Alissa's boxes told the story

In Doug Lawson’s book Give to Live, he shares a wonderful story which exemplifies the true meaning of giving. The tale so vividly reminds me of our ministry here at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH), I had to share it.

When William was five years old he developed Von Recklinghausen’s disease.

Tumors covered his small body. At age 12, his parents died leaving him to face this physical nightmare alone. As a teenager he was subjected to cruel rejection. To numb his pain he turned to alcohol and drugs.

His desperation led him into crime. By the time he was 21, Willie was in prison. Rejected by the inmates, he spent his days in solitary confinement.

Dr. Darrell Davis heard about Willie. He offered to perform an experimental, new surgery to help Willie. Sixteen operations later, Dr. Davis came to Willie’s cell with a brightly wrapped gift on the inmate’s birthday. Davis’s patient tore the paper away and found himself looking into a mirror. Looking back was a face free of tumors. He began to weep, reached his arms around Dr. Davis, and the men hugged.

Willie’s life changed immediately. He returned to society and began a new life. From then until his death, Willie was known as an outstanding citizen – always reaching out to others with a helping hand.

There are so many Willies in the world, and many of those BCH serves are like Willie.

But unlike Willie, their infirmities are hidden. Their grief and despair are buried deep inside, trapping them in darkness.

Like Willie, some