Seasons of Summer

There is just something about it that makes it all worthwhile. Watching life begin to shine anew in eyes that have been dulled by a hopeless childhood. The transformation always energizes our caregivers. This summer is not exception. Watching a child go off to work and sense that they are important and contributing in their summer job. Watching another go off to horse camp for training that will facilitate healing and build confidence. Some participated in the Arts and Worship Camp sponsored by New Hope Church. I sat and cried as I saw a young man in a speaking role at their final performance. When the audience applauded their appreciation, more healing happened in that moment than years of talk therapy could resolve. Dozens have scaled the Alpine tower; hiked the trails of the Smokies; visited lakes and rivers to swim and picnic; not to mention visiting Dollywood, The Wilderness Resort, Wonderworks, Nascar Speedpark and other attractions. Beyond that we have watched several children make professions of faith. Praise the Lord for his continued grace and mercy upon our children. And more thanks than words can express to those who make it possible.

For Jo Ann, myself, Bob and Wanda Maggard and Don Baker, June was an exciting month. We traveled to fourteen different state campmeetings. Jo Ann and I visited eight state and regional meetings personally; participating in 20 different services, presentations, and luncheons; traveling over 5,000 miles. We were the keynote speakers at the Kentucky Women’s Ministry Awards Luncheon. The group will never forget Jo Ann’s Spider Story. We also participated in Women’s Day at the Delmarva Regional Campmeeting and the South Georgia Women’s Ministry Awards Luncheon. It is always wonderful to meet and share the stories of The Children’s Home with those who make it possible. Several Women’s ministries used our visit to present support checks. We feel so privileged to represent our staff who wade through the trauma and pain of past hurts in the lives of the children we serve. While the trip was amazing it brought something special into focus for me.

Before leaving on the tour, I spent a good amount of time working with a couple of young men. The behaviors generated by the horror-story past had left them at the mercy of bleeding emotions. During times of stress there would be an eruption of their woundedness. To say that they were struggling would be and understatement. However, over the month as staff ministered to them with genuine love and consistency, a slow transformation began to take place. Observing our caregivers as they model the balance of representing truth and acting in love and nurture; they bring hope and healing. Upon our return, they were preparing to step-down to lower levels of care. They are truly learning to live in a different way. Our Caregivers join our children in refusing to let their future be defined by their past. This is accomplished as we live with them one step at a time, one day at a time until hope and healing comes.

It is awesome to see the dreams that the enemy would love to kill, begin to materialize as our children learn to dream and hope again. Thank you for your support!