Someone is hurting, and you can make a difference

This will be my last column.

My husband and I embarked on this journey 50 years ago as houseparents and God has been opening doors for me to care for the least of these in many ways and in many places throughout these years. My journey brought me to Baptist Children's Homes (BCH) 26 years ago. It has been amazing, and THANK YOU for walking with me.

In one of my first columns, I shared this conversation between two friends:

Friend 1—"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, abuse, and injustice when He could do something about it."

Friends 2—"Well, why don't you ask Him?"

Friends 1—"Because I'm afraid God might ask me the same question."

Across North Carolina, children and families desperately need our help! Everyone needs a safe place where they can deal with the trauma that can engulf one's life. It is important that there is a place to experience the hope, grace and love of a Savior—a place where they can heal and grow to be all that God intends for them.

When the children and families come to BCH, they feel overwhelmed by the feelings of rejection, frustration, sadness, and fear. All, at one time or another, feel they have no hope. And because of this deep hurt, many bury their grief deep inside and are trapped in darkness. Sometimes they try to escape through alcohol and drugs. Sometimes the pain is so intense they become suicidal.

Each day, we are confronted with children and families whose problems are becoming more and more complex. Each day we face many new challenges and we are called on again and again to pick up the pieces of these precious broken lives.

Friends 2—"Well, why don't you ask Him?"

Friends 1—"Because I'm afraid God might ask me the same question."

God does ask us the question. There are several scriptures that have guided God's call on my heart to answer the question and care for the least of these.

In John 21:15-17, we encounter a conversation between Jesus and Peter: "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

Love me and take care of my sheep.

In Matthew 25:37-40, we read: "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

In James 1:27, Jesus commands us to care for the widows and the orphans. Throughout God's Word He tells us to care for each other and shares His heart to care for the children and all who are the "least of these."

Perhaps you have felt God calling you to minister to one of the "least of these"—to help pick up the broken pieces. Our children come hurting and in need of healing. They have gone through more pain than most people encounter in a lifetime and they have life experiences far beyond their years. Many of our children feel broken and they are desperate for a loving, healing touch.

In Japan, a potter will prize a cracked or broken pot beyond all others. They are known to fill the cracks with gold and put them in places of honor. It is their belief that the broken or cracked vessels went through more difficult times just to exist and are cherished.

Many of our children could identify with being broken or cracked.

They are waiting for someone who will pick up the broken pieces of their lives. They are looking and hoping for someone like the potter to enter their lives and fill the hurt with love, patience, hope, encouragement, guidance, and support—just like the potter uses gold to fill the cracks.

Will you hear God's question to you? Will you hear God's answer? I believe that YOU and I as the church are the answer.

How can you make a difference? Consider working where you can serve. Consider being a houseparent or a foster parent. Consider being a catalyst in your church to build a culture of orphan care. Consider being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Let us come alongside your church to support you in caring for the least of these in your community.

BCH sheds a light on the mission field in your community and throughout North Carolina. The mission field is all around us. The question remains, "Do you love me?" His direction is the same, tend My sheep and "whatever you did for the least of these—you did for Me."

For 140 years. BCH has been the arms of Jesus, reaching out to children and families and blessing them in His name. With your help, we will continue to be here to offer hope to these special boys and girls and their families. We will continue our mission to enable each child and family to find healing through Christ's love. Thank You!

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcome Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not Me but the one who sent Me."

There are many ways you can help this ministry reach a hurting world. You could help with a work project by volunteering. Consider being a Christmas sponsor. Lead your church in collecting "a mile of pennies" or giving through this year's Annual Offering or making a special year-end gift in honor of someone special in your life. The most important way to begin your support is through prayer. Become a prayer partner. For more information on how you can volunteer and be involved in this life transforming ministry, contact Kristyn Butts at 336-943-3862.

Written By Brenda B. Gray, Executive Vice President, Development & Communications