Thank you for the love and prayers you have showered

Yesterday, July 16th, I attended the Celebration of Life service for Ted Lanier. Ted was 90 years old and lived a life striving to imitate Christ in everything he did. However, Ted would not want too much attention placed on him—he was a very humble man—but would place the attention on the loves of his life: his Lord and Savior, his wife Peggy, his family, his church, and his community. Ted's business accomplishments were many, but his caring for others was even greater. Ted loved Baptist Children's Homes and Peggy will continue to share that love for our ministry. Ted served on our Board of Trustees, chaired our capital campaign to build our two IDD homes in Sanford, and chaired our Sandhill's regional division of our Sharing Hope Changing Lives Campaign. I learned so much from Ted's business insight, but even more from his spiritual walk.

As I sat in the church reflecting on my friendship with Ted and Peggy, a feeling of extreme gratitude to God came over me, gratitude for Ted, Peggy, and the hundreds of friends God has placed in my life during the twenty-six years I have had the privilege to serve at Baptist Children's Homes.

It is hard to believe that it was twenty-six years ago when I was blessed to become a part of the team. It has been an amazing journey. One of the best parts of the journey has been Ted and Peggy Lanier and you! Yes you! You have walked each step of this journey to care for God's precious and most vulnerable children in North Carolina and beyond. You have prayed with us, you have cried with us, painted cottages with us, provided Easter baskets for thousands of children, you have collected clothes and food to provide the most basic of needs of those in our care. You have provided amazing Christmas parties unlike anything our children had ever experienced. You have given at times when it was a real sacrifice for you. You have blessed this ministry over and over again. Whenever I would wonder about where the next gift would come from when funds were tight, you were there. Most importantly, thousands have heard the Gospel and accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. There are thousands today saying, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed." THANK YOU!

Each month for twenty-six years, you have welcomed me into your home, allowing me to share my heart through this column. Some of my favorite memories during this time have been witnessing how God has used you! THANK YOU!

I have written this message to you several times during my 26 years here. A message of gratefulness beyond measure. Whenever we have faced challenges, God was already at work in the hearts of His children—you, our dear friends, our family. In those moments, God used you to fill the void. God used you to make up the deficit!

I am grateful beyond words to you for walking this twenty-six-year journey with me. Through the years, your "what can I do to help" calls, notes of encouragement and most important your prayers have meant the world to me. THANK YOU!

As I continue to reflect on the love you have shared through the years, I am reminded of a young boy locked in a closet who was rescued to experience freedom—freedom that only comes from God. I am reminded of a young girl whose mom had been charged with 52 counts of abuse who is today a beautiful mom who spends her days as a nurse caring for others. I am reminded of a young girl who had been abandoned by her mom, who is today giving back as a school counselor. I am reminded of a family of six who walked through our doors feeling hopeless, broken by poverty and substance abuse who found a place where they could experience hope, restoration, recovery, and self-sufficiency. I am reminded of three brothers living in their car with their father struggling with a drug addiction who became clean and was able to once again give them a home. You have helped to walk these very difficult steps on this journey with each child, each family on this sometimes—most times—very messy, dusty, muddy road. THANK YOU!

I am so grateful for the opportunity over the past twenty-six years to personally witness God at work every day through our amazing staff who have given their hearts so unselfishly to care for those God has given us to give care. Through the years, I have shared with you that I truly believe these are my children, children God has entrusted to my care, but you have also heard me say that I truly believe these are "your" children God has entrusted to your care.

In James 1:27, we read, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." You have heard God's call through this passage and traveled this journey. THANK YOU!

I am beyond grateful to have personally witnessed hundreds who have been able to let go of their painful past and ask Jesus into their hearts. THANK YOU!

You have overwhelmingly been faithful. You have impacted thousands of lives. You have impacted my life in ways that words could never express how thankful I am for you. I count you as a very special gift in my life. You have reminded me over and over of the meaning of Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." THANK YOU!

I take this opportunity to say thank you and to let you who have been so faithful to go with me on this journey know that I am retiring. Your next question is probably when? I do not have an exact date at this time—I expect sometime this fall. Our leadership is in the process of seeking a person to serve as the next Chief Development Officer.

I ask you to be in prayer as they strive to discern who God has prepared for this position as they plan for the future. I have committed to stay until they have filled the position.

Again, thank you for the love and prayers you have so generously showered on me through this journey you have walked with me, run with me, and, at times, sat, listened, and prayed with me.

I would love to hear from you, so feel free to reach out to me over the next couple of months.

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