville –– Baptist Children’sHomes’ (BCH) oldest location. Stewart haspreached, counseled and been a trusted friendto the many boys and girls who have steppedthrough the church doors.“These pews –– where so many children have

sat over the years –– they have stories to tell,”says the pastor. “They are stories of children whohave come to us out of chaos.”The three brothers, ages 10, 8 and 7, under-

stand chaos only too well. Their parents were

consumed by drug addiction. Most days, theboys had no choice but to fend for themselves.“Teachers, neighbors and people in the com-

munity saw the signs,” Stewart says. “The boyswould come to school dirty and hungry.”The brothers were not given meals regularly

in their home. Many days, the school cafeteriawas the only place where they could count onbeing fed. The oldest brothertried to provide for hisyounger siblings, but hecould only do so much.One night, the family’s

already fragile state shatteredwhen the boys’ father diedfrom an overdose. From thatpoint, circumstances onlybecame worse for them.“Some days, they were

locked out of the house allday long while strangersdrifted in and out,” Stewartconfides.The situation took an un-

expected turn when policewere called to the neighborhood. The boys hadbroken into a neighbor’s home.“They weren’t trying to do anything wrong.

They were looking for food,” Stewart explains.“They were hungry and desperate.”Their act of desperation became a crucial turn-

ing point in their lives. The Department of Social

Services removed the brothers from theirmother’s care, and they came to live at BaptistChildren’s Homes.Their family in tatters, all the boys had

left were each other. At BCH, the ministry is designed to keep siblings together.“Our cottages are like large family homes,”

Stewart says. “They are large enough for threebrothers to have a safe place where they can betogether –– surrounded by people who love and care about them.”Those people include the boys’ cottage parents

who not only ensure that their every-day needsare met, but showthem God’s uncon-ditional love.“Jesus says,

‘Come unto me allye that labour andare heavy laden, andI will give you rest,”Randy recites. “Thisverse speaks to theheart of what wegive to the girls andboys who come tous at Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes.”Ultimately,

through the care and compassion the brothers received, they gave their hearts to Jesus.“This is a generation of young people who

are coming through our doors,” Stewart asserts.“We have an opportunity to share the Gospelwith them and see their lives change.”Note: The brothers names are not used in orderto maintain their privacy.

Brothers give hearts to Jesus_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

“We’re changing a generation.We are the hands and feet of Christ as we live out the Gospel message.” PASTOR RANDY STEWARTMILLS HOME BAPTIST CHURCH

Download Annual Offering resources at www.bchoffering.org 710/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

Randy Stewart is the brothers’ pastor and hasserved at Mills Home Baptist Church for 26 years.

8 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9 Keep up with BCH on Facebook – www. facebook.com/bchfamily.

Tanya Rivera is no stranger to the spotlight. A 16-year veteran news anchor for WFMY

News 2 in Greensboro, Rivera has been front andcenter on the station’s newscast.In 2016, Rivera agreed to emcee the annual

“Hope in Style” event sharing the spotlight withBaptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) boys and girlswho walk the runway to model new back-to-school outfits.Spending time with the children, who live

at BCH’s Mills Home in Thomasville, during the event made an impact on Rivera. The newsanchor agreed to return and emcee this year’s“Hope in Style” held at the Greensboro CountryClub on August 25, 2018.“There are a lot of events you go to, have a

nice time and then leave, but this one stays withyou all year long,” Rivera explains. “It’s a life-

changing event.”The event, in its seventh

year, leaves an impressionon both the audience aswell as its participants.Rivera is responsible for introducing each child as he or she takes the stage.She describes in detail theoutfits provided by Belk inGreensboro. The boys andgirls choose their clothes

during an outing to the store prior to the event.Many children arrive at Mills Home with only theclothes they are wearing and have never shoppedfor new outfits.“I like seeing how the children gain confidence

from the time we first practice to the time we goon stage,”Rivera says.Rivera also

shares with the audiencethe goals anddreams thechildren haveplanned forthemselves.“Not only

do they get a new outfit,but they get tohear positivethings aboutthemselveswhile on thatstage,” shecontinues.“It’s a big dealbecause it’s all about their plans and dreams.”During the event, current BCH child-in-care

Ciara and former resident Paulina courageouslyshare their personal stories from the stage. Bothyoung ladies describe how their lives have changedfor the better.“The more you hear the stories of the Chil-

dren’s Homes and what they do, the more yousee how they model what families are and how it

is to be loved andprotected,” Rivera ex-plains. “Hearing themtalk about what theHome did for themand how it changedthe trajectory of theirlives in such a goodway, how could younot want to hearmore about that?”The proceeds

from “Hope in Style”make it possible forchildren, who havecome from traumaticcircumstances, tohave a safe, caringhome at BCH.Through sponsor-ships, including leadsponsorships from

Belk and Vanguard Ministries, as well as proceedsraised from the event’s silent auction and other

fund-raising initiatives, “Hope in Style 2018”raised nearly $87,000.“We are very pleased with our results, and

give God the honor and glory for ‘Hope inStyle’s’ success,” says BCH’s Karen Slate who coordinates the annual event with the help of a committee co-chaired by volunteers KimLesage and Diane Huskey. “My prayer is that we will cultivate relationships with many who attend and that they will become major friends to BCH and our children.”

The Hall Sisters from Garner, NC provided musical entertainmentduring “Hope in Style.” The four singers –– Jessica, Natalie, Lydia, and

Valerie Hall –– are all siblings and spent time getting to knowMills Home’s boys and girls after the event.

[ HOPE IN STYLE 2018 }

News anchor returns to emcee “life-changing event” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Baptist Children’s Homes’ Ciara takes the stage at “Hope in Style 2018” as WFMY Channel 2 news anchor Tanya Riveraintroduces her to the audience. Ciara is a high school senior and lives at Mills Home in Thomasville. Proceeds from the

style show benefit Ciara and Mills Home children. This is the second time in two years Rivera has been the emcee.

Rivera

Greetings from our new AlumniAssociation president, Sharon

DeHart Stiles: “As president of thisgreat organization for the next twoyears, I will concentrate on encour-aging all alumni to be involved. Our chief goals are to stay strongand vital, produce an interestingHomecoming each year, and carryout various projects that will benefitthe children of Mills Home (MH). It is much harder now to keep ourmembership as large as we once didbecause modern laws have reducedthe number of children comingthrough Mills Home.” About herself, Sharon says: “I was

at Mills from 1963-1969. I was luckyto have my wedding to Parks WeldonStiles at Mills Home Baptist Church,and we will celebrate our 50th An-niversary next year. We have twowonderful sons, two great daughters-in-law and six marvelous grandchil-dren. God has blessed us so much. “I started my career in health care

in 1975 working as an administratorand executive director in the nursinghome and assisted living industry.With great passion, I worked veryhard for 42 years, always serving the elderly with respect and dignity. I owe that passion to two people. Onewas my grandmother and the otherwas our nurse at Mills Home ––Fanny Miller. I knew at a very youngage that I loved being around mygrandmother because she took careof me and showed me great love at atime in my life that I really needed it.Fanny Miller gave me the passion oftaking care of the sick. I loved work-ing in the infirmary when I was atMills Hone because I felt needed. “During my career, I always

stressed to my associates the impor-tance of being honest, respectful andalways doing the right thing. Ilearned from a boss to put God first,my family second, and my workthird, and everything else will workout okay. I truly believe that andhave always tried to live that way. “God has been very good to

me and my family. Now that I have retired, He is still using me to serveHim. I promise that I will do my

best to serve you, the alumni, withgrace and integrity and do the verybest job I can. If you have sugges-tions on how to improve Homecom-ing events or activities, please contactme at sharondstiles@ gmail.com.Thank you and God bless.”Other members of the Alumni

Council for 2018-2019 are: First V-President, Bucky Clark; Second V-President, Pete Knight; Secretary,Flora Hicks Patton; Treasurer, Joe“Pat” Jolly; council members JayWood, Faye Yarborough Ridge,Paulina Burch Hanner, Martha BerndtFisher, and Jackie Elliott Walker,alumni columnist & council member,Lib Johnson, and Mills Home staffmember & council member, RustyBunker. Many thanks to the councilmembers who went off the councilthis year –– Randy Stewart, Bob May-ton and others. Mills Home Alumni on Facebook

were deeply saddened to read fromHarry Walls that his brother Natehas been placed under the care ofhospice. Friends can send encourag-ing notes to Nate at his home ad-dress and his wife will deliver themto Nate. Please keep Nate, his familyand brothers Harry and Harold inyour prayers. Mail to: Nathan Walls,625 E. 50th St., Hialeah, FL 33013. We are always gratified when

alumni or their children offer itemsfor the Mitchell Museum. Thedaughter of Helen Varnum Hoffmangave photos from Helen’s life atMills Home. Photos always make awonderful addition to the collection.Please contact Mitchell CommitteeChairman Flora Hicks Patton whenyou wish to contribute something forthe museum. Contact her at: FloraH. Patton, 6428 Sisk Carter Rd.,Rockwell, NC, 28138, flora@pat-ton@ctc.net, or 704-788-1396. Remember, any questions about

the delivery of your Charity & Chil-dren should be sent to Deneesha Ed-wards at: Charity & Children, P.O.Box 338, Thomasville, NC, 27360or dedwards@bchfamily.org.

Pat Baucam shared this story onhis update sheet. He writes: “While I was living at the Durham Cottagein the late 1960s, Ms. Wilson was

assistant houseparent. We liked her,but we dreaded her because shewould put scalloped tomatoes on themenu too often. She loved scallopedtomatoes. Every time she placedthem on the menu, the cook Miss IdaBell would tell the boys ahead oftime. The boys put a most deviousplan into action one time when thetomatoes were served. They askedtheir friends to call to the Durham Cottage phone during the meal.When a call came, Ms. Wilson wouldanswer it. The boys took the oppor-tunity to sneak to the trash anddump their tomatoes. A few minuteslater, another ‘uptown’ kid wouldcall, the house mother would answerthe phone and more boys woulddump the hated concoction.” Pat says he does not remember

Ms. Wilson ever catching them. Hegoes on to say that the boys appreci-ated both Ms. Wilson and Ida Bell.

Betty Gurly Stubbins’ updatesheet shows her to still be at 531Hillwood Court, Greensboro, NC,27410, betstubbins@triadrr.com,336-299-1627. Graduating in 1946after five years at MH, Betty becamean insurance executive. She has onedaughter, two step-daughters, threegrandchildren and one great grand-child. Betty was very active on atMH as a member of the school band,the Glee Club, Singing Trio, and thebasketball team. Once the trio trav-eled the state with SuperintendentI.G. Greer to sing at various churches.Mr. Greer spoke about that trip laterand how Betty had eaten seven bis-cuits with gravy at one of the meals. Betty has great memories of Biggs

housemother Mrs. Nipper because of the many things she taught her.Betty still uses lessons she learned.

Leona Grindstaff Price remains at 124 Nantuckett Place, NewportNews, VA 23606. She is always soconscientious about keeping us up-dated. She was at MH from 1926 to1937. Siblings with her were Joe,Orla, and Lillian. Leona is retired anda widow with two offspring and onegrandchild. She has fond memoriesof Ma Hardy who managed the din-ing room in the 1930s. Besides beinga great cook and manager, Ma Hardy

had a great sense of humor and a great work ethic. Like Betty Gur-ley, Leona appreciates that she hasbeen able to benefit so much fromthings she learned at MH.In his update sheet, Dwight S.

Milsaps gave pertinent details of hishistory and recalled some interestingmemories. He resides with his wifeMissy at: 336 Knighthood Trail,Cleveland, TN, 37312. They areproud parents of two offspring andthe doting grandparents of fourgrandchildren. Both Dwight andMissy are retired –– he with 36 yearsat AT&T, and she from school teach-ing. Dwight is still actively engagedas a pastor. He was at MH from1964-1966 with sister Freida. Heloved being able to take part inscouting, playing junior high footballand basketball, and working at thelocker daily delivering food andbread to the cottages. The worker he most appreciates is Bonnie Ensleybecause “she loved him.” Big memories from Mills Home

life for Dwight include “gettinghurt” seemingly always in the sum-mer. He recalls “a very hot day onesummer when fifteen or twenty of usguys were running around inside thesilo packing the corn silage and turn-ing ourselves green at the same time.We would be so tired and burninghot when we came out of the silobut not too tired to fight. So, oneday we got into a corncob throwingfight. As I was making a throw, it was my bad luck to swing my arminto a sickle bar mounted on a trac-tor in front of the silo. Of course,that spelled disaster! Thank good-ness, Dennis Webster did some quick thinking and he rushed me in a wheelbarrow down to the infir-mary for some much needed medicalattention.”When asked what he enjoyed

most of his Homecoming visits,Dwight answered very decidedly:“Having the opportunity to delivery

the Homecoming message in 2016.”

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alumni recount lessons learned and thwartingthe drudgery of eating scalloped tomatoes_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni 910/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

10 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9 Discover ways to help at www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved.

_______________________________

Church Dedicates Foster Families

Friends at Providence Baptist Church in Harris-burg dedicated five of their families as FosterCare families during the worship service onSeptember 9. The church helps support thesefamilies as they care for the children God bringsinto their homes. Baptist Children’s Homes(BCH) is able to equip families to be Foster Carefamilies and to train churches to be a supportivepart of the process. Call 828-593-9648 or visitwww.bchfostercare.org to learn more._______________________________Children Helping Children

The Holland sisters raised $479 from their annual lemonade/craft sale for school supplies.

_______________________________Odum Home

Recently, friends from Village Baptist Church inFayetteville sponsored a “back-to-school blast”for children at Odum Home in Pembroke._______________________________Weekday Education

4-H Club members attending BCH’s WeekdayEducation center in Thomasville visited the Lex-ington Rotary Club. The children shared aboutthe activities they are a part of as 4-H members._______________________________DDM Day Program at Oak Ranch

Men and women from Mercer and LanierHomes in Sanford spent time with the horsesat Oak Ranch. The property in Broadway notonly provides Family Care homes but it is thesite of the DDM resident’s day program.

_______________________________Camp Duncan

The Pioneers at Camp Duncan in Aberdeenshowed off their southern cooking skills by fix-ing chicken and waffles for lunch. Cooking themeal inside their cook tent, the girls have per-fected the art of using a cast iron waffle maker._______________________________Church Support

Members of Pine Grove Baptist in Franklin are long-time BCH friends. BCH’s Lewis Smithrecently preached at the morning service wherehe was presented with a check for $11,000, theamount they have given the past five years.Smith made a presentation of his own recog-nizing Debbie and Ervin Keener for faithfullyhelping lead support for BCH at the church.

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. Family Foster CareBob McCleary, 828-627-9254www.bchfostercare.org

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

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

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

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

Learn more at www.bchfamily.org/help

You can help!bchfamily.org/getinvolved

It’s time again to gather for theAnnual Alumni Beach CottageRetreat at BCH’s McNeill Home in Atlantic Beach October 5-8.

Judy and Richard Poteat, formerKennedy Home (KH) staff mem-bers, wrote about Mrs. Helen Hardi-son. “Mrs. Hardison was such apleasure. She loved her work at KHand the children loved and re-spected her. She would come intothe office to visit and always loved a good joke. She loved having fun.Even after her retirement at age 75,she would return for visits. Olia LeeSugg, Garland Walker, Richard and I would meet her and her daughterAnn for lunch several times a year.Richard was and is known for writ-ing fun songs. He wrote a greatsong for her retirement party in1987. We attended her 99th birth-day party and Richard sang thesong for her adding a verse for the celebration.” Judy, thanks for sending the

note. I plan to print the song in mynext column. You and Richard arewonderful servants of the Lord.

Erin White sent a note. It reads:“My grandfather went to live at theKH in 1937 after his mother died.He left in 1943 to join the Navy.My grandfather's brothers Andrew(Tab) and Thomas were at KH, too.They left in March 1945 and June1949 respectively. I recently got intouch with Dan Medlin and visitedKH with Dan on July 11. He suggested I write a blurb for yourcolumn. I just started writing andthis is what I have. I will be glad to write more if you want me to.Thank you for all you do, and did,for Kennedy Home. Kind regards,Erin White.” Contact Erin at: 79Ponenah Hill Rd., Milford, NH03055 I received Erin’s letter and I will

have more on these three men nextC&C.A note from Bruce Shell: “Hello

Mr. Thompson, I received mymonthly paper and was pleasantlysurprised to see you had listed thenames of the 1930 boys at Kennedy

Home. Thank you so much. I hopeyou get some stories.“We think about what life was

like for families in general whetherit was the abundant roaring twen-ties or the deep recession of thethirties or the sacrifices of the forties. What we don’t often givethought to is the life of an orphan.At the KH Centennial Celebration,which I attended, I had the benefitof talking with several alumni. Formany, the moment they arrived at KH was a tragic event for them.Each person mentioned it and theexpression on their face revealedthe seriousness that they carry tothis day. The family they made atthe KH and their relationship withChrist sustains them. You should be proud of your efforts Mr.Thompson and what you gave tothese young people. I did not growup in an affluent home. But I wassurrounded by love and laughterand an elevated appreciation forfamily and the value of home. Mydad spoke of KH as his home.”

Susie Hughes shares some moreof her life with us: “I would like to share an experience I have had in Taiwan. Taiwan has a populationof more than 23 million. The size is 13,974 square miles. The area of Taiwan I live in has a populationof 200,055 –– all living in about2.7 square miles. It has the secondhighest population density in Tai-wan. I don’t think I have ever livedin a place with so many people inmy life. In addition to everyday lifewith more people and motor scoot-ers than you could ever imagine,when you visit the market street itis always very crowded. Here is mystory about the crowded marketstreet and a man I encountered. “I went to the market on a Satur-

day morning –– I don’t usually gothen. I don’t know what compelledme. It started to sprinkle, but I didn’t get wet at first –– I alwayshave a tiny, foldable umbrella in my backpack. As I approached themarket, I saw a big man on his bellyin the middle of the road. Vendorsoften are in the middle of the road.It’s not uncommon because cars

are not allowed there –– but theysay nothing about the motor scoot-ers and there are way too many.When I saw the man, I felt angrybecause I thought who would puthim in the middle of the road? Hehad stubs for arms and had no legsbelow his knees. Surely, he didn’tget there by himself. I don’t mindgiving to a beggar, but I worriedthat the person who put him therewould take the money. “It started to rain harder and

everyone was trying to get out of the rain. I did the only thing I knew to do. I walked in the mid-dle of the street and took out mytiny umbrella and held it over hisface. I got soaked. I saw he was not a beggar but that he was trying to sell some cleaning cloths. Hehad a box on top of a cart and heused the ‘honor system’ to pay him. I know I stood out like a sorethumb being a foreigner with a tinyumbrella over a big man with nohands or feet on his belly in therain –– in the middle of the road. It started to rain even harder. Hehad a small board under the cartwith wheels. He put it under hisface to keep his face off the verydirty pavement. I watched andwondered how I could help him. “The market is a wet market with

lots of raw meat and seafood. Atthe end of market time, all that iswashed to the street. Every time I go down that street, I clean myshoes with bleach even though I take my shoes off inside my apartment. It is just so filthy and he was crawling in it. He was a bigmuscular man. He pushed the cart,which was hard because the road is uneven. I saw he was trying toleave the spot so I held the um-brella, helped to push his cart, allwhile holding my bags. I never gotmy backpack on my back becauseto do so would mean letting go of the umbrella covering him ––so my bags kept falling. “I do not speak Mandarin or

Taiwanese. So, I could only pay attention to what he wanted to do.It was a long walk down the busymarket street. Close to the end, the

man had to take a rest and awoman came up to us and told meI was kind. She handed me a biggerumbrella. I thanked her and shequickly started to leave. I asked herto ask the man if anyone was com-ing. He said that his friend wascoming but he was not sure when.I knew I might be waiting for hoursbut I would now abandon him. “His friend did come in a car.

The friend got out a stool and theman somehow climbed up into the car. The friend put the cart inthe back. I gave the man the onlymoney I had with me and prayedhis friend would not take hismoney. He told me ‘thank you’ in Chinese and in English.” Susie continues to write about

how she felt that the Lord wantedher to go to the market place thatday in the rain –– to be there tohelp this man with no hands and nolegs. She knew people were lookingat her because she was a foreignerbut she, being a Christian, had todo what she could to help this man. Susie, I am so glad that you

were there for him. You were rightwhere the Lord wanted you tobe.Thank you for being so kind to others. You will get your rewardsin heaven some day. Keep on being good to others. I really likeyour last paragraph when you ask“What would Jesus do in this same situation?” When you get the time, please

send me some more stories of yourlife. It is so interesting. As always, know that Becky and

I love each and every one of you.Thank you for reading this column.Our Kennedy Home Youngins arevery special to us. And remember,please send me some more storiesto use.Love from your old music

teacher from the past. Love you all a bunch. – jt

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alumnus’ grandchild visits Kennedy Home –Alumna recounts story from living in Taiwan_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 1110/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

Read more at #Homeword or www.bchfamily.org/charityandchildren.12 10/18 – Charity & Children – 131/9

It seems I am asked to givepersonal references more and

more often. I see it as a compli-ment –– a position that comeswith age perhaps. I’m certainlyhonored to give a good reportfor someone I know.Ron and I have been friends

for almost 20 years. We firstmet professionally. His focuson family is similar to mine.He and his wife have only recently joined Kathy and meas empty nesters –– both of his daughters are well on their way to establishing lives oftheir own. Ron is beginning an encore career after workingmore than 30 years in theprinting industry. I was askedto be his reference.As I pulled into the parking

lot of my favorite barbecuelunch spot, my cell phone rang.“Yes, I know Ron. No, itwould be a pleasure. Whatquestions do you have?”The conversation went on

for about 10 minutes. Thefinal couple of minutes wereleft for me to share whatever I wanted to say about Ron.“First and foremost, he is pas-sionate. He loves his commu-nity and has invested his time

and talents in making otherpeople’s lives better. Oh, andby the way, he loves his wifeand daughters.”There are important facts

that don’t appear on resumes.These are the things that need to be given as testimonyto who a person really is. The truth as you know it ––a good report.Many characters in the Bible

are described in some detail.Key characters are writtenabout extensively –– line afterline and chapter after chapter.There are also characters thatthe writers felt were worthy of mentioning but very little is revealed about them. One such person is Demetrius.Johns introduces us to

Demetrius in his third epistlewithout telling the reader who he is or where he lives. We know nothing of his family,his career or connections to hiscommunity. He is only presentedas an example for imitation andis given “a good report.”“Demetrius is well spoken of by

everyone –– and even by the truthitself. We also speak well of him,and you know that our testimonyis true.” (3 John 12)Living life as a reflection of

truth is high praise. Demetriusappears to be a person of integrity. John scribes a testi-mony to Demetrius’s honesty,decency and sincerity. Johneven puts his own reputationon the line. He writes that“truth” itself finds no fault in this person.I’m 56 years old and

fighting becoming a health statistic. My annual physicalshowed some numbers weretrending in the wrong direc-tion. My doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment andgave me three months to makesome improvements. I changedmy diet and began exercisingwith my friend Hugo. Itworked. The numbers fell back into normal ranges and I lost 25 pounds.Hugo has a rugged, mile

and a half wooded trail on hisfarm. I began clumsily andwinded pushing to walk twolaps. Those first three miles a couple of times a week tookeverything I had. Tomorrow,we are planning our first attempt at four laps, six miles.Our goal is to average 15-minute miles. It has taken a few months to get here, butnow we walk nearly fourteenmiles a week.Hugo is athletic and feeds

his workout addiction daily.I’m not that dedicated. Since Ibegan walking his trails, he hasguided my progression and hasbeen invaluable in meeting mygoals. Now, he is determined

for me to add core-strength exercises. Core-strength exer-cises focus on the body’s coremuscles, including abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis.Strong core muscles makebeing active easier.In the Apostle Paul’s

letter to the Philippians, he admonishes the reader to “fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, andright, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” (Philippians 4:8)Just like getting into shape,

Paul urges us to turn our attention to this “core” in ourrelationship with God. Paulcontinues: “Think about thesethings . . . and the God of peacewill be with you.” This focusstrengthens us as we go. It produces a life worth noting.It is as important as ever to

be a people of “good report.”While truth is assailed, wemust lift up Jesus –– the way,the truth and the life. We musthandle the Word of God truth-fully. We must uphold honesty,virtue and trustworthiness. Atour core, we must, with all ourheart, all our soul, all ourstrength, and all our mind,

love our God ––for His glory.

[ #HOMEWORD }

Live a life worthyof a good report____________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Edminson writes to encourage readers withpersonal anecdotes ofhome life. He is available

for preaching and speaking engagements.Email him at wjedminson@ bchfamily.orgto schedule a date.

your gift from now until January 31, 2019!Great news! A generous challenge gift of $250,000 has been

issued. That means your gift will be matched dollar for dollar and

go twice as far to helping a child in 2019. Act now!