Charity&Children

Thunder booms as the clouds swirl in thedarkening sky above Cameron Boys Camp.

The video production crew, with their cameraand microphone trained on sixteen-year-oldTravis, halt filming to let the reverberation fade.The crew is shooting footage for Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes’ (BCH) annual offering video.

Another clap of thunder echoes through thetrees, but Travis is calm and relaxed. He has dealtwith many storms throughout his young life. Living outdoors at Cameron Boys Camp, BCH’swilderness camping program near SouthernPines, he and the other campers learn to navigatechanging weather conditions.

The figurative storms in Travis’ life have beendaunting. As the weather at Camp subsides andthe video camera rolls once more, Travis opensup about the turmoil he endured beginningwhen he was a young boy.

“My mother was a drug addict and my fatherwas a drunk, and they didn’t mix well,” Travis recalls.

His parents eventually divorced and the youngboy bounced back and forthbetween parents.

“My mom wasn’t doinga good job of taking care of me and my dad knew hewasn’t doing a good job either,” Travis explains. “He called his sister –my aunt – and asked her if she and my unclewould take care of me.”

At the age of seven, Travis moved in with hisAunt Karen, Uncle Dan and cousins – Benjaminand Victoria. Travis was devastated when helearned he would not return to be with hismother or father. The pain and rejection he felt was overwhelming.

“He said his parents didn’t love him and hewanted to die,” Karen remembers. The familyknew they needed support and they found it at Cameron Boys Camp.

While Travis lived at Camp in order to focus on his personal pain, the staffworked with Dan, Karen and Travis to-gether so that they could heal as a family.

Travis was already a Christian, but heneeded Camp’s encouragement to nurture

his relationship with God. “When that relationship with Christ really

strengthened, that’s when things started gettingbetter.” says Travis.

Whether on camera for BCH’s new video or inperson, Travis consistently tells his story of hopeand healing to others. The teen regularly sharedhis testimony with congregations as he traveledwith campers and staff to be a part of worship

services. The church visits not only impacted thepeople in the pews, but the care and support ofBaptists profoundly moved Travis.

“After he’d been on a church visit, Travis saidto me, ‘Aunt Karen, they really love me. I’mworth being loved,’” says Karen. “Travis is justspecial and BCH and Cameron Boys Camp wereable to pull that out; it had been stuffed down so deep inside of him.”

Today, Travis once again lives at home with his aunt and uncle. After two and a half years living at Camp and the trio working hard onsome big problems, the family has been lovinglyrestored and reunified.

“Everybody we know has been affected by the change in Travis because of what Baptists inNorth Carolina have done for us,” Karen saystearfully. “They didn’t know us, they just knewthey loved God and they loved His children.”

Baptists HelpTravis Find Hope___________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, C&C Managing Editor

Sixteen-year-old Travis rose above a painful past through the help of Cameron Boys Camp. With the support of his auntand uncle and the love shown by North Carolina Baptists, Travis discovered hope. His story is the focus of the 2012 annual

offering video. Order your copy by calling 336-474-1209 or watch it online at www.bchfamily.org/offering

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

McNeill Home and seawall repairs and dedication. (see page 3) Prepare for annual offering. (see page 5) Kelsey baptized! (see page 7)

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[ “The beach cottage looks so good.” – Montay }[ “I was excited and nervous.” - Kelsey }

H O P E HOPE changes lives and dispels

darkness.

The overarching mission of Baptist Children’s Homes is to communi-cate the power of Christ in the lives of children, youth and adults. I

want you to see lives that have been changed. I want you to know that youhad a part in that. But, I also want that message to communicate its truthto you. I want you to feel the power of Christ in your own life, to hear hismessage of love and hope, redemption and forgiveness.

Recently, I had several inspiring opportunities to see God’s presence inresidents’ lives. These events, pictured on this page, are a reminder of ourvision of “sharing hope. . .changing lives.”

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Charity & Children - Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Michael C. Blackwell, publisher; W. James (Jim) Edminson, editor (email: wjedminson@bchfamily.org); J. Blake Ragsdale, managing editor(email: jbragsdale@ bchfamily.org). Charity & Children (ISSN 0009-1723-09 USPS 100-460) is published 11 times a year for friends and supporters of Baptist Children’s Homes and is printed at Stone Printing, High Point, NC. It is mailed by Excalibur, Winston-Salem, NC.Circulation: 62,000 seven times a year, 30,000 four times a year. Periodicals postage paid at Thomasville, NC and at additional mailingoffices. For free subscription, or to be removed from the mailing list or make address correction or change, write circulation managerKaren Fincher (using the above address), email her at kfincher@bchfamily.org or call her at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at www.bchfami-ly.org/contact/index/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Charity & Children, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

More stories at www.bchfamily.org

[ MY THOUGHTS }

The power of Christ –Lives that are changed_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Above, Sedrick, a resident of Stegall Home for adults with developmental disabilities in Marshville, takes joyful steps during a BCH-led worship service at First

Baptist Church, Charlotte. He is assisted by FBC pastor Mark Harris and Stegall adminis-trator Michelle Jordan. Sedrick was abused as a young boy and has been unable to walk

since childhood. Last year, Sedrick appeared at FBC in a wheelchair just after having surgery. He eagerly wanted to show church members his miraculous progress.

Michael C. Blackwell, standing left of Harris, said he literally stood in awe of the moment. Above far left, Tabitha receives encouragement from Blackwell as she

prepares to give her testimony before more than 700 people attending the annual Western Area Conference at Broyhill Home in Clyde. Above left, Kelsey shares a brief

moment with Blackwell before entering the sacred waters of baptism. On page 7, readabout Kelsey’s baptism at Camp Duncan’s Lake Catherine. Left, during a recent trip deepinto the woods at Cameron Boys Camp, Blackwell helps Adrian, a member of the Fron-tiersmen group, tie poles to secure an outdoor shelter. Blackwell spent most of a day

side by side with the campers and Chiefs as they went about their daily routine.

Learn more at www.bchfamily.org/support/plannedgiving

When Hurricane Irene made landfall onAugust 27, 2011, it damaged McNeill

Home, Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) cottage at Indian Beach. The storm also causedextensive damage to the seawall located in thesound directly behind the cottage. The homewhere so many summertime memories have beenmade by children was in desperate need of thou-sands of dollars in repairs.

“The property was in jeopardy. We did nothave the budget to absorb these costs,” saidBCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell.

McNeill Home first opened in 1964 and wasthe dream of More-head City residentsGeorge and AlbertaMcNeill who gavethe land for the cottage to ensure

all of BCH’s childrencould spend time at the ocean.

“There were multiple issues all surfacing at the same time. Not only did the seawall requiremajor repair work, but because of its age, Mc-Neill Home itself needed renovating,” explainsBlackwell. “Our Baptist partners and communityfriends didn’t blink when they learned of theneed. Their response was spectacular.”

Individuals from across the state, and churchesincluding Cape Carteret Baptist, First BaptistMorehead City, and Green Level Baptist Churchprovided both funding, time and labor. A groupof nearly 50 volunteers from Cape Carteretworked inside McNeill Homereplacing the old ceilings. Volunteers from Green LevelBaptist Church in Cary trav-eled to the home and spent an entire week rebuilding anoutdoor deck and installingnew interior lighting.

“We wanted to help at Mc-Neill Home because a lot ofkids have never seen the beachbefore,” says Lycrecia Sutton,a member of Cape CarteretBaptist. “It’s amazing to seethe joy on their faces when they see the ocean for the first time.”

During the reparation process, Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes found a new friend in Transporta-tion Impact. The spend-management firm basedin Emerald Isle donated $10,000 to aid with seawall repairs.

“Transportation Impact is very fortunate tohave the luxury of conducting its business withinthe confines of such a wonderful community,”said Travis Burt, co-founder of TransportationImpact. “We do our best not to take that for

granted and when we see an opportunity to pro-vide children with a chance to come enjoy them-selves, we feel it is our civic duty to do so.”

On Saturday, August 18, church laypeople,community friends, and children from BCH’s

Kennedy Home in Kinston gathered for a dedication service atthe cottage to celebrateeveryone’s efforts.

“I just want tothank you all foreverything,” saidKennedy Home resi-dent Montay as hestood in front of thecrowd. “The beachcottage looks sogood.”

Robert McNeill, the son of property donorsGeorge and Alberta, attended the ceremony. Heremembers learning about BCH as a young boywhen his parents hosted Kennedy Home resi-dents in their home.

“Donating the property for the beach cottagewas a gift of love from my parents and our fam-ily,” says McNeill who attends First BaptistChurch in Morehead City. “The people whohave helped with the repairs realize how muchthis means to the children.”

With school back in session, the cottage has

closed for the season. Volunteers, however, willbe busy during the coming weeks completing additional interior work to ensure McNeill Homeis in prime condition for next summer.

“The memories of the children’s past are oftenpainful,” said Blackwell. “The beach cottageplays an important part in helping create wonder-ful memories for residents. We are so thankful foreveryone who are ensuring that memories will bemade at McNeill Home in the years to come.”

[ BAPTIST PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY FRIENDS }

McNeill Home great place to create memories –Needed repairs tackled by caring supporters_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Above, volunteers from Green Level Baptist Church traveled from their hometown of Cary to help renovate McNeillHome, Baptist Children’s Homes’ cottage at Indian Beach. Churches, individual donors and community businessess

combined resources to make needed restorations and repair the expensive seawall located in the sound behind the cottage. Below, friends celebrated the work accomplished at BCH’s beach property at a ceremony on August 18.

Hear the good news!Schedule a speaker.

Now is the time to have a Baptist Children’s Home speaker

in your church. Call 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1209 to set a convenient date. Dates are

filling up quickly!

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G I V E GIVE to make an eternal

difference.

What do you hope for? Do you hope to inherit a large sum of money? Do you

hope for your favorite sports team to have a win-ning season? Do you hope for good health or long life?

I suppose the question, “what do you hopefor?” would bring as many different answers asthe number of those responding to the question.

We can all agree that hope is essential to quality living. Hope is powerful – pulling us forward into the future. Hope frees us to escapethe limitations of the here and now. It allows us to anticipate a better time and place.

When children at Baptist Children’s Homes(BCH) hope for things, their hopes reflect whatthey don’t have in the present. When they areasked “what do you hope for?” their answers are different than yours or mine.

Some hope for a safe home. They long for a place that is free from abuse or neglect. Theyhope for a place where they can go to sleep atnight and truly rest without fear – a safe place.No matter how simple this sounds to you, canyou imagine how good it must feel to lie down at night and know that you will be safe?

How much is it worth?Some hope for enough food. We serve children

who arrive malnourished and sometimes justplain hungry! In this nation of plenty, it is hardto imagine that some children do not haveenough to eat. Food is a major expense for BCH,but it fulfills the hope of a hungry child.

How much is it worth? Some hope for an opportunity to receive an

education. Some children come to us severalgrades behind. They have not lived in an environment in which they were encouraged to study and learn. Many of our children have

never owned a book of theirown. Clothes and back-to-schoolsupplies are a substantial expense forBCH, but it fulfills the hope of a childwith a desire to learn.

How much is it worth?Some children hope for stable families.

In our residential care facilities, children are cared for by faithful adults who demonstrate the unconditional love of Christ. In BCH’s Family Care program, children are provideda safe environment while their moms attend school or work to build a future.These single moms learn budgeting and parenting skills they can use to establish stable homes.

How much is it worth?Some hope for a sense of

belonging, and of knowing thatthey are loved and valued. Tobe loved and valued is a basichuman need. For a child to know that he is lovedand valued by someonein this world is thefoundation for muchof life’s future happi-ness. Some of ourchildren come tous never havingknown thatkind of love. Not only do they not know that God loves them, they may never have experienced love at all. But in spite of never having experienced it, they long for it and somehave gone to extreme lengths to obtain it.

How much is it worth?Because you love children, I know you will

answer the question, “How much is it worth?”

with “whatever the cost.”Romans 8:24 reads,

“For in this hope wewere saved.” Chil-

dren gaining a glimpse

of God’slove and

learningthat they can be loved in such a com-

plete way transforms their lives. How much is this worth? To Jesus, it was worth His life.

Boys and girls residing at BCH are dependent on you to help fulfill their

hopes. They depend on your generosity tomake their futures different from their past.

Through your gifts of time, talents and financialresources, you are transforming the future ofchildren and families. You are making the futurea different place for them. Thank you for believ-ing that providing hope is worth the cost!

Our children have hope through the opportu-nities you provide. Baptist Children’s Homes isyour ministry of hope to transform the futurelives of today’s children.

In just a few weeks, churches all across NorthCarolina will be receiving their annual BCHThanksgiving Offering. Will you give? Will youlead your church in receiving an offering of

“hope” for our children?

Refer a child or family at www.bchfamily.org/referral

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Providing hope for hurting children –How much is it worth?________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Brenda Gray’s passion is children. She serves BCH as the executive vice president, development & communications. Gray directs all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for the state-wide services.

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This Christmas, honor your loved one by investing in a life. . .Send a financial gift to Baptist Children’s Homes in honor of a family member or loved one andBCH will notify the honoree with a special holiday card featuring artwork created by a child in care. Your gift is an investment that impacts the lives of hurting children.__________________________________________________

Call Brenda Gray at 1.800.476.3669, ext. 1230 or make an honor or memorial gift online at www.bchfamily.org/givenowAttention businesses: A gift that brings hope to a child is an ideal way to honor your customers, clients, employees, and friends at Christmas.

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Be a Christmas SponsorProvide Christmas for. . .

one child – $50 two siblings – $100 a holiday outing – $300 a cottage – $600 cottage needs – $1,000

Contact Brenda Gray at1.800.476.3669 ext. 1230, orgo online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow

Go online to www.bchfamily.org/offering to learn more____________________________________________________________________

10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 5

OFFERING GOAL: $1,450,000 Join BCH children and staff members in prayer. Mark your calendarand observe BCH’s Week of Prayer: NOVEMBER 11 - 18

Throughout his hardships,Cameron Boys Camp residentTravis always had friends by his side. Chief Jason is one of the many people serving at Baptist Children’s Homes thatTravis could turn to in times ofneed. At Camp, the sixteen-year-old found new hope because of friends like Jasonwho encouraged Travis andhelped him find healing through a stronger walk with God.

Boys and girls count on your support and friendship.

to this year’s of-fering.to your church.

including thisyear’s video, For more information, call 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1209.

Scan or visit YouTube and Vimeo to view this year’s offering video featuring Travis.Follow BCH on Facebook and Twitter.

Make a gift online a www.bchfamily.org/givenow

Your Offering Guidefor Sharing Hope!What you and your church need to know tobest help Baptist Children’s Homes’ boys and girls.

Why is there a BaptistChildren’s Homes?

Baptist Children’s Homes exists because North Carolina is a mission fieldpopulated with children who are hurtingemotionally, suffering physically, and arein desperate need of a safe haven. Theyare often unchurched and unaware of the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

WHO ARE THE CHILDREN?The children who live at Baptist Children’sHomes are not strangers. They come to us fromyour community. They attend schools in yourarea. You pass them in the store. They are yourneighbors. And they need your help.

WHY DO CHILDREN COME?Family Crisis. . . Sometimes children come to Baptist Children’s Homes due to family chal-lenges. We have the privilege of working withchildren and their families to help them over-come the specific challenges that threaten to tear them apart.

Abuse. . . Children also come because the adultsin their lives have let them down. Precious boysand girls suffer abuse, neglect, and abandon-ment at the hands of the adults they havetrusted to care for them.

How doesministry happen?

Christ is the heart of Baptist Children’sHomes. Houseparents provide a Chris-tian home to boys and girls. Daily devo-tions, church involvement, and prayerare hallmarks of the statewide ministry.

WHERE IS THE MINISTRY LOCATED?The entire state of North Carolina is BaptistChildren’s Homes’ mission field. BaptistChildren’s Homes provides caring homes andresidential programs in 18 communities fromthe mountains to the coast.

WHERE DO CHILDREN ATTEND CHURCH?Children and their houseparents attend Baptistchurches like yours. Baptists not only provideprayer and financial support, but churches closeto our statewide locations offer church homesto our residents.

CAN MY CHURCH PROVIDE OUTREACH?Absolutely. We invite your church group tocome meet our children and see the ministryfirsthand. Churches can assist by bringing apraise team, planning a Bible study, organizingan ice cream social, or doing volunteer projectsthat show God’s love to children.

1. 2. How can my churchcollect a greatoffering?

Without Baptists’ support of the offer-ing, we would be unable to provide min-istry and care to children. The AnnualOffering is vital to changing lives! Thankyou for participating!

SHARE THE MINISTRY AT CHURCH. . .- Kick-Off Sunday: Designate a Sunday that

marks the beginning of prayer and preparation for collecting your offering. Create a display in your church. Announce your church’s collection goal. Baptist Children’s Homes’ 2012 offering goal is $1,450,000.

- Free Materials: Order offering posters, the new DVD, bulletin inserts, brochures,offering envelopes, and the Charity & Children publication. Download multimedia slides, ads, video and other materials at www.bchfamily.org/offering

- Invite a Speaker: A Baptist Children’s Homes representative will come and share the ministry at your church service.

3.

When your church participates in the Annual Offering, children’s lives are forever changed! Schedule a speaker.Order free materials including bulletins, envelopes, and the new DVD. Call 1.800.476.3339 ext. 1209.

[ A N N U A L O F F E R I N G }

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6 10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9

Kelsey arose from the waters to the sounds of applause from family, friends and other

campers who live with the sixteen-year-old atCamp Duncan in Aberdeen. The group gatheredat the residential wilderness camp for girls on August 23 to witness Kelsey’s baptism. It was a day Kelsey began praying about immediatelyafter accepting Christ in November, 2011.

“After I was saved, I prayed and asked Godwho should baptize me,” remembers Kelsey. “Dr. Blackwell’s name came into my mind. Therewas no question that it should be him.”

Kelsey posed her request to Michael Blackwelllate last year when the Baptist Children’s Homes’(BCH) President/CEO was visiting Camp Dun-can. The residential camp is a place where girls,

like Kelsey, can over-come personal andfamily challengesthrough a uniquelystructured wilder-ness environment.

“I was floored when Kelsey asked me,” revealsBlackwell. “To be able to baptize this young ladyhas been one of the great honors of my life.”

The service took place at Lake Catherine, the centerpiece of the 700-acre property, namedin honor of Blackwell’s wife. Paul Daley, BCH’sWilderness Camping Director, organized the cer-emony which included songs of praise, scripturereading and prayers offered by camp staff mem-bers Kay Burriss and Adrian Thane.

Wearing white robes, Blackwell, Thane andKelsey and waded into a shallow part of the lake.

“I was excited and nervous,” says Kelsey. “Aswe were standing in thelake, I was just praying forGod to be with me. WhenI went under the water, I just felt awesome.”

After immersing Kelsey,Blackwell surprised every-one by revealing a smallbottle of water he collected from the JordanRiver – the river whereChrist was baptized by John the Baptist as recounted in the NewTestament. Blackwell collected the water during his trip to Israel in2009. He opened the bottle and poured a smallamount on Kelsey’s head after leaving the lake.

“As I was standing there I just couldn’t believewhat was happening,” reveals Kelsey. “There isjust no way to put the feeling into words.”

Kelsey’s mother was emotional as she em-

braced her daughter after the ceremony. “Shewas crying. She told me how proud she was ofme and how proud she was to be my mom. Shesaid that my faith was an encouragement to her.”

The day was not only a celebration for Kelseyand her family, but it was also very meaningful

to Blackwell. In 29 years as BCH’s president, thismarked the first time theformer pastorhas baptized a resident. The last personBlackwell baptized was his son,Michael, Jr., in May, 1983while serving

as pastor of Monument Heights Baptist Churchin Richmond, VA.

“The experience was a high and holy momentthat I will forever carry with me,” says Blackwell.“I praise God for Kelsey and how He is workingnot only in her life, but in the lives of so many

other residents at Baptist Children’s Homes. I pray that the faith of this young lady will be an encouragement to the other boys and girls we serve and to everyone she encounters.”

[ GIRL BAPTIZED IN CAMP DUNCAN’S LAKE CATHERINE }

Kelsey encourages everyone she encounters –Blackwell performs historic baptism_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, C&C Managing Editor

News and events at www.bchfamily.org____________________________________________________________________

10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 7

Above, Camp Duncan resident Kelsey takes the hands of Baptist Children’s Homes president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell(left) and Camp Duncan group work supervisor Adrian Thane (right) as the trio wade into the waters of Lake Catherine.Blackwell baptized Kelsey in the lake located on the camp property. The sixteen-year-old is the first resident Blackwell

has baptized in his 29 years as BCH’s leader. Below, Kelsey is just moments away from being immersed.

M O R E MORE inspiration in

every issue.

Consider giving your vehicle to help BCH! Your donated vehicle becomes a vital part of ourministry. Vehicles are used to drive BCH residents to school, doctor visits, church activities and otherevents. Tax benefits are available. For more information, call Brenda Gray at 1-800-476-3669,ext. 1230.

Scan with your smartphone to watchKelsey’s baptism video on YouTube! You can also watch on Facebook and Vimeo.

[ WESTERN AREA CONFERENCE }

Longtime Friends Celebrate Ministry –Crowd of 700 Gathers for Western Area Conference_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For the 53rd consecutive year, Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes’ friends gathered at Broyhill

Home in Clyde for the Western Area Confer-ence. Approximately 700 guests attended thisyear’s event to greet the children and celebratethe ministry to children and families in WesternNorth Carolina. Appropriately, the theme for the2012 event was “Sharing Hope...ChangingLives,” which is also BCH’s vision statement that was adopted in September, 2011.

Above, developmentally disabled residents from BCH’s Alverta Bolick Home in Asheville perform. Left, Ervin

and Debbie Keener from Pine Grove Baptist Church inFranklin receive a “Friends of Children” award from BCH

President/CEO Michael C. Blackwell. Below middle, Haroldand Louise Crisp, members of Sugar Fork Baptist Church inFranklin, are with pastor Gene Hawkins. Bottom, members

of Bear Creek Baptist Church in Spruce Pine attend theWestern Area Conference at Broyhill Home.

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8 10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 Find Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina on Facebook

FEATURING SPEAKER MAMIE MCCULLOUGH, THE “I CAN LADY”and CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN RENEA HENDERSON

BREAKOUT SESSIONS INCLUDE: A healthy cooking demonstration, a “what are your grandkids upto?” technology workshop, a “your spiritual journey” North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry presenta-

tion, and an historic reenactment at Kennedy Home’s victorian-styled Cedar Dell Mansion.

$9COST

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CALL 336.474.1209

Thursday, November 1 at Kennedy Home in Kinston

Above, Gerald Phillips from New Hope Baptist Church inRobinsville is a longtime friend of Broyhill Home. Each

year, the church plants dozens of potatoes forBaptist Children’s Homes’ residents.

The Mills Home Alumni Councilmailed the proposed revisions

of the Mills Home Alumni Associa-tion By-Laws to “dues paying”members on August 18. In a coverletter, we requested you return yourballot by September 5. There wereno negative votes mailed back.Thank you for helping us with thisimportant matter. The newly revisedand approved by-laws will be in ef-fect at the end of this month wheneveryone should have receivedCharity & Children with this news.They will also be printed in the 2013Mills Home Address Directory. AtHomecoming 2013, we will providecopies of the revised by-laws for peo-ple who do not wish to purchase theaddress directory.

Sally Beck Ferguson is our officialkeeper of addresses, so please send toSally any corrections to your contactinformation or any new addresses ofpeople you know. We try to keep upwith alumni, workers and children ofworkers – and we start early. Write toSally Ferguson, 25 Southern PineTr., Ormond Beach, FL, 32174,Fergusonb@yahoo.com. Please re-member that we publish the direc-tory every two years on the odd year.

Note from Lynn Garner: “Will youplease express my thanks to everyonefor my OSCAR award? That meanta lot to me. I will always have a spe-cial place in my heart for all MillsHome Alumni.” I assured Lynn shehas a special place in our hearts.More on the “Oscar Awards” nextmonth.

Several people sent notes withtheir by-laws ballots thanking theAlumni Council and our fantasticspouses and helpers for all the workdone to make Homecoming thewonderful event that it was. Lastmonth, I listed so many who helpedand promised names of others. MHand BCH staff members that workedtirelessly to set up for and help withhomecoming: Rusty Bunker, PhillipCarter, Dona Ramsey, Larry Morris, James Benfield, LowellHoover, Don Hensworth, residentsPaulina, Keiauna, Kate, Ashley, Keith,Michael, Paul, Regina Keener,

Barbara Foster, Andrea Walker, Delores West, Vickie Beck, BrendaFerguson, Linda Taylor, staff and res-idents of Alumni Cottage, Izzy, andDeci.

If you live in the High Point areaand visit the public library, you willbe able to see a display on educationcreated by Dan Lambeth, a MillsHome alumnus. Dan developed adeep appreciation for learning underthe tutelage of Estelle Crouch. I amvery happy that Dan has made thegreat strides he has made in the lastfew years, mainly overcoming a hardto identify illness. He persevered andcame through some very difficulttimes. Friends can contact Dan at134 Englewood Rd. Archdale, NC27263.

Our hearts go out to Louise AsheOwens who lost her daughterWanda Thigpen on July 6. Friendsmay send condolences to Louise at110 Shangrila Dr., Easley, SC.29640. Ph. 864-307-9329. Louiseis part of the Ashe family that cameto MH in 1954; Barbara, Charles,Helen, Louise and George.

Our hearts go out to Tom G. Wil-son who lost his wife Lois on August23, 2012. Tom was pleased thatboth the funeral and graveside serv-ices went well. He and Lois hadbeen married for 53 years and ac-quainted for 59. They have twodaughters, one son and two grand-children all living in the Charlottearea, a family convenience that Tomappreciates greatly. Friends can sendcondolences to Tom at 1421 TylovaRd, Charlotte, NC 28210 Tomcame to MH in 1933 and graduatedin 1944. (Thanks to Velma “Vicki”Carter Stewart for the obituary.)

Several people sent the sad newsof the August 19 death of Mrs. Clyde“Gin” Morris. A celebration of herlife was held on Wed, August 22 atthe Denver Baptist Church whereshe had been a devoted member forseveral years. A note from daughtersJudith and Sandra says “VirginiaMorris, worked with her husband,purchasing agent Clyde Morris, atMills Home purchasing girls’ cloth-ing, decorating new cottages, etc.from the mid 1950s until 1971.

Then, until she retired in 1977,Mother cared for unwed mothers atthe BCHNC home in Asheville withDad’s support, of course. Motherwent to be with the Lord on August19 about 6 a.m. Married to herbeloved Clyde for 76 years, Gin issurvived by him, two brothers, ninegrandchildren, seven great-grand-children, and three offspring: JudithAyers, Sandra Lackey and Joel Mor-ris. Memorial donations may be sentto the Baptist Children’s Homes ofNC, Box 338, Thomasville, NC27360. The Morris family was, andstill is, highly respected and muchbeloved by alumni. Condolencesmay be sent to Clyde and the familyat 965 Embler Rd., Lexington, NC27292.

The sad news from Darrell Corderis that John Roberts died on August15, 2012. While he was Editor ofCharity & Children, his family livedin the house beside of HuffmanCottage and many of the Huffmangirls and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Marlowebecame very good friends withthem. Mr. Roberts earned an AADegree from Gardner-Webb Univer-sity, BA Degree from Furman Uni-versity, and MA in Teaching fromVanderbilt University. He also re-ceived Honorary Doctorate Degreesfrom Charleston Southern Univer-sity, Gardner-Webb University, andFurman University. After serving asEditor of Charity & Children from1960-1965, he went on to serve asin South Carolina as Editor of theBaptist Courier for 30 years. Mr.Roberts was a member of First Bap-tist Church, Greenville, SC where hetaught Sunday School for 30 yearsand served as chairman of deacons.He received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor CarrollCampbell, was past president of theSC Baptist Convention, past presi-dent of the Rotary Club, trustee ofGardner-Webb University, and was aveteran of the US Army havingserved in the Pacific Theater duringWWII. Condolences may be sent toHelen at 4 Hoke Smith Blvd. #2,Rm 132, Rolling Green Village,Greenville, SC 29615.

A note from Elaine Weimer Kris-sikos says “Just to let you up on the

news of the family, Lee is home ondisability because of arthritis in hisknees. Nancy is foster caring for aninfant for one of her relatives. I thinkJerry is still in construction work orelectrician work. Raymond has notbeen heard from in a long time andKathy passed away several years agowith a heart attack. I retired fromteaching this year and am trying tofigure out how to financially handleeverything. I miss you all but I amloving the pictures that Harry Wallshas been sending through Face-book.”

A note from a Facebook conver-sation of Bennie Christman Phillips:“Since Darrell & Sandra Corder arebeing discussed, I would like tocommend them for the great interestthey have taken in Burl Moss. SinceBurl’s stroke, they have consistentlybeen to visit him, taking him clothesand various other items. It is a 65-minute drive one way for them tovisit Burl, but they have been so de-voted to him. I’m sure they alwaysbring a smile to his face when he seesthem, although it does break theirhearts to see our once healthy andhappy Burl in his current condition.They are amazing people and MHwas very fortunate to have had themwork on campus as they blessedmany lives back then, and continueto do so even today. Some alumnihave also contacted and/or visitedBurl. Please continue to send cardsto Burl at this address: Lila DoyleNursing Facility & Rehab, 101 LilaDoyle Dr., Seneca, SC 27672. Andwhile you are at it, send a card toDarrell and Sandra Corder at this address: 103 Lancelot Ct., Simp-sonville, SC 29681, darcord@ char-ter.net.

Betty Mull wrote a thank you tothe Alumni Council for a greatHomecoming. She went on to sayshe enjoys the frequent trips she hasbeen able to make to Virginia to visither son and his family. More about

Betty later.

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Now time to send address changes and additions –Former C&C editor passes and is remembered_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Lib Smathers Johnson, 5612 Bledsoe Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 299-7412 libsjohnson@triad.rr.com

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

10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 9

___________________________________________Friends of Children

Church volunteers arrived at Mills Home onSeptember 8 for the first of Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes’ fall “Friends of Children”workdays. Throughout September, volunteergroups from churches, such as CornerstoneBaptist Church in Winston-Salem, help withprojects at BCH’s statewide locations. Theone-day missions outreach is a local oppor-tunity for groups of all ages.___________________________________________Hope in Style

Paula Nooe (right) from Chevalrie Salon andSpa in High Point styles Anna’s hair forBCH’s “Hope in Style” event in August. Thesalon’s stylists donated their services.___________________________________________Broyhill Home

Friends from eastern North Carolina, including members of Cape Carteret BaptistChurch, traveled to Broyhill Home in Clydeto build a new picnic shelter. Broyhill’shousefathers, maintenance staff, MarineCorps members, and BCH friend WilliamEarl Phillips from Kinston, assisted with theconstruction.

_________________________________________Worship Service

BCH residents and staff led morning worshipat First Baptist Church in Charlotte on Sep-tember 9. It was the kick-off for the church’sannual “Bike for Change” initiative to raisefunds to help BCH’s boys and girls. The serv-ice ended with residents celebrating theirdecision to follow Christ.___________________________________________Church Volunteers

A group from Green Level Baptist Church in Cary, including pastor Richard Leader, installed a much-needed new tile floor inthe kitchen of Mills Home’s Johnson Cot-tage. There are many needs at BCH’s loca-tions around the state. If your churchgroup is interested in helping with a mis-sions project, please contact Brenda Grayat 336-474-1230.___________________________________________Mills Home

Matthew and other children and adults fromCrosspointe Baptist Church in Concord helpclean at Mills Homes’ Bright-Brown Cot-tage – making sure everything sparkles.

___________________________________________Cameron Boys Camp

Members of the Crusader Sunday Schoolclass from First Baptist in Lexington and volunteers from Centerview Baptist Churchin Marshville cooked barbecue chicken forCameron Boys Camp’s boys, staff membersand guests at “Friends of Children” workdayon Saturday, September 15.___________________________________________Camp Duncan

Girls from Camp Duncan in Aberdeen and their chiefs recently took a mountaincamping trip near Highlands and Cashiers.They hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell and along part of the Appalachian Trail.Along their journey they encountered anumber of waterfalls. Girls research andplan, budget and set goals for educationaladventure trips.___________________________________________Cameron Boys Camp

The boys living at Cameron Boys Campmade many new friends during their recentworkday event. Many of the church groupsin attendance for “Friends of Children”, in-cluding volunteers from Saint Paul BaptistChurch in Greensboro (pictured above),were first-time visitors to Baptist Children’sHomes’ wilderness camping program.“Friends of Children” workdays occureach year in the spring and fall. For moreinformation about being involved orbringing a church group, contact AlanWilliams at 336-474-1277 or awilliams@bchfamily.org.

____________________________________________________________________

10 10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 Find Baptist Children’s Homes of NC on Facebook

[ 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).

We need you to lend a helpinghand. Share your time, talents andresources to meet the daily needsof BCH’s boys and girls. You canhelp in these ways:___________________________________

Friends of Children Workdays:From painting to planting, partici-pants help with special facility projects, tour campuses and havelunch with children and staff. Call 336-474-1209.

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.

Bed Sponsor Program: Become a bed sponsor and have a plaquewith your name mounted on a child’sbed. Your name reminds a child thatyou are praying. Call 336-474-1277or visit www.bchfamily.org/bed-sponsor.

Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting a “Mile of Pennies.” When it comesto providing care for hundreds ofchildren, it takes everyone workingtogether – one penny added to an-other penny and then another penny.Continue to multiply the pennies andjust imagine how far you can go inmaking a 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, andhave 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.To learn more, visit www.bikefor-change.org. Download a planningguide and other resources. ContactBike for Change coordinator JayWestmoreland at bikeforchange@bchfamily.org for more ideas.

Helping Hand

Donna Duty wrote on the web-page requesting prayers for

alumna, Carrie Sparks, age 91.Donna learned from Graham Jack-son, KH alumni president, that Car-rie has been diagnosed with bile ductcancer. She has been given 3 to 6months to live and Hospice has beencalled. She is living with her daugh-ter, Maurice Wade, in LaGrange, NC.Cards can be sent to Carrie at 601Fire Tower Road, LaGrange, NC28558 c/o Maurice Wade. Mauricecan be reached at 252-566-9412, or252-939-5063.

She is staying home with Carrieround the clock. Many of us knowand love Carrie Sparks, such a dear,sweet lady. She has such a great lovefor Kennedy Home and is usually atHomecomings. Please keep her andher family close in prayer. Jim Dyerwrote about the same time and re-minded everyone what a wonderfuljob Carrie had done for 18 years orso writing the Kennedy Home col-umn. (Dan Medlin has also written inconcern for Carrie.)

Donna Duty also wrote “I went toHelen Hardison’s 100th birthday cel-ebration on Sept. 8 with former KHsocial worker Ann Wilkerson Arant.Ms. Hardison looked so beautifuland seemed to be so happy. I thinkher whole church came to her cele-bration, and it was wonderful to seesuch a great turnout. The KH alumniand former staff members there wereRichard and Judy Poteat, Olia Suggs,Delores Pender, Gary and DebbieCaulder, and Edward Pait. You cansend a belated birthday card to Helenat Spring Arbor Assisted Living,2097 West Arlington Blvd.,Greenville, NC 27834.”

“Oh boy!! It’s time to get togetheragain!” says Donna Duty. “AlumniPresident Graham Jackson called methis afternoon and we talked abouthaving another alumni lunch get to-gether in October. So, mark your cal-endars for Saturday, October 13th,11:30, King’s Barbecue Restaurant,405 East New Bern Road, Kinston,NC 28504, Phone (800)-332-6465.Web site: www.kingsbbq.com. Thislunch is for ALL KH alumni and for-mer staff members and their families.

Mr. King, the owner, said they canseat us as a group in general seatingor put us in a room. All we need todo is just show up (I will not be tak-ing a headcount). Each person willpay for his/her own meal. We areregistered under my name and theKH alumni. Spread the word aboutthis to your alumni friends, especiallythose that do not have internet ac-cess, and plan to attend for a fun timeof fellowship. I hope to see several ofyou there! Love to all! Donna”

David Morrow has requestedprayers for Scott Brown, the son ofBuddy Brown and Donna MarieWoodruff who were at KH in the1980’s. Scot was involved in an auto-mobile accident and is currently re-ceiving treatment for his injuries.

A note from Mary Beth Thomas onthe KMH webpage Aug. 29, said, “Itis a small world we live in. Today, Ihad a gentleman (soon to be eighty)to come by my ‘Inside Yard Sale’ andwe had a wonderful talk. Amongother things, he gave me some goodtips on running a yard sale. When ourtalk turned to KH, he told me thathis two sisters Peggy & Bonnie Lucasgrew up at KH but he had not beenat KH because of his age. He said heused to hitchhike to KH to see his sisters. He said that Bonnie is nowdeceased, but Peggy is doing well. I never knew Bonnie and Peggy, butI am sure there are many alumni whodo remember them. You never knowwhen you might run into someonewho has special connections to KH.”

Dan Medlin wrote in reply to MaryBeth’s note: “The man was LucianLucas who was too young to go toKMH when Bonnie and Peggy went.Bonnie was one of my sisters for 11years at KH and after KMH also. Italk to Peggy who lives in Alabamaseveral times a year. They have anolder brother who lives in Texas. Lu-cian was living in LaGrange when I graduated in 1954. I have very fondmemories of days he and I took ourcane poles and headed for some fish-ing hole. I have not seen him in years,but I think he still lives near Fremont.Peggy was older than I and would re-turn to KMH during the summer torelieve some of the houseparents fora few days at a time. All of us young

boys at that time loved Peggy. Goodto hear about old brothers and sisterssometime. Thanks, Your KMHbrother, Dan Medlin”

Another note from Dan Medlinsays “Thanks for writing the KMHcolumn. I had planned to try andsend a short event of my life eachmonth with dates and names whenwe lost our writer, Donna. My twinsister, two other siblings, and I wentat KMH in1943 and I graduated in1954. I loved every day of my lifethere and I think I could write a bookabout each year. I am the last of afamily of fourteen children with thefour youngest of us being at KMH(including a twin sister). My two children and four grandchildren are grown with two still in collegeand one in law school at UNV. I had/have the greatest family onearth, and I credit my BCH life as themain reason. I think I was told thatwe could send articles to the C&Cstaff. I hope to get more informationfor you when we have a luncheon inKinston in early Oct. Following isone of my KMH memories.

Kennedy Memorial Home Adven-ture: “It was summer of 1945 and weyoung boys were in the corn fieldcutting green corn for the silo. Therewere 6 to 8 of us and we each had amachete. We would straddle the rowand cut until we had an arm full andthen we would drop it across the rowwhere the following crew would pickit up and take it to the silo to be cut-up and blown into the silo for thecows to eat. On the row next to mewas a brother named Roland Edwardswho kept repeating, “Dan, if I catchyou I am going to cut you.” Well, asluck would have it, I stumbled andfell back and his machete blade cutinto the heel of my left foot. Mr.Johnson got excited and rushed meto the hospital in Kinston where Iwas treated by a Dr. Turpentine. Hewashed my wound with kerosene andput three stitches in it while I yelledand yelled. He told me sternly that Ishould just be quiet because if it hadbeen an inch higher it would havebeen much worse. After the cuttingordeal, I spent years telling Rolandthat when I got as big as he was, I would give him a whipping. Alas, I

never got that big. Roland was al-most as upset as I was over this inci-dent and he carried me piggy-backeverywhere I needed to go for severalweeks and even offered to help mewhip Dr. Turpentine. As I write this,I am remembering that Roland leftKennedy Home before graduatingand I have never seen him since. I stilllove him as a brother and would loveto meet him again. I have many ofthese adventures I can report on ifneeded for C&C KMH article. WithChristian Love, Your brother, DanMedlin”

Another update from RobertBickle says, “John and Becky Thomp-son’s health issues have turned out tobe ‘nothing to worry about.’” Johnand I spent a couple of hours hangingout today and he is still the John weall know!”

John Roberts, editor of Charity &Children from 1960-1965 died re-cently. In this important position, hewas a big contributor to promotingthe work of Baptists in NC. For thosewho remember Mr. Roberts and de-sire more information, refer to theMills Home Alumni Column of thisissue.

Something alumni will wish to passon to the friends is an event to takeplace on the Kennedy Home campuson Thursday, November 1, 2012. Itis called “Super Senior Fest” and willinvolve adults from Raleigh eastwardto the coast. The theme is “LivingLife to the Fullest” which also includes living positively and stayingin faith. The keynote speaker for the general session is Mamie McCullough. She is the “I can” ladyfrom Dallas, Texas – a truly outstand-ing, motivational and inspirationalspeaker. For more information, or toregister, contact 336-474-1209.

Editor’s Note: A special thank youagain to Mills Home alum Lib Smath-ers Johnson for writing anothermonth’s KH Alumni Column. She isdeeply appreciated for her talents andwillingness to help.

The search for a new columnistcontinues. If you are interested, con-tact the Editor by calling 1-800-476-3669, ext. 1217.

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Fellow alumni remembered –Tales of machetes and stitches recalled_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Lib Smathers Johnson, Guest Columnist

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

10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 11

1.Western Area Family Services 828.627.9254 Linda Morgan, Regional Dir. Broyhill HomeDrake Cottage Moody HomeTruett Baptist Assoc. Home

2.Central Area Family Services 336.474.1200 Mills Home Care House Oak Ranch

3.Eastern Area Family Services 252.522.0811 Sandy Perry, Regional Dir. Kennedy HomeOdum Home Britton Ministries

4.Cameron Boys Camp 910.245.4034 Tim Gibson, Director

5.Camp Duncan 910.944.3077 Paul Daley, Director

Weekday Education Thomasville, 336.474.1201 Linda Russo, Director

Developmental Disabilities Ministry 336.474.1261Martha Surratt, Director

North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry336-474-1221Dr. Sandy Gregory, Directorwww.ncbam.org

Calling All State Employees!Choose BCH as your charity in theState Employees Combined Campaign.SECC code is 3641. Encourage othersto as well and better the lives of chil-dren and families in North Carolina.# 3 6 4 1

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

Baptist Children’sHomes provides only

the highest quality of carethrough a highly trained,skilled, Christian staff whosepersonal and professionalmission is “sharing hope. . .changing lives.”

Can BCH be of service?Call 1-800-476-3669.

Can we be of service to you or someone you know?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)

____________________________________________________________________

12 10/12 – Charity + Children – 125/9 More Homeword at www.bchfamily.org/about/homeword

As children, my older brother Eddie and I shared many things. We shared

a bedroom until he moved away to jointhe Air Force. We shared the love of bicycles that we would tinker with tomake them “cool” – tassels hangingfrom the grips on the handle bars,added sissy bars and banana seats, playing cards clipped near the wheels to make a fluttering “motor” sound. Weshared a love for comic books and compiled a collection that filled boxes.

We both had cropped haircuts, wore bluejeans, and donned sneakers with well-worn soles. We were Royal Ambassadors at church, and Eddie created hand-built, wooden cars tocompete in annual pinewood derbies. Our Bibleswere by our bedsides with our Sunday school literature. We attended Vacation Bible Schooland memorized scripture.

We loved Mama’s chocolate cake and friedchicken, trips on hot summer days to the nearbycool spring swimming hole, and evenings spentin front of the family’s black and white televisionconsole watching Bonanza, Star Trek episodes,and old Audie Murphy war movies.

Unlike our two sisters Gerry and Kelly whowere born in Guam and Spain, Eddie and I wereborn stateside only 353 miles apart. Eddie was a Razorback and I was a Longhorn. When visit-ing our grandfather on Sunday afternoons, wecheered for his beloved New Orleans Saints andwere big Archie Manning fans.

We were often each other’s biggest irritant.There were times when I sent him into a fury.Frustrated, he would chase me around the yardonly to crash over me when I collapsed onto theground to evade his grasp. Other times I was notas fortunate. There were days when he did catchme only to tickle me until I was overtaken by hiccups that would plague me for hours.

Like most siblings, wewere different in ways. But it was the things Eddie and I had in common that bound

us together.As adults, Eddie and

I shared many things as well. Ourchildhood discipleship turned into devotions toour Heavenly Father. We shared a call into gospelministry – my brother served as a bi-vocationalpastor to rural churches and I have served variousministries for 22 years. He served hurting chil-dren as a child protection officer in Florida and I advocate for needy children and the frail aging.

Eddie and I both shared a passion for family.As young men, we both married our sweethearts.Eddie and his wife Jeanette would have markedtheir 37th anniversary this November and Kathyand I celebrated 31 years of marriage this year.We both have large families and love our chil-dren. I have four – one son and three daugh-ters; and he has seven – five sons and twodaughters.

My brother and I are both writers. He filled spiral-bound notebooks with thoughts and poems. He compiled pastoral experiencesand penned a book that was published this year for individuals and families afflicted withcancer. He signed birthday and holiday cards bywriting paragraphs and practiced the art of writ-ing multiple page letters. He loved to write.

As men, we shared our hearts. Eddie was a great listener and seemed to have advice that

was always worth heeding. He was thoughtful and possessed a tempered wisdom. The adage“still waters run deep” could best describe him.

Eddie passed on August 18. He had been illfor some time and although we had been alertedof his condition, it still shocked me when the call came. My brother was dead at age 55.

When Eddie began to understand that his life was fading, he called to ask me to officiate his funeral service.

“Now, you know I don’t want you to just saythe expected things,” Eddie instructed. “I wantyou to preach, brother.”

I was not surprised. We both believe a funeralservice is a person’s final testimony to the savinggrace of Jesus. Eddie wanted a gospel messagepreached.

So, I preached God’s word and shared highlights from his life. I told the group thatEddie would have preached a better sermon. . .but I would preach a shorter one. My brotherwould have appreciated the humor – we sharedthat, too.

I have begun to miss the times my phonewould ring and Eddie and I would spend thenext half hour talking about everything andnothing as the minutes ticked by. Time passes

too quickly for brothers whoshared so much in common.

Edminson is editor of Charity & Children and writes“Homeword” to inspire and encourage families in themidst of full lives and hectic schedules.

[ HOMEWORD }

Eddie and I shared many things –Brothers hold common interests_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By W. James Edminson, Editor

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