Bethlehem journey leads to place of hope

Is there room in your heart this Christmas for children who are making their journey to Bethlehem? Will you be the star of Bethlehem lighting the way for boys and girls? Will you be the light leading them from darkness to hope and healing?

The journey to Bethlehem was a trip that forever altered Mary and Joseph’s lives. Bethlehem was a place the young couple had to travel to because of the Roman occupation of their country. It represented a dangerous journey with no assurance they would even find a place to stay once they arrived. It was a dangerous journey – one they were forced to take with no guarantees.

Bethlehem also represented something else. The journey for Mary and Joseph was a journey toward fulfillment. It was a journey of faith and a journey toward God’s possibilities. No doubt it would be a struggle, but in the end it would be worth it.

Breanna’s life had been a roller coaster of ups and downs – sadly, more downs than ups. She had lived a life fearful for her mother’s safety due to her lifestyle of drug abuse. Her fear became reality when her mother overdosed on heroine. Foster home after foster home made Breanna feel lost as her world continued to be turned upside down. She was forced to grow up all too fast.

But since coming to Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH), Breanna is now on her road to Bethlehem.

Because of substance abuse in the family, Natalie lived with her grandparents. Her father died when Natalie was 16 – it was a very difficult time for her. She came to BCH hurt and angry.

Natalie is on her road to Bethlehem.

Trevor was bullied by the other kids in school – he was spit on, kicked and beaten. He often found himself in trouble and overwhelmed. Trevor did not want to go to school, he did not want to leave his house. He became one of the hidden children. But things were tough at school, too. He and his sister often found themselves hungry and in line at a nearby food kitchen.

Trevor is on his road to Bethlehem.

Two days before Christmas, Sam and Seth, 5-year-old twins walked through the doors of one of our emergency care cottages. They came from a situation where they had to struggle to survive. The sparkle in their eyes was gone. But at BCH, loving arms wrapped them with the warmth of God’s love – offering His peace and hope.

Sam and Seth are on their road to Bethlehem.