January is a month of new beginnings. As we begin this new year, it is also a time of reflection on the old year. It was a difficult year as we were faced with many challenges. However, as I reflect on the past year I am reminded of the many blessings and miracles God has bestowed on us. Those blessings provided new beginnings for those we serve— they provided hope.
So many of those blessings came wrapped in your love and your prayers. Your encouragement and support touched our hearts and the very core of our being. We could not do what we do each day without you.
Your gifts provided a home for a mother of three small children that had been living on the street.
Your gifts provided cottage parents to console and care for a sibling group of three who discovered their parents after a drug overdose.
Your gifts provided hope for a fourteen-year-old mom and her precious baby boy.
Your gifts provided a safe refuge for two young children left in the cold overnight.
Your gifts provided a forever home for 41 babies adopted this year.
Your gifts provided medical care for a precious four-year-old boy in Guatemala who weighs less than 20 pounds.
Your gifts provided sanctuary for a young girl whose mother is in prison.
Your gifts provided family for two sisters. Ciara and Erica came to us as young teenagers after living in abuse and losing their mother to a drug overdose. Ciara will be a first-generation college graduate in December and Erica will graduate from college in May.
Your gifts provided joy and excitement as our children opened gifts on Christmas morning.
Your gifts provided home and family for 52 intellectually/developmentally disabled adults.
Your gifts provided freedom for hundreds of senior adults through the gift of wheelchair ramps.
Your gifts impacted 84,029 community family members and children who were struggling with food insufficiency and family crisis. You helped provide them the stability they desperately needed.
Your gifts gave us the opportunity to share the Gospel message of the ultimate gift – Jesus. Last year 316 asked Jesus into their hearts. Over the past five years, 844 lives have let go of their painful pasts by accepting Christ as their Savior.
Because you gave, lives were transformed and changed—new beginnings were made possible! I am so grateful for your many acts of caring and generosity.
A new year brings new commitments. I am not talking about the usual resolutions—exercise more, diet to lose weight, etc. I am asking you to continue your commitment to be a part of changing our world one child at a time and one family at a time. I am asking you to take time to enjoy the gift of God’s grace in your life and determine to continue to share it with others.
This year as you begin to plan how you will make a difference through your giving, please know that your financial support is critical to our being able to help those who so desperately need our care. This year we are opening five new homes— four for foster care and one for transitional living. We have numerous cottages that need painting and maintenance upkeep. (Volunteers are always needed to help with these projects.)
Our Every Child foster care program and our adoption program are experiencing substantial continued growth. There are so many children and families in need. Our ability to make all of this happen is dependent on your prayerful support. Thank you for helping us be able to continue, with confidence, offering many opportunities for new beginnings.
The challenge gift that was issued in October is still open. Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to our $300,000 challenge.
January is Make Your Will Month. Did you know the majority of Americans die without a Last Will and Testament? Whether you name BCH to receive a portion of your estate, or not, it is important to put your wishes in writing. Planning allows you to determine what assets go to specific people, ministries, or to your church. Always discuss your options with your attorney as you prepare or update your will. Remember, your planning now will provide new beginnings for the “least of these” for years to come.
During some of my recent visits, a number of our supporters shared with me how they had remembered BCH in their wills. You have heard the old saying, “Where there is a will there is a way.” Yes! Where there is a will there is a way to provide new beginnings for those most vulnerable and in desperate need. Throughout the years, BCH has been blessed by many dear people who understood that all we have belongs to God. They believed in tithing and wanted to continue their tithe and gifts even after their passing. These gifts have helped to undergird our ministry for decades.
If you have remembered us in your will, we would appreciate your sharing this information with us by calling or emailing. If I can be of any service to you, call me at 336-689-4442 or email
God will not forget the love you have shown Him as you have helped children and continue to help them in the coming new year. Thank you for providing new beginnings in Jesus name!
NOTE: Through the Matching Gift Challenge, your gift is doubled between October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Your investment in children's lives is matched dollar for dollar making twice the impact.
Written by Brenda Gray, Executive Vice President, Development & Communications