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

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Double your end-of-year gift before January 31, 2019. (Page 4) “Phenomenal” BSC presentation. (Page 6&7)

12/18

Celebrating the gift of Jesus!

Cruz loves Christmas decorating and making cookies________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

The Christmas keepsakes packed in boxes and containers line the dining room wall of

Frizzell-Higdon Cottage. Decorating is a “big”thing for the children living at Broyhill Home inClyde. Soon the decorations will go up and everycorner, every cottage wall, will be adorned withChristmas ornaments.“Cruz really enjoys making the cottage look

festive,” cottage mom Betty Porter says. “He’sthe first to ask when are we putting up the tree!”Sixteen-year-old Cruz has called Broyhill

“home” for the last three years. He and hisbrother Junior came into Baptist Children’sHomes (BCH) care after the boys’ father was incarcerated and their grandmother could no longer care for them.“I was placed in my first foster home when

I was three months old,” Cruz says matter-of-factly. He recalls that when he was six, he and his brother went to live with their father and hisgirlfriend. Four years later after his father andgirlfriend broke up, Cruz, Junior and the fathermoved in with their grandmother. Broyhill Home was the brothers’ next destination.“When I came here, I just thought it was

another place where someone decided to putme,” he says. “I waited to see where we would be moved again. Two weeks went by, and thentwo months, and no one came. Now, I’m glad to say this is my home.”One of Cruz’s first goals was to improve as

a student. “I felt, given the chance, that I coulddo better in school. Before coming to BroyhillHome, no one cared if I did my homework. I really struggled.”

Today, Cruz is an “A” student taking honorsclasses. The high school junior is an active bandstudent participating in both marching band andconcert band which includes symphonic and jazzbands. He plays the tuba and trombone and hasreceived superior ratings in competitions.“Some kids have a hard time adjusting,” Cruz

says of life in the cottage. “I didn’t. Everyone wasso nice and they respected me. I could tell theycared. They wanted to help me.”The calendar on the dining table has important

dates circled. There are Christmas parties and trips to Christmas programs highlighted.Churches have scheduled dates when membersplan to visit and spread Christmas cheer bringingtoys and other gifts for the children. “Your first Christmas here can be overwhelm-

ing,” Cruz confesses. (Continued on page 3)

One great thing, among many, of working at Baptist Children’s

Homes, is that we have jobs you canhug. When I’m feeling low, or over-whelmed, I can visit a cottage and be rejuvenated with a hug.Remember

the bumperstickers that said,“Have youhugged your kidtoday?” They’renice remindersand I supporttheir sentiment.Authentic, loving hugs are medicine for a wearyheart, food forskin hunger, andglue for emo-tional bonding you can get virtually no other way.We are not a very “touchy” society,

despite seemingly being preoccupiedwith sensuality. Other societies are “closetalkers” and hand holders and friendsdrape arms around friend’s shoulderswhen talking intensely.Americans tend to equate some

touching sexually, so we avoid all touch-ing lest we be misinterpreted. We missout on a lot.Are you Hugging Enough?Are you hugging enough as you

struggle to raise loving children whoknow they are loved? Do you give yourspouse a squeeze when you come home?Do you send your children to schoolwith an inoculation of hugs and kissesthat keep them from getting the insecu-rity germ?

Why Babies CrySome pediatricians used to tell

young parents not to pick up their infants at first cry, or hold them toomuch, lest they become spoiled. I appre-ciate doctors today who remind us wecannot spoil an infant. They aren’t ma-

nipulating us. Theycry instinctively tobe held, fed orchanged.The skin is the

body’s largestorgan. An averageperson’s skin weighs10 pounds.Humans are born

with skin hunger,and we need the indefinable securityof being held by a parent who lovesus. We need to feel

loving arms around us to feel the warmbreath of a mother in our cheeks whenwe’re infants.In their natural state, though unable

to speak it, babies are saying, “Hold me!Love me! I need you!”Infant massage is a fast-growing

trend. The American Massage Thera-pists’ Association estimates that theblood’s oxygen, after massage, increases10-15 percent.Skin hunger doesn’t diminish. We

long for the touch of another human.When your children are in middle

school, their discomfort and dismay withtheir own physical changes sometimesmake it awkward to hug parents. Dadsand moms, that’s when your son anddaughter need your hugs the most.Who better to hug and satisfy that

need to be accepted unconditionally

than an authentically loving parent? Yourchildren have the need, just as you do.Would you rather pause in your morningroutine to send them out the door witha hug, or have them find someone tohug them when they get to school?He Touched MeJesus physically touched a lot of

people during his earthly ministry. Hewashed feet. He reached out to littlechildren, to lepers, to the sick and evento the dead. By touch-ing “untouchables,”Jesus modeledlove, tendernessand compas-sion.People

wanted totouch Jesus,too. Remem-ber thewoman whowanted totouch the hem of Hisgarment?Whether

young or old,we’re usuallycomforted by another’s lovingtouch. It reassures,evokes pleasure, tells uswe’re not alone. Touch is an unspoken language – a soothing handto a fevered forehead, an arm aroundsomeone grieving.Touch goes deeper than just the skin.

It reaches into hearts, with the power tochange someone forever. Never forgetyou are in God’s hands and that yourchildren and the others you love are,likewise, in yours.

[ MY THOUGHTS }

New World Hunger Threat! Every child starving for authentic hugs_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ByMichael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

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 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

Mercer Home resident Jeff and I chum around inmy office. Jeff is a great hugger and I made sure to

get a healthy dose before he left.

(Continued from page 1) “Don’t get me wrong;it’s wonderful. But there are so many people whocome and they are so kind. They don’t know us.But they buy gifts for us. It helps us realize justhow much people care.” According to Cruz, one of the most important

Christmas days marked on the calendar is“cookie-making day.”“I look forward to this day all year long,”

Cruz admits. “Our cottage makes some of thebest cookies. We all help – stirring, adding the ingredients, and of course taste testing as theycome out of the oven.”Cruz remembers vividly the day he accepted

Jesus as his Savior when he was 10 years old. He was attending a church in the neighborhoodwhere he lived. A school friend invited him to afall harvest party and then Cruz began riding thechurch bus each Sunday to attend Sunday school.“One Sunday, it seemed everything the pastor

was saying was di-rected to me,” Cruzsays. “I was only ten,but I knew I neededto go up. I neededto say yes to Jesus.”Cruz says he

has grown in his relationship withGod since coming to Broyhill Home.“When you comehere, you’re sur-rounded by Christi-anity. It’s not forcedon you, but every-one here tries to livelike Jesus. It’s just part of life here.”Cruz studies his bible and prays. He attends

church weekly with the other children. He partic-

ipates in the daily cottagedevotions. Cruz says thathis relationship with Godis stronger than ever. “I believe God placed

me here,” Cruz attests.“That’s so important as I work out my future. Ibelieve it is for a reason.”Cruz plans to attend

college after high school.He wants to become a high school band direc-tor. He has his eye onnearby Western CarolinaUniversity and wants tomarch with their band.

“But if I could do anything,” he dares to say,“my dream is to play with a symphony orchestra.Maybe in a big city like Chicago.”

Cruz helps lead the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off FamilyGathering: Special Edition held this past June.

Donate to Hurricane Relief at www.bchfamily.org/givenow 312/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

Cruz gives all credit to God for his new life at Broyhill Home_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Board of Trustees met onTuesday, October 23, more

than a month after the originaldate in September. Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas andswept through the state causingthe meeting to be postponed. Trustees heard multiple

reports, including updates aboutthe damage Hurricane Florencecaused at multiple Baptist Chil-dren’s Homes (BCH) locations.BCH president/CEO Michael C.Blackwell reported that damagescould total in the hundreds ofthousands of dollars.Brenda Gray, BCH Executive

Vice President, Development &Communications, addressed thesignificance of the storm’s impacton BCH as well as othersthroughout the state.“Close to a third of our state

has been impacted,” Gray said.“There are churches who still donot have a place to meet. Some of our donors have lost their homes and even their livelihoods.”Gray affirmed the work North Carolina Baptists

are doing to offer relief and hope to those whohave experienced loss. She also praised the approx-imately 1,400 volunteers who have donated theirtime, skills and resources to help with recoveryand clean up at BCH’s Kennedy Home in Kinston, Odum Home in Pembroke, Mills Homein Thomasville, and Cameron Boys Camp andCamp Duncan for Girls, both in Moore County.

Gray noted that because of the losses manyBCH friends have experienced, those supportersmay not be in a position to give to BCH at theend of this year when donations are needed most.“We ask that our friends, who are able, prayer-

fully consider giving a little extra at the end of theyear,” she explained. She announced that an anonymous donor

has issued a $250,000 matching gift challengewhere all donations until January 31, 2019 will bematched dollar for dollar up to the challenge total.

Gray is hopeful friends will takefull advantage of the matchinggift opportunity especially enter-ing the holiday season.“Christmas giving and end-of-

the-year gifts are crucial for caringfor children now as well as theones who will turn to us as weenter 2019,” she concluded.Trustees also viewed this year’s

new Annual Offering videos.Theoffering is another important av-enue of support for North Car-olina Baptist churches. BCH’sCommunications department hasfocused on creating an archive ofvideos including shorter clips thatcan be easily shown by churchesin their services. The videos arelocated at the new www.bchoffer-ing.org website as well as theministry’s Vimeo page.To end the meeting, Dr. Black-

well recognized trustees rotatingoff the board. Trustees complet-ing a four-year term were: JohnCashwell, Concord; Gayla Free-

man, Conover; Jim Goldston, Raleigh; Jim Gor-such, Hildebran; Kenneth Lance, Salisbury; KarlMilleran, Thomasville; Kenneth Robinette (com-pleting an unexpired term), Marston; Sybil Stew-art, Sherrills Ford; and Bobby Tucker, Kannapolis.“When I first stepped onto this campus as a

trustee, I was overcome with emotion,” Tuckersaid to Dr. Blackwell as he accepted his certificate.“I knew God’s hand was all over this place. I thank the Lord for you and your staff.”

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell embraces trustee Bobby Tucker of Kannapolis who completed his first four-year term on the Board of Trustees. The trustees

met with Blackwell and BCH leaders on October 23 at Mills Home in Thomasville.

[ FALL TRUSTEE MEETING }

Board hears crucial updates on end-of-year giving________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

What to get Mama? What to get John?What to get Mike? What to get the

kids? The list grows longer as the time to Christ-mas grows shorter. If you are like me, you arelooking for just the right gifts. This is very famil-iar to so many who join the hustle and bustle of the season. Looking for just the right gift can be a challenge. We want them to be perfect! You remember Scrooge and the impact his

gift to Tiny Tim made. Not only did it have a major impact on the small sick boy, but theimpact on Scrooge was life-changing. Charles Dickens captures the spirit of the

holiday season in “A Christmas Carol.” Dickensillustrates how important it is to help people in need. Tiny Tim –– a child full of courage and hope, was a child dependent on others. The heart of Scrooge was transformed by thelove for Tim, and his life was changed when he gave of himself.Our family, like yours, spends time looking

for just the right gifts –– gifts that will make a difference as we honor the birth of Christ. For some time, missions has become the centerof our giving. John and I ask for gifts to be given to sponsor

children at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH).My brother and his wife ask for gifts to be givento the Lottie Moon Offering in their honor.Our loving mother gives and asks for gifts to be given to both BCH and Lottie Moon. For the past three years in addition to giving

gifts to the children in our family, we present

them with a special honor card stating that a child living in BCH’s GuatemalanOrphanage was sponsored in their name.Last year, I forgot to give the cards to thechildren. All four children surrounded me,asking me about the children in Guatemala.They wanted to know if they were helping a child. In just a short period of time, it has become a tradition. As I presented them withtheir cards, big smiles spread across their faces.It has become important to them that they are a part of helping others. Their lives had beentouched through this act of giving. And in turn,this act gives hope to children.As you look for just the right gift for a friend

or relative, I offer some gift suggestions. Make a gift to BCH in honor of that special someone.Consider sponsoring a child or a cottage inhonor or in memory of a loved one. This is also a great way to remember friends, businessassociates, customers, or co-workers. What better gift to give someone than to honor themwith a gift that truly makes a difference for yearsto come. BCH will notify the honoree with acard and acknowledge receipt of the gift to you.It is so easy for us to get caught up in the

chaos of the season and forget to truly find andcelebrate Christ in Christmas. But look closely at BCH and you will see Him in the arms of ourhouseparents who hold and feed precious littleones. Look closely and you will see Him in thesparkle of the eyes of a five year old as he lightsup the cottage Christmas tree. Look closely andyou will see Him in the glow surrounding Kait’s

face as she describes thisChristmas is different than allthe others becausenow she knows the Christ in Christmas. Lookclosely and you will find Him in the midst of a family working to stay together as a Christiansocial worker walks with them through crisis.Look closely and you will see Him in the heartsof developmentally disabled residents living inour Sanford homes ringing the Salvation Armybells to help others. Look closely, you will findHim in the life of a young girl who has beenbattered and abused but holds tightly to thehand of a loving houseparent who offers hopeby telling her she is a precious child of God. Look closely and you will see Him in you.

You reach out and give of yourself that othersmight know and experience Christ in Christmas.Just as Scrooge transformed Tiny Tim’s hopesand dreams into a reality, you do the same formany children like Tiny Tim through yourprayerful support to Baptist Children’s Homes.Thank you!From our Home to yours, may you experi-

ence a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas.

4 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11 Leave a legacy through planned giving. Visit www.bchlegacy.org.

Give now through the end of January andyour gift will be doubled. Your gift will bematched dollar for dollar up to $250,000. Give a gift of $50 to sponsor a child’s Christmas and it will be doubled to $100 –– a cottage sponsor’sgift of $600 becomes $1,200. What better gift to give a friend or business associate than tohonor them with a gift that blesses a child. BCHnotifies honorees with a card and sends a gift acknowledgment receipt to you. Consider a gift of cash or a gift of appreciated

stock or other property. When you give stock orproperty to BCH, we then sell it. By donatingthe stock or property directly to BCH, you elimi-nate the capital gains tax you would pay if yousell it. If you have held the stock for more than

one year, yourgift will be deductible at its full marketvalue on the dateit is received. IRA Charita-

ble RolloverGifts are a greatgift option forsomeone 70½and older. If youhave an IRA andhave not takenyour required minimum distribution, an IRACharitable Rollover gift is a great way for you to

change the life of achild through the min-istry of BCH and loweryour income and taxesthis year. This informa-tion is not intended aslegal advice. Check with your accountant,tax advisor or attorneyto determine the beststrategy for your partic-ular situation. Thankyou in advance for yourinvestment in the life of

a child. For details on any of these gift opportu-nities, please call Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442.

Hurry! Double your end-of-year gift before January 31, 2019_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Transforming children’s lives___________________________________________________________________________________________

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

I M P O R T A N TCall our office if you plan to make a stock

gift. Brokers may not inform us of the donorwho makes the gift. For questions aboutstock gifts or to expedite your stock gift, call Sam Barefoot at 336-474-1224 .

It’s fast and easy! Give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow 512/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

[ CHRISTMAS APPEAL }

$50 Christmas for one child! $300 A cottage holiday outing! $1,000 A large gift for a cottage!

$100 Christmas for two siblings! $600 Christmas for a cottage! $ ___________ Any size gift!

To make a gift by check, print your information below and mail this form with your check to: BCH, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361

Name ________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State ______ Zip __________ Phone ______________________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow or make your gift by phone using your credit card by calling Faith Frazier at 336-474-1312.

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

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

Twins Adam and Andrew, who came dirty, tired and sad because of the trauma they endured, were elated when

they unwrapped the new cowboy boots they requested for Christmas. Eight-year-old Joe, who scribbled only one item

on his Christmas wish list –– “one pair of socks with no holes” –– was excited when he received new socks and much more.

Jake, Robin and Sara, who were always hungry and wanted “turkey and dressing for Christmas just like on TV,” were served such

a delicious meal for first time. Siblings Elizabeth, Mary and Carly, who arrived on our doorstep in the freezing cold wearing

tank tops, shorts and flip flops, needed to experience a “Merry Christmas” and so much more. For those whose Christmas

have and will be made memorable, be assured, heads are bowed with thankful hearts. Your gift is critical in helping to meet

the needs of the children. Please make your Christmas gift now.

Subscribe family and friends to C&C at www.bchfamily.org/subscribe. 712/18 – Charity & Children – 131/116 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

Thanks given for Baptists’ faithful friendship________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

One Heart, Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) presenta-tion at the Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Conven-

tion of North Carolina, featured approximately 150people representing BCH’s many ministries. Below, MillsHome alumna Paulina Hanner presents her testimonywith BCH president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell and theaudience. Top L to R, Cottage parent Adam Saundersleads worship. Mercer Home resident Jeff shares his

love for NC Baptists. Harold Powell tells how NCBAMand church volunteers built a wheelchair ramp.

The audience at Monday evening’s general session of the Baptist State Convention Annual

Meeting grew silent as lights dimmed. A pulsatingsound of a heartbeat broke the silence becominglouder and louder reverberating across the darkenedroom.“We are many ministries that beat with one

heart,” Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) presi-dent/CEO Michael C. Blackwell exclaimed to thecrowd at the Koury Convention Center in Greens-boro on November 5. “Tonight, you are going tohear the heartbeat of this ministry. You are going to see the heartbeat of this ministry. And you aregoing to experience the heartbeat of this ministry.”Blackwell was joined on stage by approximately

150 children, special needs adults, aging adults, fos-ter families, and staff members for the presentation

entitled One Heart.“One thing these children all have in common

is trauma,” Blackwell preached. “They have hadheartache, they have had hurt, they have had hunger.But they have found a new hope in Jesus Christ andnew hope because of the goodness that Baptist peo-ple in North Carolina do with their own heartbeatministries.” During the presentation, individuals of all ages

took turns stepping up to the microphone. Eachspoke of the hope they have discovered throughBCH’s cottage homes, wilderness camps, foster care,ministry to aging adults, and homes for specialneeds adults.At one point, Blackwell asked Jeff, a special needs

adult who lives at Mercer Home in Sanford, to sharea “heartfelt word” to North Carolina Baptists.

“To all the people here, I love them from the bottom of my heart and God bless you all,” Jeff responded without hesitation. “You all aremy brothers and sisters in Christ across the greatstate of North Carolina.”Eighteen-year-old Ciara, who lives at Mills

Home in Thomasville, spoke of hurts she endured as a child and the success she now experiences including being academically at the top of her class.“I am a Christian who sees and understands that

all of this was God’s will,” she explained. “I am who I am today because of God and everyone He has placed in my life.”Mills Home alumna Paulina told how she over-

came her family’s “shattered” circumstances throughthe care of her staff and cottage parents. She recalledtearfully one particular evening when Bobby Dalke,

one of her cottage parents, comforted her during a low point in her teenage life. “He told me aboutthis amazing Savior who died for me. That night I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I remember that moment because I just felt so loved.”Today, the twenty eight year old is a licensed social

worker and behavioral specialist in the public schoolsystem working with middle school children.The presentation, that began with silence, ended

with a standing ovation and applause as Blackwellencouraged churches to collect generous Annual“Thanksgiving” Offerings.“For more than 30 years, I have seen Baptist

Children’s Homes programs and reports. The program Monday evening was phenomenal, one of the best ever,” Patricia Honeycutt shared. She isthe wife of Eddie Honeycutt, Senior Pastor of First

Baptist Church in Stanleyville. “The Holy Spiritmoved in a mighty way.”Blackwell’s evening was not over after BCH’s

program. Milton Holifield, Executive Director-Treasurer for Baptist State Convention of NorthCarolina, recognized Dr. and Mrs. Blackwell for 35 years of service to BCH during his annual address to the Convention at the close of Mondayevening. Holifield also presented roses to CatherineBlackwell who celebrated her birthday that day.Baptist Singers and orchestra were joined by the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to her.“This was a remarkable evening for the Baptist

Children’s Homes family as well as myself andKathy,” Blackwell said later. “We are honored, humbled and grateful for the faithful friendship of North Carolina Baptists.”

Bottom left, Lanier Home resident Beth shares that she is grateful for “caregivers who love me.” Center, girls from Camp Duncan help lead a camp-style version of “Jesus Loves Me” and“Amazing Grace.” Below right, Eighteen-year-old Ciara, who has lived at Mills Home her entire teenage life, smiles as messengers applaud her success. Middle right, Dr. Blackwell and wife

Catherine are honored by Milton Holifield, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, for their 35 years of service at Baptist Children’s Homes.

[ 2018 BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION }

8 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11 Keep up with NCBAM at www.facebook.com/ncbam

Shirley Carlsonchuckles recalling

her move to Asheboroin 2017. “We came toAsheboro thinking wewould slow down frommission work. But Godhad other plans!” Instead of narrowingher and husbandRoger’s callings, Godcontinued to expandtheir work and useevery bit of their knowl-edge, experience andpassion for His glory.For most of their

lives together, Rogerserved as a pastor. In1999, the couple be-came North AmericanMission Board churchplanters and later servedas Baptist Conventionof Pennsylvania-SouthJersey project coordina-tors for the Pennsylvania/North Carolina part-nership. They began volunteering with NorthCarolina’s Baptists on Mission in 2005 when Katrina devastated Gulf Port, Mississippi. Rogerand Shirley began as rebuilders — tearing out,mudding out, painting, or “whatever elseneeded to be done.” After Katrina,the Carlsons travelled from NorthCarolina to Mississippi every otherweekend for more than a year. “Weslept in churches, schools, and allkind of buildings. God gave us a heart for the area.”Since moving to Asheboro, Roger

became the pastor for Staley Baptist Churchand Shirley joined North Carolina BaptistAging Ministry (NCBAM) as a Call Center Specialist. Shirley muses, “This is the first time I’ve gotten paid for Baptist work ––well ‘financially’ that is –– we’ve always beenblessed.” Shirley sees her position at NCBAM asa perfect opportunity to use decades of ministryexperiences. “My work in the Call Center is acontinuation of my life’s passion to help people.”Shirley’s intimate knowledge of the aftermath

from disasters served NCBAM clients well whenHurricane Florence hit the coast of North andSouth Carolina in September quickly followed by tropical storm Michael’s blow to the center ofthe state. The Call Center has received more than70 hurricane-related calls to date. As a Call Cen-ter Specialist, Shirley was able to help. “I knowwhat it’s like for people who have just livedthrough a disaster. They need all kinds of help,but they also need someone to listen to what

they’ve gone through. I listened, prayed withcallers, and referred them to Baptists onMission groups, FEMA, andother agencies offeringshelter,

feeding units, or other sources of help in their areas.”Not content to minister only from afar,

Shirley took a week off from work at NCBAM to help in New Bern where Roger was assessingflood damage. “It was utter devastation — people were almost in shock not knowing whatto do. Seeing the yellow shirts of Baptists on Mission gave them hope. I just hugged people

and let them tell me their stories.”Shirley’s experiences in disaster relief

make her a strong proponent of one ofNCBAM’s newest workshops—DisasterPreparedness for Aging Adults. The workshops were developed because olderadults are typically disproportionately affected in disasters and other emergencies.For example, during Hurricane Katrina,seniors accounted for 74% of casualtieseven though only 15% of the population.NCBAM’s Disaster Preparedness work-

shops help churches plan, implement, andmaintain Disaster Preparedness ministriesfor their most vulnerable. Each workshopattendee receives an NCBAM Grab-and-Go bag that includes a list of suggesteditems to keep in it as well as other tips for being prepared for weather and otheremergencies. After years of volunteering in disaster

relief, Shirley knows too well the strugglespeople face in recovery. “So often peoplewait too late and are not prepared. Churches needto have a plan in placeto check on their

elderly members who are frail — whether it’s a huge disaster like

Florence or just localized power outages from ice storms. Preparation is so important.”To learn more or to schedule a Disaster

Preparedness training at your church, call theNCBAM Call Center at 877-506-2226.

[ MINISTRY OUTREACH FEATURE }

Life’s passion for ministry continues with NCBAM________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Carol Layton, NCBAM Director of Communications & Administration

Shirley Carlson, Call Center Specialist for NCBAM, relied on decades of disaster relief experience as she helped respond to the more than 70 hurricane-related calls that the Call Center received in

September and October. Below, Grab-and-Go bags include preparedness tips.

I’m happy to report that JohnnyConnolly was recently honored

to receive the President’s VolunteerService Award. The award is in acknowledgment of his fifteen yearsof work with the Benevolent andProtective Order of Elks. The Elks’many projects include working withVeterans, feeding the less fortunatein the community, helping adultswith special needs, working with the drug awareness programs, and the local backpack programs. After reading about the above

award, I asked Johnny for a shortbiography of his life since leavingMills Home (MH). He writes:“After I graduated in May, 1966, I moved to Taylorsville where myfamily lived and I began working in the printing industry with GulfStates Paper, manufacturer of fold-ing cartons for the food industry. In January of 1968, I entered theArmy completing my basic trainingat Ft. Bragg and AIT at the commu-nication school at Ft. Gordon, GA.In July 1968, I was shipped to Viet-nam where I was stationed in NhaTrang and worked in data commu-nications. I returned to the States in July, 1969 to finish my militaryobligation at Hunter Army Airfield,Savannah, GA. After the Army, I earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Management while continuing to work at Gulf StatesPaper. I spent 33 years there andthen established my own carpetcleaning company which I operateduntil retiring August of 2017. “My wife Lyn and I will celebrate

our 30th Anniversary on December30 of this year. We have a daughter,Leigh, son-in-law Aaron, and a won-derful grandson, John David wholive in Banner Elk. They are themain reason we retired to this area. My hobbies have always beenautomobile related. I love attendingNASCAR races and collectingCorvettes or Camaros.“I became involved with the

Elks in 2003 because of their workwith Veterans and other communityprograms. I have held both localLodge offices as well as state officesduring this time. I think that my

interest in working with the Elksprograms stems from my MillsHome life. I appreciate all of thosewho dedicated their lives workingthere, the many churches who sup-ported us with food and donations,and individuals that opened theirhomes to us at holidays. I enjoyedmy life at Mills Home and enjoykeeping up with my fellow orphansat Homecoming and in Charity &Children.”We were deeply saddened to learn

that our Alumni President SharonDehart Stiles lost her husband Parkson October 10. In all the years thatSharon has served on the AlumniCouncil, Parks has been by her sidehelping her and the Council withtasks. It was wonderful getting toknow such a kind man who gave so much help and love to so manypeople in Gastonia, to Mills Homeprojects, to his church, and to thosewhere he and Sharon served in mission work. He was a dedicatedChristian, loving husband, father,and grandfather. Condolences maybe sent to Sharon at 1588 ElkhartCircle, Gastonia 28054.Last month’s Alumni Column

carried the sad news that RebeccaJacobs Malone lost her husbandMike on August 18 after a very shortbout with cancer. They were justmonths away from celebrating 50years of marriage. Mike and Beckihave three children, eleven grand-children and six great grandchildren.Mike was a great out-doorsman, a wonderful husband, father, andfriend. He always used his vacationtime to make sure Becki could return to visit Mills Home. His lifewas honored on August 22 with fullmilitary honors. Send condolencesto Becky at 804 Caldwell St., Piqua,Ohio, 45356. Becki’s short biography reads:

“l came to Mills Home on Decem-ber 5, 1955 along with three olderbrothers: TR, Bobby, and Sidney andone sister Marie after our dad passedon September 1955. Our motherpassed away 10 months later in July1956 while we were on summer vacation. Life at Mills Home wasgood, although I do have the sadmemory of being severely injured

in that terrible bus accident in Feb-ruary 1957. I left MH in 1965 andmoved to Ohio to live with our old-est brother TR. I graduated in1968from high school in Troy, Ohio. I soon after met my wonderful, lov-ing, caring husband, Mike, whom I married December 22, 1969. Wehad three children, Scott, Mike, andCari, and we now have 11 grand-children and six great grandchildren.We are a very close knit family andare very lucky to live near eachother. Mike retired 10 years agofrom BF Goodrich Aerospace wherehe worked for 42 years. l am luckyto have been a domestic engineer(stay at home Mom). I love familytime and I especially enjoy playingcards with family and friends. I alsolove hearing from my MH familyand Thomasville friends. AlthoughTR and Bobby have passed away,Sidney and Marie live here in Ohio.Feel free to call me on my cellphone at 937-418-3712.”The update sheet for David Price

shows him still to be living at 2075Williams Hwy., Grants Pass, OR,97527. Folks can also contact himat cdaveprice@yahoo.com. It seemsDavid reconnected with severalalumni around the time Sally BeckFerguson set up the Mills Homewebsite and it seems also that Davidmade it back to a Homecoming dur-ing that time. That was also the timeDavid’s brother “Doc” Hansel Pricewas working with Dusty Jenkins tokeep the website a crazy, rollickingfun time. Even though we have lostDoc and David’s sister Dawn sincethen, it is good to hear from David.David came to MH in 1945 withsiblings Dawn and Doc and they allstayed until their dad was able toclaim them and reunite the family.David is married to Linda Joyce andthey have four children, five grand-children and two great grandchil-dren. He is active in the work forceas an independent insurance agentand as a pastor. He has fond memo-ries of life at the Simmons Cottagewith Grace Battle Jenkins as hishousemother. He also has fondmemories of his last trip acrosscountry for Homecoming. Othermemories David mentioned were

waiting in front of the cottage forthe Mills Home school bell to ring.As soon as it rang, they all set off in a fierce race to see who could getto the school first. Those were theyears that the MH school was stillon campus in the Central Buildingto which the church was attached.(the church and school sat on thesame spot as today’s beautifulchurch building.) David also veryvividly remembers his 5th grade yearwith a vibrant red headed teacher.

Dr. Lynn Neal Giddens is good tokeep us apprised of her whereaboutsthough she is a “master of brevity.”Her update sheet shows her still tobe in Chapel Hill, NC, 27315 withP.O. Box 4153. She came to MillsHome from Chapel Hill in 1965and left in 1966. She works in thefield of education and is a psycholo-gist, hence the title of “Dr.” Sheteaches internet classes for CentralVermont University and Lee Uni-versity in Cleveland, TN. She has a son named Devin who is preparingto enter law school. With just a littleresearch, I found a book written byLynn: Adoption Reunion SurvivalGuide: Preparing Yourself for theSearch, Reunion, and Beyond. Thatsounds very much like a book manyof our MH cohorts might find use-ful. In a very pleasant conversationwith Lynn, I learned we share ac-quaintances with some of the samepeople such as Sharon DeHart Stiles,Vicki Jones Huffin, and the late MaeArnder. Lynn has very fond memo-ries of Mrs. Arnder because of herkindness.We are happy to know that

Brenda Gantt has battled and beatena serious illness we learned about on Facebook several months ago.And the proof that it is true lies in a beautiful photo on Facebook(Oct. 25, 2018) of her and her newhusband Richard H. Kerr engaging ina kiss that brought a lovely weddingceremony to its close. Congratula-

tions to Brenda andRichard!

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

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alumnus wins national volunteer service award ––Alumni report on lives since leaving Mills Home_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni 912/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

10 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11 Discover ways to help at www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved.

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

_______________________________Christmas Begins at Broyhill Home

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas atBroyhill Home in Clyde. Children at Frizzel-Hig-don Cottage have already decorated thebrightly-colored tree in their living room._______________________________Cameron Boys Camp

Rangers from Cameron Boys Camp embarkedon a 10-day trip along the Appalachian Trail inVirginia. They hiked to the top of McAfee Knob.

_______________________________Guatemala Orphange

The Good Shepherd Children’s Home, BCH’s af-filiate orphanage in Guatemala, continues tooffer a safe refuge to children in the poverty-stricken region. Soon, a new cottage called theWestmoreland Family Children’s Home willopen offering additional care._______________________________Odum Home

Kiwanis of Robeson County recently aided chil-dren at Odum Home in Pembroke. The groupdonated coats, blankets and canned goods._______________________________Kennedy Home Hurricane Relief

More than 250 volunteers of all ages assistedwith hurricane relief projects for “Friends ofChildren” at Kennedy Home in Kinston on No-vember 10. One additional workday has beenscheduled for Saturday, December 8.

_______________________________Camp Duncan

Pioneers at Camp Duncan created a first for thegirls residential wilderness program in Ab-erdeen. The girls designed an umbrella-shapedtent at their campsite. The girls, who build thetents, worked together to realize their design.moving fallen trees and restoring campsites._______________________________Mercer Home for Men

Volunteers from First Baptist Church in Sanfordrecently assisted at Mercer Home in Sanford.The group helped the men and staff memberswith packing and moving temporarily while thehome was painted and new flooring installed._______________________________Community Support

Broyhill Home received a donation from anevent sponsored by Beverly-Hanks & Associ-ates, REALTORS in Waynesville.

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

Christmas at Kennedy Home(KH) is always special. For

years, churches and friends havecome on campus to sponsor festiveparties, some for a cottage whileothers like Woodmen of the Worldprovide a huge celebration foreveryone. One year while I was serving at KH, the group had a very special guest visit during their party –– professional baseballgreat Jim “Catfish” Hunter!

Freddie Hines was one of my KHyoungins way back when. I was look-ing in a Charity & Children fromNov. 11, 1979, and I saw a greatpicture of him in his football uni-form (No. 74). The caption read:“Could you get past this man?” Freddie was one of my choir

members. He was one of the boyswho loved to go camping on theback of the KH property. The articlewent on to read: “Teams which haveopposed the JV football team ofNorth Lenoir High School that year (1979) found that KH residentFreddie Hines doesn’t give upground very easily. A sophomore,Freddie starts at offensive and defensive tackle for the Hawks. It must be an effective combination,as the team rolled to victories in itsfirst seven games and Freddie wascredited with two fumble recoveriesand countless tackles. At school, heis also active in the Future Farmersof America serving as historian forthe organization. He is one of twostudent representatives on the pulpitcommittee at KH Baptist Church.”The reason I’m sharing this is

that Freddie’s son, Joshua, was recently presented with his USASouth Conference championshipfootball ring. Our Freddie musthave taught him all he knew! Congratulations, Joshua.

Jerry Dunn from the 70s wroteme a note that made me feel ex tragood. He writes: “Mr. Thompson, I remember you many years ago trying to teach me to play the piano.My fingers were too short but I took lessons. You were alwaysgood to the kids. You even took me camping back on the farm.”

On weekends when the childrenhad off-campus visitation, many hadno where to go and stayed at KH.So, I took them back on the farm tosleep in a tent or in the old “sketterhut.” At times, we even had a sleepout in the old cow feeding barn ––my wife Becky even went with uswhen we slept in the cow barn. Sheloved all the youngins just as muchas I did. She always said she wasn’t “called

by the Lord” to be a houseparent,but she would go into the cottagewith me to stay when some of thehouseparents were gone for a weekat a time for training. She was an excellent “fill-in” housemother.This next part of Jerry’s note

made me feel like I was in the rightplace at the right time when Beckyand I served the Lord at KennedyHome. Jerry wrote that he believesthere is a “special place” for me inHeaven for all I did for him and theboys like him. That really touchedmy heart –– thank you, J erry. It’s not too early to mark your

calendars. Homecoming is on June1-2, 2019. You may wonder whyI’m mentioning 2019 Homecomingso early? But I want us to try tohave the largest attendance we havehad in many years. By now, allalumni should know that Home-coming has been changed to thefirst weekend of June. So, now is theright time for you to plan on attend-ing and even make your room reser-vations. (Those who travel stay in amotel or with KH friends.) The Alumni Executive Commit-

tee will be meeting in February toplan for next year’s Homecoming. If you have some suggestions, pleasewrite or call Alumni President KatieParker. She would love to have yoursuggestions. This past year, I wrote about

some of the remarks that alumni hadto say about the 2018 Homecom-ing. Debbie and Gary Caulder, fromthe 70s, wrote a very good letterabout KH Homecoming last year. “Homecoming 2018 started off

with a sad note when we all receivedword that Doris Powers had

passed away. Doris was a remarkablewoman. It was evident by the trib-utes during her funeral. She calledthe alumni for KH her family andthat was also shown by the numberof KH people that attended visita-tion and her funeral service. “Another alumnus who was

always present with her family andtook a very active position until her health prevented her was ShellyLang. Shelly would always greet thealumni at the table in the gym witha big smile and ‘Hello! How are you doing?’ “John Russ preached a fantastic

sermon. I love a ‘teaching’ preacherand I think all of us in attendancewill remember his sermon ongrace –– and we learned a newGreek word: charis. I think weshould keep John on our list for future Homecomings.“You never know who will return

each year and we hope more peoplewould make plans to come back. Ifyou know you are coming, let JohnThompson know and maybe he canput it in the C&C. Peggy Hensley,Shelia Suggs, Donna Woodruff, Barbara Branch, Judy Caulder, TimRuss –– just to name a few, wouldlove to see more friends from theirtime spent at KH.“Gary and I want to give a huge

thank you to the KH staff for wel-coming the alumni back with openarms with good food, “cool” roomsin which to eat, socialize and dance.The alumni had a great time gettingto know the children who presentlylive at KH.“Hopefully, this coming year

they can join us old alumni in somefun activities. Ronnie Matthewsserved as DJ and set up his equip-ment in the gym for dancing. Hisbrother, Stanley tried to teach someline dancing but it ended up as a comedy skit to those watching.Stanley could shimmy and shake but was unable to teach some of us those skills. “Let me encourage you to

bring some items to use as bingoprizes for this coming Homecom-ing. Those playing bingo had

a great time. “Gary and I also want to give

a tremendous shout out to John and Becky Thompson and DorisRuss. Participation in the choir is always fun when you have Johnleading the music with Ms. Russ on the keyboard and Becky playingthe piano. We need to show our appreciation and support to ourbrothers and sisters like Donna andlet her know how much we love her.She has a beautiful voice and lovesto share it. “Jeff Garvey called Gary on

Sunday morning before we left forHomecoming and asked him toshare his phone number with thealumni (386-414-0560). Jeff hadpneumonia and was unable to at-tend. Many people were taking pic-tures, but Larry and Brenda Gilliamtook more than 650 pictures andposted them for all to enjoy. “If you are reading this article it

is because John Thompson took thetime to beg all of the alumni to takea few minutes and write him. Pleasedon’t think others are not inter-ested, they are. Please write or callJohn. Or do like Donald Wethering-ton did and stop by and visit John in Jacksonville.”Thank you Debbie and Gary for

this letter. Stanley Matthews was the very

first KH youngin Becky and I met in 1972 when we moved on cam-pus. Stanley helped paint our apart-ment. He did a great job and was sofriendly to us and made us feel rightat home. Please e-mail or write me as

Debbie suggested. I need informa-tion about your stay at KH or whatyou have been doing since you left. As always, Becky and I want to

thank you for loving us. We loveyou a whole bunch. See you at KH

on June 1-2. – jt

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Son carries on alumnus father’s football talent ––Help make the 2019 Homecoming best ever!_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 1112/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

Read more at #Homeword or www.bchfamily.org/charityandchildren.12 12/18 – Charity & Children – 131/11

It is hours before daylight. We riseearly and load the family into

the mini-van. Our oldest Kyle andyoungest Mary take the last seat whiledaughters Jenny and Amie arrangepillows in the middle seat. Kathy andI hope everyone goes back to sleep. A few streets later, I turn onto

Interstate 20 and prepare to put somedistance between here and there inthe early hours of morning.Only minutes later, three-year-old

Mary’s sleepy voice tells her brother,“Look! There are so many trucks!How many trucks, Kyle?” “It’s night time, Mary Frances.

Go to sleep.” “Okay, I’ll count them. One, two,

three, four. . . Wait. One, two. . .Wait. One, two, three, four. Kyle,what number comes next?” No an-swer. “Okay. One, two. Wait. Kyle,they’re going too fast.”“Shhh. Please go to sleep.” “Do I count the ones that are

stopped? Kyle, do I count the trucksif they aren’t moving? One, two,three. Wait.” “Mary Frances! Stop counting!”“Four, five.” “Dad! She has to stop counting!”

In the rear view mirror, I see my soncover his head with a pillow. Twelve hours later, we reach our

destination. There is laughter. Thereare fun times. A good journey.While serving Baptists, I have

enjoyed traveling to churches sharing

the story of ministry. In Louisiana,long before GPS, I twisted andturned along many back roads in the dim light of dusk, wondering if I was on the right path. Sometimes, I followed cars with people who just“looked Baptist,” reasoning theymust be on the way to church, too!I traveled along satsuma groves

on roads that ended at the Gulf ofMexico. I watched rice fields burningas I traveled to Lake Charles. I slowed down to gaze at the horsesgalloping in acres and acres of lushpastures just north of Lake Pontchar-train and zigzagged along narrowone-lane roads through bayou country where mist would almosthide the way if it were not for thebright lights strung along the frontporches I passed. I remember the tiredness leaving

me as I would drink in the sightsalong the way. “Joy in the journey,”the poets call it. I can attest to it.Each November, I now crisscross

North Carolina visiting churches,telling the story of hope and healingfor children and families. Thanksgiv-ing is the perfect time to tell of God’swork, and these Tar Heel roads havetheir own charms as I go along my way. I memorize road signs ––

Possum Ridge is a favorite. Earlier, in Watauga County, I pass TurkeyFoot Lane. There is Irish PotatoRoad just a hop, skip and a jumpfrom Tater Ridge. In the west, themountains shoot up behind everyturn. The land flattens out going

east dropping off into the AtlanticOcean. It feels as if the wind is alwaysat my back.At every destination, I meet people

even more fascinating than the sights,and I come home refreshed everytime, energized from being withthose who love the Lord. Journeys. They start and stop all

the time. I have learned that there is great joy to be had in the going.But I would disagree that the gettingthere dims in comparison. The hopeof what awaits upon the arrivingkeeps me moving forward. From the moment I gave my heart

to Jesus, I began on a path towardthe promise of heaven and unity withChrist, and while there have beenmoments of grandeur in this world,the end promises to be beyond spectacular. Jesus told his disciples, “And if I

go and prepare a place for you, I willcome back and take you to be withme that you also may be where I am.”For those who trust Jesus, our

destination is eternal life in Him, andwe wait our whole lives to reach thatjoyous conclusion. In the meantime,let’s count it all gain to be about the

work assigned to us. One, two, three. . .

[ #HOMEWORD }

Living the journey to a glorious destination______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Edminson writes to encouragereaders with personal anecdotes of home life. He is available for

preaching and speaking engagements. Email him at wjedminson@bchfamily.org to schedule a date.

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