Christmas is perfect time to remember God's faithfulness
Gift giving at Christmas is big. It is estimated that on average nearly $1,000 is spent on gifts per person in the United States. And if all goes well next year, more presents will be bought––with as much if not more money being spent. Every year, the newest trending gift skyrockets sales. The “newest” model replaces last year’s “older” model and last year’s must-have gift becomes passé.
But the gift that never goes out of fashion and truly “keeps on giving” is the gift of salvation. It never tarnishes. It never needs a newer edition.
“On July 6 last year, I asked God into my life,” Megan confides. “It is the greatest gift I have ever received.”
Helping to lead children to Jesus has been at the heart of Baptist Children’s Homes’ mission since 1885.
Those who support this 135-year-old ministry know their gifts not only provide all the necessary things to create a loving home, but their gifts make an eternal difference.
This past year was filled with many challenges. But in the midst of all that happened, stories of hope and victory transpired at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) and ended up on the pages of Charity & Children. God has been faithful. Have your heart lifted while reading a few of the most encouraging of 2020.
Nathen and Tylor arrived at BCH with few belongings and little hope. The brothers were homeless because of their mother’s struggles and the boys had no father to depend on for help. Janina DeHart called BCH about the same time the boys arrived. She and her husband, Mark, wanted to become BCH foster parents.
A year later, the DeHarts became the foster parents for the two brothers. On October 24, 2019, Nathen and Tylor were adopted by the DeHarts.
A short time later on a beautiful sunny afternoon, family and close friends gathered on the bank of a mountain river to watch Mark, assisted by a pastor at their church, baptize his two sons.
God was working all the time to bring this family together.
Cruz and Betty Porter prepare peanut butter fudge––17-year-old Cruz’s favorite.
A college freshman, he needs to know how to make the treat for himself.
“This is a must,” Cruz laughs. “Of all that I need to be ready for college, this may be the most important. You never know when I’ll have a craving.”
According to cottage mom Betty, Cruz has changed so much since coming to BCH. His confidence has increased. Cruz has grown into a successful young man––a leader among the boys in his cottage, a high school honor student, and an exceptional musician.
Cruz affirms his growth at Broyhill Home in Clyde. “I had no idea that I would accomplish so much,” he reflects.
Cruz auditioned and gained a spot on the “Pride of the Mountains Marching Band” at Western Carolina University where he is a freshman.
“Being here, with Betty and Will Porter and the other boys, I feel like I’m home,” he says. “This is my family.”
God has worked to give Cruz a bright future and a supportive family.
Dave and Charlotte Cline serve at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Roxboro where Dave is pastor. The couple felt God leading them to become foster parents.