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.
Teryn fell in love with the beautiful red bejeweled gown. She reached for the hanger and taking it from the rack, she was smitten. It was dazzling.
“I was on the field that night as one of the Homecoming Queen finalists,” Teryn remembers. “When the first runner up was announced and it wasn’t me––I couldn’t breathe. Then my name was called.”
When Teryn entered foster care at age 13, becoming Homecoming Queen was far from anything she could have dreamt.
“I never knew my father,” she says, “and my mother’s life fell apart. This was not what I wanted. It just happened and I was scared, sad and mad––all wrapped up together.”
Teryn recalls when she was told that she was going to live at Mills Home. “All I could think about was ‘what is happening to me’.”
She says she didn’t talk to anyone at first.
“I remember everyone being great, but it didn’t matter. I was afraid.”
Teryn’s fears turned to acceptance. “I got into a routine. It was summer and there were activities––fun things to do and I began to make friends.”
One day last fall, she came home from school with the idea of running for Homecoming Queen.
Teryn put together a campaign and her cottage parents, case manager, and other staff members pitched in and helped wherever they could.
“It made me feel really good when everyone came together to help me,” Teryn says. “To be where I am today––looking back from where I was only a few years ago––it is truly amazing.”
Teryn is hopeful and is working hard.
“I never wanted to be in a group home, no one would,” Teryn says. “But it has been good for me. God has given me an incredible future. There are days when I need to pinch myself to remind me it is all real.”
God has transformed Teryn’s life. She credits God for His faithfulness in everything she does.
You can help make a difference in the lives of other children with similar stories that are served by BCH. Give immediately at www.bchfamily.org/givenow
Article is written by Jim Edminson, Charity & Children Editor