April_2014_Layout 1 - Baptist Children`s Homes of North Carolina

[ “Comfort involves acceptance.” – Blackwell }
[ “We find God’s blessing in our sewing ministry.” – Pullen }
Charity &Children
127/3
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4/14
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And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina
Ice Storm Disaster Recovery Fund established. (page 4) Sedrick continues his quest to walk again. (page 7)
Ice storm causes extensive damage
___________________________________________________
By Jim Edminson, Editor
C
hildren really never understand the
magnitude of a storm – snow is snow, rain
is rain, and ice is ice. That is until they have lived
through the loss of lights and heat for days, seen
the sight of massive trees brought to the ground
like match sticks, and experienced the reality of
food that was once good to eat, now spoiling in
warm refrigerators and freezers. A storm then
is something to dread and endure.
Most of the children at Mills Home in
Thomasville slept in the early morning hours
of Friday, March 7, as the freezing rain began
to coat electrical wires and trees around Baptist
A severe ice storm struck on Friday, March 7, battering Mills Home in Thomasville and leaving a trail of damage and children’s
cottages without power. Clearing debris began only days after and there is now a need for skilled volunteers to help with the
repairs. The cost of recovery is estimated to reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. (See more photos on page 3.)
Children’s Homes’ oldest residential campus.
But eyes opened wide from slumber as children
were startled by tree limbs popping and whole
tress crashing to the ground.
It is at these times that the presence of caring
and reassuring cottage parents and staff is vital.
“Our cottage parents and staff are among
the finest you will find at any child care organization across the country.” BCH president/CEO
Michael C. Blackwell said. “During this time of
crisis, no one lost sight of keeping the children
our top priority.”
Days after the storm, power was restored and
the arduous task of recovery began.
“One of our Family Care homes was hit by
a tree,” Blackwell said. “Trees and limbs blocked
roads and driveways and tore down power lines.
The most substantial losses occurred because of
the extended power outage. The large supply of
food stored in the walk-in freezer at the campus
food locker as well as perishable food kept in
cottage refrigerators and freezers was lost.”
Baptist men and church volunteers have
quickly assisted in the clean up. There is now a
need for food, grocery store cards, and financial
donations. (See page 4 for more information.)
[ MY THOUGHTS }
Acceptance key to achieving dreams –
Being comfortable with oneself is starting place.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO
P
rominent Swiss physician and psychiatrist Paul Tournier gives great insight
on how accepting oneself can spell the
difference between a victorious life and one
lived in shallow misery. In The Meaning
of Persons, he tells a story of two patients
who lacked healthy self esteem.
The first was a highly successful
politician whose appeal and charisma
had carried him to a string of victories at
the ballot box. Though outwardly full of
charm and confidence, his private actions
revealed a much different nature. He
confessed feeling so timid that his hands
shook violently whenever he shared
a cup of tea with a small group of friends.
The second patient was a forty-year-old man
who felt so insecure that his mother accompanied
him to Tournier’s office. Nervous and fidgety,
he sat on the edge of his chair throughout their
initial interview. However, over time, doctor and
patient developed a basic trust. To his surprise,
Dr. Tournier discovered the soul of an adventurer. Though the man dreamed of heroism,
daring deeds, and voyages to distant lands, he
was ineffectual. Because he had not accepted
himself and embraced the idea of taking action
to realize those dreams, he remained tied to his
mother by an invisible cord.
Unlike these individuals, feeling good about
oneself begins by understanding that all people,
because they are created in God’s image, are worthy to be accepted – by themselves and by others.
Accepting self means we not only reach for positive self esteem for ourselves, but we also help
others to achieve acceptance of themselves. We
do this not by writing a best-selling book, becoming a famed motivational speaker, or selling
a million videos on the successful life. No, we inspire others to accept themselves simply by seeing
them as people of significance and value. Life
runs at its best when people treat others with
honor and respect. Poor relationships with others
injure both parties’ feelings. It dims all hopes of
success in businesses, friendships, cooperative
ventures, and families.The one who treats people
SELF ESTEEM = ACCEP
behavior. You will
never know the joy
God intended for
you to have if you
stay mired in
the quicksand of
negative, defeatist
thinking. Sure,
periodically we all
struggle with fears
and anxieties, but
we must remember
that God designed
each of us with
particular gifts and
a plan for us to use
those gifts to fulfill
His purposes in
the world. While
complete fulfillment
is a lifelong quest, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our journey. The
One who was with us in the beginning will be
with us to the end.
• Be comfortable with others. This is the fruit
of the previous pair of comforts. The person at
comfort with his or her body and spirit has no
compulsion to lash out at others. Those who are
comfortable with their body and spirit no longer
need to project their discomfort onto the world
or onto others. They no longer need to hate,
discriminate or hurt others.
Positive Self Esteem = Acceptance = Comfort.
There is a right way to order our lives so that
we are not constantly tangled and adrift but moving forward with purpose. The level of comfort
we feel about ourselves plays a huge part in how
we make our way in this world. It is important to
remember that we are not totally mature until we
can accept ourselves and know the comfort that
comes from realizing we have been
created intentionally for God’s glory.
TANCE = COMFORT
poorly suffers in other ways.
A man or woman constantly at odds with others
reaps a harvest of loneliness, or at best a grudging acceptance by others. The pain may simply be
felt inside, with the individual ill at ease with self.
By hurting others, such people hurt themselves.
Do other people speak unkindly, make dumb
moves, and fail in their endeavors? Sure. But
so do you.
Accepting yourself or having a positive self esteem means making allowances for shortcomings,
just as others make allowances for ours.
To complete this picture of acceptance, I offer
the word comfort. Learning to accept yourself is
grounded in your ability to be comfortable with
your body, your spirit and with other people.
• Be comfortable with your body. Do you
find yourself frequently wishing your body were
a different type, size, shape, or color? To be at
peace with your body requires a faith-full acceptance of your body type. Most people cannot be
supremely shapely or muscular. Yet, most of us
can develop the awareness that the body is not
something to fight but to accept and value.
Because of its intricate nature and creation, it is
a thing of beauty. Comfort involves acceptance.
• Be comfortable with your spirit. Many dwell
on lack of fulfillment in their lives, on certain
weaknesses, sins or faults. That is self-defeating
Michael C. Blackwell leads the ministry with vigor
and enthusiasm. He has served as president of Baptist
Children’s Homes since 1983 and has a record-setting
30-year tenure.
Charity & Children – Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.
Michael C. Blackwell, publisher; W. James Edminson, editor ( wjedminson@bchfamily.org ); J. Blake Ragsdale, managing editor ( jbragsdale@
bchfamily.org ); Carol Layton, proof reader and special contributer; Marcia Housand, account clerk. Charity & Children (ISSN 0009-1723-09
USPS 100-460) is published 11 times a year for friends and supporters of Baptist Children’s Homes and is printed at Triangle Web Printing,
Durham, NC. It is mailed by Excalibur, Winston-Salem, NC. Circulation: 62,000 seven times a year, 30,000 four times a year. Periodicals
postage paid at Thomasville, NC, and at additional mailing offices. For free subscription, or to be removed from the mailing list or make
address correction or change, write circulation manager Karen Fincher (using the above address), email her at kfincher@bchfamily.org or
call her at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at www.bchfamily.org/contact/index/charityandchildren . POSTMASTER: Send change of address
to Charity & Children, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.
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4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
More news and events at BCH’s redesigned website – www.bchfamily.org
[ 2014 ICE STORM RECOVERY }
Damage and loss costly –
BCH begins recovery
___________________________________________________________________________________________
F
allen power line poles needed to be replaced,
trees needed to be cut off buildings, and debris littering the Mills Home campus needed to
be hauled away. Within days of the ice storm that
hit Thomasville, the power company, professional
crews, North Carolina Baptist men, and groups
and individuals from churches as far away as
Marion in the west and Whiteville to the east
were on hand to bring normalcy back. The financial impact also included the loss of thousands of
dollars of food. To learn more, see page 4.
Work began only days after a severe ice storm hit Mills Home in Thomasville on March 7.
Damage was extensive and is estimated to take as long as eight weeks to get everything
back to normal. Professional crews as well as volunteers are tackling the task – no area of
BCH’s oldest facility was left unaffected.
BCH Friend Celebrates 100th Birthday
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New VBS Video!
W
inston-Salem resident Wava Howard
celebrated her milestone 100th
birthday in March. Baptist Children’s Homes
president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell visited
her residence on February 24 to extend birthday wishes in person.
Mrs. Howard’s late husband, Roger “Ed”
Howard, was a Baptist Children’s Homes’
alum. He came to Mills Home in Thomasville
in 1905 along with his two siblings.
“She seemed very excited to see me, but
I guarantee I was the one who was excited,”
Blackwell said. “It was so inspirational to
spend time with her. She’s a remarkable lady.”
Mrs. Howard doesn’t show any signs
of slowing down. She actively attends First
Baptist Church in Winston-Salem where she
is a longtime member.
Baptist Children’s Homes president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell
presents Wava Howard special flowers in honor of her 100th
birthday. Roger “Ed” Howard, Mrs. Howard’s late husband,
grew up at Mills Home in the early 1900s.
Your VBS can be a part of
the misson to help BCH’s
boys & girls!
Download the
video, activity
sheet and Mile
of Pennies guide at
www.bchkids.org
s.org
www.bchkid
____________________________________________________________________
Broyhill Home BBQ Festival on May 10 – Visit www.broyhillBBQ.org
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
3
[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }
Children safe –
Now friends
needed to rally
________________________________________________________
By Brenda B. Gray
Executive VP, Development & Communications
W
hen I face one of life’s storms, I find
myself singing this song I learned many
years ago: “Till the storm passes over, till the
thunder sounds no more, till the clouds roll
forever from the sky. Hold me fast, let me stand
in the hollow of thy hand, keep me safe till the
storm passes by.”
On Friday March 7, the song returned to
my mind and I sang it prayerfully as a major ice
storm fell upon Mills Home in Thomasville.
I awoke around 6:30 to the sound of limbs
popping and crashing to the ground. I looked
The severe ice storm that struck Friday, March 7 at Mills Home in Thomasville is estimated to cost the nonprofit tens
out my bedroom window to witness the campus
of thousands of dollars. The cost to replace perishable food that was lost, building repairs and massive cleanup efforts
covered by falling branches and uprooted trees.
puts an enormous stress on Baptist Children’s Homes’ financial situation. A special Ice Storm Disaster Recover Fund
I witnessed Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH)
has been established. Most of the cottages on campus escaped damage.
oldest campus being covered by a thick coat of
Johnson Cottage. Johnson became command
power, but the hearts were warmed by singing
ice. Power went out at 7:00 a.m. and I was concenter
where
warmth
could
be
found
and
hot
hymns and encouraged by God’s word.
cerned about the children, the staff, and family
showers
were
available.
Gathering
together
and friends in the area being impacted by
As I write this column, the Mills Home
was encouraging as all made the best of a bad
the storm. And I began to pray.
campus has thawed out, but we are still waiting
situation.
for power to be restored. Because BCH owns
Throughout the day, the
For the boys
the power lines on campus and is responsible for
sounds of the trees crashing as
and girls who
their maintenance, repairs will be costly. In addithey hit the ground continued.
PRAY
call BCH home,
tion to the cost of repairing the downed lines,
One crash was close by – too
for the children, staff members, volunteers,
storms and
all perishable food has been lost and some buildclose. I heard the sound of glass
and others impacted by the storm
trauma are not
ings were damaged by fallen limbs and trees.
breaking and rushed to see if
unfamiliar. In fact
a limb had fallen on my car.
During hard times, our friends always amaze
the children are
Instead, a limb was protruding
GIVE
me as they rush to our aid. Please pray as we
too familiar with work to overcome the effects of this storm. Don
through the window in the den.
to the Ice Storm Disaster Recovery Fund.
sorrow, grief and and Sam have worked diligently to get the streets
The damage across this historic
pain. It has been clear and to have power restored. But to get back
Make
an
immediate
impact
by
giving
online
place was widespread. Trees
a part of their
to where we were before the storm is going to
fell blocking roads. Phone and
at www.bchfamily.org/givenow
lives – the trauma be a costly endeavor and threatens to put an
power lines were lying across the
of living with
enormous stress on our financial situation.
ground. As the storm ended late
VOLUNTEER
addicted parents, Will you help?
Friday afternoon, Mills Home’s
the trauma of
by calling Sam Barefoot at 336.474.1224
maintenance chief Don Ramsey
Please consider making a special financial gift,
abuse and abanand BCH’s Senior Vice President
above what you already give, to help us meet this
donment, the
Sam Barefoot were assessing the
challenge. Send your gift to: Ice Storm Disaster
trauma
of
hunger
and
bullying,
and the trauma
damage.
Recovery Fund, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC
of darkness caused by the loss of innocence. They 27360 or give online at www.bchfamily.org to
Word came as darkness draped Mills Home
come to us devastated by relentless storms.
immediately make an impact.
that all the children were safe and the cottages
Baptist
Children’s
Homes
staff
members
stand
were spared damage. Night brought an eerie
If you have questions or need more informaready to be the arms of Jesus offering comfort to tion on how you can be a part of helping chilblackness. Darkness can be frightening for
every child. During this time of crisis I witnessed dren and families survive the storms in their lives,
many children, especially children who have
suffered hardships and trauma. Many often need cottage parents offering reassurance and making
please call me at 1-800-476-3669 or email me
the children feel safe and loved. It is their mina night light just to be able to sleep – yes, even
at bbgray@bchfamily.org.
teenagers. When it was time for bed, the children istry to stay close till the storms pass. They are
May God hold you fast and keep you safe
there constantly reminding the children that they
dutifully made their way to their darkened
through every storm of life.
rooms only to re-emerge with pillows and covers are not alone, reminding them that God is there
in the midst of the storms.
in hand urgently asking their cottage parents if
Brenda Gray’s passion is children. She serves BCH
Sunday morning, everyone at Mills Home
they could camp out in the living room.
as the executive vice president, development &
gathered to worship. The church located at the
communications. Gray directs all fund-raising/
Saturday was a beautiful day and hopeful.
center
of
the
campus
was
cold
and
without
friend-raising activities for the state-wide services.
Of all the cottages, only one had power –
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4
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
Leave a legacy. Vist www.bchfamily.org/plannedgiving
[ 2014 EASTER APPEAL }
RISE
Help children
from the darkness!
Your gift this
Easter puts HOPE
in their reach.
As we celebrate Jesus’ Ressurection, you
can help Baptist Children’s Homes’ boys and
girls rise above their heartbreak. So many of
the children are dealing with the pain of being
abused, neglected or abandoned. Your Easter
gift makes it possible for caring staff members
to bring healing by sharing the love of a Savior
who knows about their suffering.
75 BCH residents
put their hope in Christ last year.
This Easter, please help others know
this same hope by making your
special gift today.
Go to www.bchfamily.org/givenow or
mail your gift using the form below.
Use the
enclosed
envelope
or clip
and mail
coupon to:
This is my Easter gift. Please use it to help children.
 $25
 $50
 $100
 $300
 $ ______________ Any size gift!
Name ________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State ______ Zip __________ Phone __________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________
BCH
P.O. Box 338
Thomasville,
NC 27361
Credit Card Option:  Visa  MC Name on card: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Signature: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Must have Credit Card Expiration Date: ____________  Contact me with information on how to prepare a Christian Will.
Three-digit security code (on card back): ___ ___ ___  I have included Baptist Children’s Homes in my estate plans.
____________________________________________________________________
Give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
5
[ BAPTISTS VOLUNTEER }
Sewing circle
blesses children
of Guatemala
________________________________________________________
By Carol Layton, C&C Special Writer
T
here was one thought that kept Carrie
Pullen busy cutting, sewing and trimming
hundreds of colorful little dresses for two years –
“Can’t you just imagine the smile on a little girl’s
face when she receives a new dress.”
The pillowcase-style dresses are decorated with
lace, braid and rickrack and have created smiles all
around the world – in India, Ethiopia, South
Africa, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and most
recently at the Good Shepherd Children’s Home
in Xela, Guatemala. The home in Xela is an affiliate of Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) and
serves the children of the indigenous Quiché people of Guatemala.
Pullen and other crafty members of the Ernelle
Brooks Circle at Rosemary Baptist Church in
Roanoke Rapids are among the many North Carolina Baptists who have joined with BCH to bless
impoverished and abandoned children in
Guatemala.
North Carolina Baptist Carrie Pullen and the women of the Ernelle Brooks Circle have sewn nearly 1,000 dresses for little
girls living in third-world countries in the past two years. Pullen can be found at her kitchen table, above, adding touches
of lace, braid and rickrack to brightly colored dresses. The Circle recently donated a suitcase full of girl’s dresses and cloth
bags they made. Below, missionary Darcy Moon in Guatemala holds one of the dresses the group sent.
dresses that there is no need to use a pattern. The
simple design of the garment makes it suitable as
a dress on a young girl or a top on an older one.
Pullen usually sews at her kitchen table, but
sometimes the Circle takes their machines to a
spare room at their church and spends the day
sewing together. The women always pray for the
little girls who will wear the dresses and who they
will never meet.
Henry plans a trip to Xela in early summer and
will take more dresses. If you’d like to help Carrie’s Circle keep sewing for the children in Xela
and other parts of the world, fabric and trim do-
nations can be sent to Rosemary Baptist Church,
attention Ernelle Brooks Circle, at 936 Jackson
St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Pullen’s Circle began with the idea to sew 50
dresses for a member’s niece who was going on a
mission trip to Haiti. “After we made 50, we decided to go for 100. Later, we connected with
other missionaries and hit 500. We’ve now made
980 dresses – plus school bags.” Pullen is grateful
for the support the Circle receives, “We couldn’t
do it alone. People have been generous to donate
fabric and trimming to us. We find God’s blessing
in our sewing ministry.”
The connection between Pullen and BCH
began with a chance encounter at a conference
attended by Pullen’s daughter, Andrea Woodell
Eason, and BCH’s chief operating officer Keith
Henry. Henry won a door prize from Eason’s
company and as the two visited, Henry shared
about BCH and its new outreach to Guatemala.
Henry remembers, “When I told Andrea about
the orphanage in Xela, her eyes lit up. She said,
‘My mom’s a Baptist. She and her Circle make
dresses for third-world missions.’”
A few weeks later, Henry received a suitcase
packed with 100 dresses and 50 cloth bags made
for holding school supplies. Henry remembers,
“That suitcase could not have held one more
dress. It was like it was vacuum-sealed. I took a
few out to show my wife and we had a time getting them back in – we both noticed the love and
care that was put into every item. The school bags
are lined in different colors of cloth.”
Pullen and her Circle have sewn so many
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4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
HopeFest benefit for wilderness camps on May 24 – Visit www.hopefestnc.org
[ MARSHVILLE DDM HOME }
Sedrick taking
steps forward
_________________________________________________________
By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor
S
edrick is accustomed to the feel of a hard
floor against his body. As a boy, he had no
choice but to lay on his stomach and pull himself
across the floor with his arms. “Scooting,” as
Sedrick describes it, was the only way he could
maneuver.
Sedrick was four years old when he was
severely abused and neglected. A resulting brain
injury not only caused developmental challenges,
but it robbed him of his ability to walk. His feet
turned abnormally inward, and the boy could no
longer stand flat-footed. Despite his condition,
Sedrick was even denied the wheelchair he
needed.
“At the place I was a long time ago, I had to
scoot everywhere,” Sedrick describes, his brow
furrowed. “I was left alone in the house. I was
not getting fed. I was sleeping on the floor every
night.
“Nobody cared –
LOVE
LOVE
that broke my heart.”
in action fills
But Sedrick’s cruel
every page.
childhood experience
could not break his
spirit or steal away his contagious joy. Today, the
28-year-old receives the care he needs at Stegall
Home in Marshville. There, he is surrounded by
his compassionate caregivers and “brothers.”
“I love my group home.” Sedrick says. “Mike,
Ronnie, David, Carey, and Billy who live with me
– they are my brothers.”
Stegall Home for men is one of nine group
homes for developmentally disabled residents
administrated by Baptist Children’s Homes
(BCH) statewide.
Unlike when he was
a child, Sedrick has
good reason for spending time on the floor
at Stegall. Sedrick had
surgery to correct the
issue with his feet. He
now exercises on the
floor with the help of
trainer Sheryl Pressley.
Pressley began working with Sedrick oneon-one in December
2013. The exercises, including push-ups, leg lifts,
isometrics, and abdominals, are strengthening
Sedrick’s legs and upper body.
With the help of Pressley and Stegall Home
staff members, Sedrick is realizing his dream
to walk again.
“He’s always so excited about the exercises.
VIDEO
See Sedrick walk!
Watch him work
towards his dream
in this 2 1/2 minute
video. View it at
www.youtube.com/
ncbch
Sedrick is realizing his dream to walk. At Stegall Home in Marshville, one of nine groups homes that are a part
of Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Developmental Disabilities Ministry, the 28-year-old is taking his first steps since
childhood. Above, Sedrick walks 225 feet per day with the assistance of Innovations trainer Sheryl Pressley. Below,
Pressley directs Sedrick in a series of floor exercises five days a week to strengthen his legs and upper body.
He does everything I ask him to do and never
complains,” Pressley says. “Sedrick does everything with joy.”
Pressley is known as an Innovations worker.
Through Medicaid funding, the North Carolina
Innovations Waiver (formerly the Community
Alternatives Program for Persons with Mental
Retardation/Developmental Disabilities) is
a resource for funding services to support people
with intellectual and related developmental
disabilities.
Five days a week, Sedrick completes a routine
of floor exercises with Pressley’s guidance. He
also spends 30 minutes each day in a stander. A
stander supports
Sedrick in an
upright position
creating the best
position for him
to strengthen
his legs. Sedrick
builds up his
hand muscles by
squeezing and
shaping dense
balls of putty.
Through the
aid of Pressley,
Stegall Home
staff members,
and a conventional walker, Sedrick is now taking steps for
the first time since he was a young boy.
“My legs are getting stronger.” Sedrick
exclaims. “I am blessed because I can walk.”
Pressley provides extra physical support for
Sedrick when he uses his walker. One of his
fellow Stegall residents is always close behind
with Sedrick’s wheelchair in case it’s needed.
“The guys here love helping each other,” Pressley notes. “Everyone works together in love.”
Sedrick exercises in his bedroom and then
walks to the stander located in the living room.
He then returns to the bedroom walking a total
of 225 feet per day.
“I’m proud of myself,” Sedrick beams. “I feel
strong.”
Pressley and Sedrick have formed a close bond
in their short time together. It’s not uncommon
to hear them singing along with Gospel music
while exercising. For Pressley, being at Stegall is
an answer to prayer.
“The Lord brought me here,” she says. “What
I’m doing for Sedrick is nothing compared to
what my working with him has done for me. My
life has been changed by being at Stegall.”
And so has Sedrick’s. “I don’t have to think
about scooting anymore. My Savior is so awesome.”
____________________________________________________________________
Find the Developmental Disabilities Ministry at www.hereismyhome.org
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
7
[ FOOD ROUND-UP }
Needs list
April 2014
________________________________________________
B
aptist Children’s Homes (BCH)
serves as many as 700,000 meals
and snacks every year. Providing for the
daily needs of boys and girls is no small
task. This year’s Food Roundup is slated
for April. Now is the time to begin gathering
your food and nonperishable items. Questions?
call Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277.
Most Needed Items (Bold):
__ Canned Fruits
__ Paper Products (Towels,
toilet paper
__ Household cleaning
products (i.e. bleach,
Comet, Lysol, Windex,
Pinesol, Pledge,
Tilex, etc.)
__ Fruit Juice (Apple,
Orange, Grape,
Cranberry)
__ Laundry Detergent
__ Bottled Water
__ Dry Cereal
__ Spaghetti Sauce
__ Pasta (Spaghetti, Lasagna,
Macaroni)
__ Canned Tomatoes (diced,
sauce, paste)
__ Pancake Mix and Syrup
__ Soups (All types &
condensed)
__ Sugar (Granulated &
Brown)
__ Splenda
__ Popcorn, Kettle Corn
__ Apple Sauce
__ Fruit Pie Filling (Cherry,
Peach)
__ Beverage Mixes (Tea, Tang,
Kool-Aid, Lemonade, Cider
Mix - All Sugar Free)
__ Bottled Water
__ Vegetable Oil, Shortening,
Olive Oil, Pam Cooking
Spray, Bakers Choice
__ Canned Sweet Potatoes,
Canned Yams
__ Canned Meats (pink
salmon, tuna, roast beef,
chicken - packed in water)
__ Stuffing Mix
__ Gravy Mixes
__ Hamburger Helper (all
types)
__ Pickles (Sweet & Dill)
__ Refried Beans
__ Hot Chocolate Mix
__ Snack Foods with & without
sugar (Fruit Rollups, Fruit
Cups, Beef Jerky, Cheese
Nips, Pretzels, etc.)
__ Health Snack Foods (Dried
Fruit, Nuts, Raisins,
Cranraisins)
__
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__
__
__
__
__
__
Individual Cookie Packs
Jello
PopTarts
Rice
Instant Potatoes
Banana Muffin Mix
Bisquick Mix
Kidney Beans
Baked Beans
Pickle Relish
Cranberry Sauce
Mac & Cheese
Corn Meal
Jiffy Mixes, Corn Muffin
Mix
Potatoes
Hush Puppy Mix
Peanut Butter
Jelly, Jams, Preserves
(Strawberry is their
favorite)
Pizza & Pizza Dough Mix
Saltine Crackers, Ritz
Crackers, Graham
Crackers
Sauces (A-1, Steak, BBQ,
Texas Pete, Cheese,
Worcestershire)
Spices and Seasonings
(including Salt & Pepper)
__ Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet and
Sour Sauce
__ Dishwashing detergents
__ Laundry pre-treating
products (i.e. Shout, Spray
and Wash)
__ Brooms, Mops, Scrub
Brushes, Dust Pans
__ Foil and Plastic Wrap
__ SOS Pads
__ Fabric Softener (Dryer
Sheets)
__ Sanitary Pads & Tampons
__ Hand Lotion
__ Shampoo
__ Body Wash
__ Soap
Other Needed Items:
__ Brownie & Cookie Mix
__ Canned Vegetables
__ Hot Dog Chili
__ Coffee (Regular & Decaf)
__ Coffee Creamer
__ Sweetened Condensed Milk
__ Evaporated Milk
__ Flavorings (Vanilla, etc.)
__ French Fried Onions
__ Honey
__ Ketchup
__ Mustard
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
Oatmeal
Parmesan Cheese
Puddings, Pudding Cups
Salsa
Vinegar
Paper Products (Cups,
Plates, Bowls, Plastic Ware)
Copy/Printer Paper
Trash Bags (large & small)
Zip-Loc bags (Sandwich,
Snack, Quart & Gallon Sizes)
Band Aids
Rubbing Alcohol/Peroxide
Razors
Shaving Cream/Shaving Gel
Dental Floss
Hair brushes
Deodorant
Conditioner
Tooth Paste
Tooth Brushes
Diapers (Sizes 3’s, 4’s, & 5’s)
Baby Wipes
Bug Repellent
Wasp/Hornet Spray
Sunblock 30+
Batteries (AA and AAA)
Disposable Gloves (Latex &
Non-Latex)
Additional info:
Gift Cards are greatly
appreciated to buy perishables
and items not received. (i.e.
Wal-Mart, Sams Clubs, Food
Lion, Lowes, Ingles)
We can use all size cans,
however most campuses
prefer #10 cans (family size).
Please check for expired dates
on food.
Please help our volunteer
truck drivers by packing your
church’s donations in small,
sturdy boxes.
Items we are constantly
running out of are canned
fruit, fruit juices, cereal, paper
towels, laundry detergent,
deodorant, cleaning supplies,
shampoo and conditioner.
For more information contact
Alan Williams at 1-800-4763669 ext. 1277 or awilliams@
bchfamily.org
Collection points ready to receive Roundup donations
Alexander Association
Burnt Swamp Assoc.
Dan Valley Associaiton
Haywood Association
Mount Zion Association
Rocky Face Association
Stone Mountain Assoc.
West Chowan Assoc.
Ken Lambert/Lari Stucky
828-632-6546
Odum Home - Kathy Locklear
910-521-3433/910-318-3981
Dr. Randy Cash
336-342-2207
Broyhill Home - Linda Morgan
828-627-9254
Kelly Stutts
336-226-0249
Tony Daniels
828-850-2267/828-632-4726
Britton Ministries – Peggy Taylor
252-209-0294
Anson Association
Cabarrus Association
Dock Association
Johnston Association
Neuse Association
Rowan Association
Baptist home Church
Wanda Call
336-902-8171
Barbara Kendall
704-694-2790
Marvin Tyson
704-786-9171
Al Gore
910-640-0801
Kennedy Home – Brenda Hinson
252-522-0811 ext. 4410
Cindy Key
704-637-3407
Stony Fork Association
Ashe Association
Caldwell Association
Eastern Association
New River Association
Sandhills Association
David Blackburn
336-846-5631
Dale Fisher
828-758-4081
Glenna Devinney
910-347-3146
Patty Lunday
910-947-2238
1. Theresa Bradley
910-799-1160
2. Northside BC
Debbie Capps
910-791-6053
Atlantic Association
Carolina Association
New South River Assoc.
Sandy Creek Association
Rachel Dupree/David Phelps
252-447-4593
Dr. Sandy Beck
828-216-3459
Robert Ivey
910-485-8791
Nancy Evans
919-776-9423
Avery Association
Catawba River Assoc.
1. Donna Landis/
Sandra Winstead
910-293-7077
2. Grove Park BC
Shelley Wiggins
910-592-3937
Johnston Comm. College
Carolyn Tharrington or
Kelton Hinton
919-934-3749/919-965-9450
Sandy Run Association
Marlene Houk
828-437-0137
Debbie Williams
252-443-3883
Marvin Green
828-245-2613
Beulah Association
Catawba Valley Assoc.
Pee Dee Association
South Fork Association
Wilma Foushee
336-364-2338
Woodlawn BC (Call First)
Mike Daughtrey
828-464-6921
Flat River Association
Lanell Moree
910-895-5282
Faith Ingle
704-735-1642
Piedmont Association
South Mountain Assoc.
Cheoah Association
French Broad Association
New Hope BC
Gerald & Nellie Phillips
828-479-8279
Dru Moore
828-689-2845
Rebecca Newlin
336-275-7651
Don Willis
704-462-4472
Pilot Mountain Assoc.
South Roanoke Assoc.
Chowan Association
Karen Taylor
336-759-7622
Nancy Porter/Annie Leslie
252-426-9621
New Hope BC
Gerald & Nellie Philips
828-479-8279
1. Baptist Grove BC
Jonell Hardy
919-552-8592
2. Gourd Springs BC
Andrew Austin
910-436-0276
3. Lillington BC
Patricia Brown
910-893-9151
4. Westfield BC
Marian Honeycutt
910-892-2216
North Roanoke Assoc.
Garland Huneycut
828-733-6674
Macon Association
Polk Association
Columbus Association
Greater Cleveland Assoc.
Cindy Bohner
828-524-3215
Hubert Street
828-894-3787
1. First BC, Wilson
Max Liles
2. Association Office
Linda Franks/Phil Frady
252-756-4332
1. Martha Schmidt
910-642-2155
2. Chadbourn BC
Theresa Powell
910-654-3992
Charles Reid
704-482-3472, ext. 106
704-477-7584
Metrolina Association
Raleigh Association
South Yadkin Association
Angie Wolff
704-375-1197
Iris Woodard
919-231-3995
Greater Gaston Assoc.
Mitchell Association
Randolph Association
Fairview BC
Paul Hill
704-872-4246
Betty Hamilton
704-867-7257
Daniel Whetstine
828-765-9412
Drema Hill/Steve Sells
336-625-4175
Green River Association
Montgomery Association
Robeson Association
Teresa Sams
828-286-9278
Helen Williams
910-572-2451
Alan Taylor/Mary Lynn Davis
910-738-8186
Bladen Association
Bruce & Wendy Cannon
910-862-3496
Blue Ridge Association
Sharon Blanton
828-559-0685
Brier Creek Association
Sherry Mesimer
336-468-8000
Brunswick Association
Michael Clemmons
910-754-7979
Brushy Mountain Assoc.
Lois Woodie
336-838-4407
Buncombe Association
Norma Melton
828-252-1864
Cullom Association
Larry McElreath
252-257-4513
Elkin Association
Bill Davis/Lisa Green
336-835-8433
Becky Curran
919-693-2300
Graham Association
Liberty Association
Mills Home – Charlotte Beck
336-787-5892
Little River Association
Stanly Association
Betty Pate/Libby Hartsell
704-982-8338
704-982-1033
Roy Grider
828-295-3410
Surry Association
Sylvia Chilton
336-789-5701
Tar River Association
Dougald McLaurin
919-496-7172
Tennessee River Assoc.
FBC, Bryson City
Judy Cloninger
828-488-2679
Three Forks Association
Barry Nealy
828-264-4482
Transylvania Association
Nancy Kilpatrick
828-877-3203
Truett Association
Mitchell Shields
828-837-5401
Tuckaseigee Association
Gracella Morris
828-586-6011
Wilmington Association
Yadkin Association
Brenda Garner
336-679-8731
Yancey Association
Harvey Sharpe
828-682-2388
Yates Association
Hopevalley BC
Teresa Dotson/Michael Bond
919-489-3396
Help? Call Alan Williams at
1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277.
Visit Food Roundup online
at www.bchfamily.org/
support/foodroundup or
at www.bchfamily.org. Click
on “Support Us” and then
“Food Roundup” located in
the bottom right corner.
Union Association
Jean Rollins/Bessie Benson
704-283-8383
United Association
(Drop at Metrolina Assoc.)
Angie Wolff
704-375-1197
____________________________________________________________________
8
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
Download flyers, ads and the video at www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup
[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }
Tales of houseparents attest to their faithfulness,
life at Mills Home was filled with activities
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By Lib Smathers Johnson, 5612 Bledsoe Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 299-7412 libsjohnson@triad.rr.com
I
mogene Hoyle tells me that she remains in contact with MH staff
members Randy& Diane Stewart and
Andrea Walker. She recalls her own
work at Baptist Children’s Homes as
challenging but she loved her years
there. She lives with her son John and
his family and that keeps her busy.
She is thrilled that her grandson Tanner is preparing to enter GardnerWebb University when he graduates
high school this year. She and the
family go to Cincinnati to visit Stan
as often as possible to “keep him
straight.” She is also kept very busy
with activities at Flint Hill Baptist
Church and volunteering in a store
recently opened by Hospice.
Imogene Hoyle also mentioned
that Ruth & Perry Hutchens now live
in Caroleen, near Shelby. They both
suffer from health issues with Perry
still relying on treatments for cancer.
Ruth is not well either but remains
her jolly, pleasant self. Ruth and Perry
ran the Family Resource Center after
Bill & Louise Sisk retired
A great update note from Gene
Staton says, “I lived at Mills Home
from 1955-1964. I grew up with
some of best people in the world.
I feel that I am very blessed to have
had the privilege to live there. I have
very fond memories of friends I grew
up with. I will not attempt to name
any of them for fear of leaving someone out. I try to remember only the
good or important events during my
time at Mills Home. I recall working
on the farm, swimming (especially
late night), the valley, skating around
the tennis court, the pretty girls, and
all the good friends. Mostly, I am
thankful for the Christian values that
were instilled in my life. I had the
privilege of serving in the U.S.
Army – serving a year of that time in
Vietnam. That was an experience that
made me thankful to live in the
U.S.A. I have a great family, great
friends, great church, and a Great
Saviour. I enjoy Homecoming, seeing old friends, and recalling old
times (good and bad). Hope to see
you all next Homecoming.”
Friends who saw Nancy Martinez
Powell at Bill Byerly’s annual picnic
on the first Saturday in October were
surprised to learn that soon thereafter, she had lung surgery for cancer.
A cat scan in six months will let her
know her progress. At this point, she
is happy, grateful and exuberant and
thinks the report will be good. Send
cards to Nancy at 2609 Pinecroft
Rd., Greensboro, N.C. 27407,
nancy.powell@yahoo.com.
I learned from Joyce Teal Fine and
Doris Maney Mason that Dick Whittington died on February 8, 2014 at
the Golden Living Center of
Asheville. A member of the class of
1949, Dick was married to his Mills
Home sweetheart Lib Gordy – Class
of 1950. (Lib is now known as
Betty). Married for 63 years, they
lived in the Asheville area most of
their married life and reared two
sons. They have four grandchildren
and six great grandchildren. Surviving Dick are Lib, both sons, the
grandchildren, brothers Bill and
Larry and sister Willadene.
Like many MH boys, Dick learned
printing in the MH printshop and
was able to purchase Groves Printing
Company in Asheville in 1963. He
operated that business until his retirement. In the Asheville community,
Dick was known for his generosity
and willingness to help others.
Friends can send condolences to Lib
at 455 Beaverdam Rd., Asheville,
N.C. 28804. Memorial donations
can be made to the Baptist Children’s
Homes of N.C., P.O. Box 338,
Thomasville, N.C. 27360.
I had hoped to talk with Freddie
Woods in recent weeks as he was
struggling to gain strength to leave
the hospital. Sadly, that was not to
be. His wife Betty Jean called with
the sad news of his death on February
25. Friends can send condolences to
his wife at 443 Westwood Circle
Waynesville, N.C. 28786. Betty Jean
has come to recent Homecomings
and the picnic at Bill Byerly’s farm
and she says she hopes to continue to
join us on these occasions. Freddie’s
mother was Mrs. Woods, the MH
nurse from 1948 until 1954. Freddie’s sister Linda also lived at MH
during that time.
I recently learned that Cathy Cox
died Aug.1, 2008. The only information I have is that she had one daughter and one son.
Mills Home received the sad news
that Raney Troutman died on Aug.
19, 2013. His wife, Pauline preceded
him in death on March 13. Raney
came to MH in 1937 and left or
graduated in 1941. He was living in
Landis at the time of his death. His
one sibling at MH was Ralph who left
MH in 1942. Both Raney and Ralph
were faithful to attend the MH
Homecomings.
A note from Lynn Gantt Drennen
to Facebook on Jan. 18, 2014 said
that Diane Darnell Heldt had just
passed away abruptly and expectedly.
Diane and Terry lived at MH in the
1960s. Condolences may be sent to
her husband Lloyd Heldt and family,
8406 E. 900 South, Elberfield, IN
47613.
Lisa Carter Lancaster informed me
of the death of eleven-year-old
Nicholas Thornton. (Feb. 21, 2014)
He was the son of Nancy Fortune
Thornton, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
Fortune. The Fortunes came to MH
with children Nancy and Andy in
1979 so that Mr. Fortune could manage the MH freezer locker. In the
early 80s they became houseparents
at the Stokes Emergency Cottage.
Lisa remembers the Fortunes as
always loving, caring and jolly people
who loved children. Please remember
this family in your prayers. (I am
sorry I do not have an address for any
of this family.)
The Alumni Council: Faye Meredith Davis came to be on the Alumni
Council because she wanted to serve.
She started coming to the Council
meetings and was soon asked to join
officially. She came to MH from
Shelby in 1956 and she graduated in
1962. She very fondly remember
the Biggs, her first dorm, and Miss
Imogene, a wonderful housemother
who made her adjustment to MH
easy and taught her many things. Her
second favorite dorm was the Huffman where she gathered even more
wonderful memories – many pertaining to the houseparents Chris &
Tom Marlowe.
Like most Mills Home youngsters,
Faye participated in almost all of the
church activities at MH. She has special memories of singing in the choir,
going through the steps in Girls’ Auxilary, and participating in the Training Union Bible verse contest held at
Caswell each year. One year, she won
second place in the contest. One final
great church pleasure for Faye was
the annual Mills Home Baptist
Church Christmas Pageant. She
loved being one of the heavenly angels one year.
In campus life, Faye especially
loved all sports and took part in
swimming, playing softball and basketball, and playing with and visiting
with friends in the valley. From her
sewing room duty, she learned to
enjoy making clothing. She also enjoyed working at the Administration
Building where she learned to operate the old type of switchboard/
phone system. At least once she had
the duty of working at the Woman’s
Building where she enjoyed helping
to take care of Miss Sallie. Four of her
most favorite people other than her
houseparents were Ms. Lee, Ms Lucille, Mr. & Mrs. Sisk and Coach
Corder.
Faye married very shortly after
graduating from MH. She and her
husband Vance Davis reared two
daughters and one son as they enjoyed 32 years of marriage. She
worked for Jefferson Pilot Insurance
for 26 years and retired in 2005.
After her retirement, she moved to
Abingdon, VA, where she currently
resides. Spending time with her five
grandchildren is now an important
part of her retirement years.
“I have so many memorable MH
experiences,” Faye wrote, “but I recall the sense of love that I felt during
my six years at MH. I appreciate the
guidance I received there and most of
all the love of God that
they instilled in me.”
Lib Johnson was a resident of Mills
Home from 1946 to 1957. Johnson
began writing the Mills Home alumni
column in 1992.
____________________________________________________________________
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
9
[ AROUND THE STATE }
Get Involved
Every day at churches and BCH facilities “around the state,”
residents, staff members and North Carolina Baptists are making news. In Charity & Children and through BCH's social media posts, friends
can connect daily, weekly and monthly to learn about all of BCH's happenings.
www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved
You can meet the daily needs of
BCH’s boys and girls by sharing
your time, talents and resources.
You can help in these ways:
___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay connected online at www.bchfamily.org and on Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube, and Vimeo. Also follow NCBAM (www.ncbam.org) and BCH's
Developmental Disabilities Ministry (www.hereismyhome.org).
___________________________________________
HopeFest
musical talents with students at BCH’s
Weekday Education program in Thomasville.
Henry played a number of songs using the
guitar, mandolin and harmonica. The children enjoyed singing along, clapping and
playing kazoos. Learn more about BCH’s
community weekday education centers by
clicking on www.bchfamily.org/week
dayeducation
During a recent heavy snow, the girls took
the opportunity to make snow angels. Learn
more at www.campduncanNC.org
___________________________________________
Broyhill Home BBQ Festival
___________________________________________
Developmental Disabilities Ministry
The Moore County community will once
again rally in support of Baptist Children’s
Homes’ two residential wilderness camps at
HopeFest. The free, family-friendly festival
held May 24 at the Village Arboretum in
Pinehurst benefits children at Cameron Boys
Camp and Camp Duncan for Girls. The day
features musical entertainment by the Taylors, The Harvesters, The Anchormen,
Awestruck, Rapture Road, and Green Level
Praise. The event also incudes a barbecue
lunch for a suggested $7 donation as well as
a silent auction, craft vendors and children's
entertainment. For more information, visit
www.hopefestNC.org and contact Danny
Hawkins at 910-352-9070.
___________________________________________
Broyhill Home
Residents of Lindsay Home and Three Forks
Home at Joy Cove Ministries in Zionville
made the best of February’s snowfall. The
residents worked together to build this
happy snowman after finishing a rousing
snowball fight.
___________________________________________
Cameron Boys Camp
Churches in western North Carolina are
well into the planning stages for the annual
“Cookin’ for the Kids” Broyhill Barbecue
Festival on May 10. Led by Ninevah Baptist
Church in Waynesville, the event offers a
day for the entire family featuring live
gospel music, a car and motorcycle show,
a 3-D target bow shoot, crafts, vendors, and
more. The highlight is the BBQ Cook-off
where teams from across the area compete
using their original recipes. Meal tickets are
available at adult and children prices. All
proceeds benefit Broyhill Home in Clyde.
For more information call 828-452-2013
and visit www.broyhillBBQ.org.
___________________________________________
Mills Home
___________________________________________
Weekday Education
___________________________________________
Camp Duncan for Girls
In March, Baptist Children’s Homes Chief
Operating Officer Keith Henry shared his
Girls living at Camp Duncan in Aberdeen
become accustomed to cold weather.
____________________________________________________________________
10
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
Food Roundup: This is a great
opportunity for churches, businesses
and organizations to help provide the
food needs of the boys and girls in
care. Call 336-474-1277 and visit
www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup
Bed Sponsor Program: Become
a bed sponsor and have a plaque
with your name mounted on a child’s
bed. Your name reminds a child that
you are praying. Call 336-474-1277
or visit www.bchfamily.org/bedsponsor.
Samantha and Mattie had good reason to
celebrate. The two residents at Broyhill
Home in Clyde made their high school
cheerleading squad.
Boys living at Cameron Boys Camp often
hold chapel services at various locations on
the Moore County property. When scouting
for a spot to hold a service, they came
across this unique tree. Learn more about
the residential wilderness camp at
www.cameronboyscamp.org.
Friends of Children Workdays:
From painting to planting, participants help with special facility
projects, tour campuses and have
lunch with children and staff.
Call 336-474-1209.
Haley, a resident at Mills Home in
Thomasville, celebrates Valentine’s Day
outdoors. The lollipop treat was courtesy of
community supporters who gave Valentine
care packages for the girls living at Blackwell
Cottage. The snow was one of many snowfalls the children experienced this winter.
Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting
a “Mile of Pennies.” When it comes
to providing care for hundreds of
children, it takes everyone working
together – one penny added to another penny and then another penny.
Continue to multiply the pennies and
just imagine how far you can go in
making a real difference! Call 336474-1209.
Walk for Change: Perfect for your
church or community organization –
walkers recruit financial sponsors to
give a cash gift for walking a certain
distance. Set your goal, secure your
sponsors, designate a safe route,
and have fun! Call 336-474-1209.
Recycle Projects: Collect empty
printer cartridges (laser, inkjet and
fax cartridges). Deliver items to any
BCH facility or use prepaid shipping
labels to send items to recycler. Millions of cartridges are thrown away
each year. Begin collecting and help
this year-round program earn money
for children. You can recycle cell
phones, too. Call 336-474-1209.
Bike for Change: Bike for Change
is a fun and dynamic way for children
to help "change" the lives of children.
By pedaling bicycles, children raise
support and awareness for BCH’s
boys and girls. It is a great service
project for schools, churches, and
other children’s groups. It also
teaches children the importance of
participating in missions outreach.
To learn more, visit www.bikefor
change.org. Download a planning
guide and other resources. Contact
Bike for Change coordinator Jay
Westmoreland at bikeforchange@
bchfamily.org for more ideas.
Discover ways you can help BCH at www.bchfamily.org/getinvolved
[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }
Alumni remembered while others
remember days gone by at Kennedy Home
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By John Thompson, 2500 Simpson Street, Apt. 102, Windsor Place, Jacksonville, N.C. 28546 (252) 728-6882 jthompson117@ec.rr.com
V
alentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s
Day have come and gone, and
now I am writing for the April Charity
& Children already. I sincerely hope
that all of you are making plans to attend the great big 100th Anniversary
Celebration of Kennedy Home in July.
The Alumni Board will be meeting in
April to make sure things are coming
along as planned. I will let you know
more details later. Becky and I bumped
into Sharon Garner, former Social Services Secretary while we were at KH,
and she is going to try her best to be
at Homecoming. Do you have your
motel reservations? Don’t delay! This
is going to be a very exciting time. I
want the choir loft packed to overflowing.
I recently read where Mrs. Lucille
Gibbs Spellman, age 79, peacefully
passed away on December 14, 2013, at
her home in Raleigh. She was born
May 11, 1934, and was reared at
Kennedy Home (44-52). She was preceded in death by Albert. Our prayers
go out to her family and friends.
Also, I received a note from Charles
Butler (61-74) telling about the death
of his brother James Michael (61-66)
who died November 5, 2013, in
Florida. He wrote, “I, Charles, Mike’s
wife Carol, and his son Travis were
with Mike when he passed into eternity. Thankfully, Mike accepted Christ
as his Savior while at KH. After calling
my wife, Wanda and Donna (our sisters), I called KH alumni Edward Pait.
Edward and Mike were good friends at
KH. Mike would have been so proud
that Edward was there at his funeral.
Even at this sad time, Edward had
Wanda and me laughing by telling us
of some of his and Mike’s escapades
whild at KH. Mike and I went to KH
in June of 1961. Mike was in the
Hardee Cottage and I was in the CCB
Cottage. At first we didn’t like KH –
probably because of being in spearate
cottages. As the years passed, we loved
it there. The following year, in 1962,
two of our sisters, Wanda and Donna,
joined us. Mike left KH in 1966 to live
with our father in Swannanoa, N.C.
He always regretted leaving.
“In 1967, Mike joined the U.S.
Army and later went to Vietnam. After
being there only two months, he was
wounded by a land mine. He was
awarded the Purple Heart and after
months in the hospital, he came home
and was later discharged with 100%
disability. Through the years, Mike had
a lot of health problems with his last
battle being with cnacer. Fittingly,
Mike was buried on Veteran’s Day and
received military funeral with the folding of the American Flag and the playing of taps. Mike always remembered
his brothers and sisters from KH. Some
of his favorites were Edward Pait (6069), Dallas & Kenneth Wilkerson, Billy
Edge, Don & Clayton Pate (59-72),
Stanley Lowe, and Bernard Brantley
(63-68) – some dates are not in our
records.
“I want to thank Ed Pait for attending Mikes’s funeral, Donna Duty and
John Thompson for announcing Mike’s
death to KH alumni in Charity &
Children, the website and other
means, and all of my KH family for all
of your prayers, calls and cards. I love
all of you. Charles Butler (61-54).”
Georgia Roach, one of my KH youngins, wrote a note for me to use in my
column. At one time while Becky and
I lived on campus, Georgia was our
babysitter. As you will remember, we
had two boys when we came to KH
with one still in diapers. Becky went to
work as secretary for five men and one
lady in the main office with Rev. Roger
Williams as her boss. I was busy with
day camps, tour groups, choirs, and 62
piano students – so the campus hired
Georgia to keep our boys. She lived in
Pollock Cottage and remembers the
hot days of summer working in the garden to pick veggies for her cottage: “I
still remember thinking someone
would pass out in that heat, but also
thought how wonderful the dinner
would be that night because of the
vegetables we were picking. After all
these years, I still remember sitting on
the front porch of Pollock shelling
those beans till I thought my fingers
would fall off. It always seemed like it
took hours before our job was finished.
On Saturday mornings, we always had
to do our chores and mopping along
with buffing the floors downstairs.
That buffer was something to behold
when you couldn’t control it. It ran
away from me at times and bumped
into the couch. I remember how Miss
Simmons would always kind of peek in
on me to make sure I was doing it correctly – she was a lady of perfection for
sure, but she taught us girls how to
clean and it has stuck with me now for
more than 30 years! Another memory
was working in the canteen with Mr.
Beacham – I always thought he was the
best looking man. I still remember
how I thought he would be a great law
enforcement officer or corrections officer. Since I was in a ‘girls only’ cottage at that time, I always wondered
what it would be like to have a father
figure in the house to see things from
a male’s perspective. I never knew him
very well, but he sure seemed like he’d
be a good dad. One of the jobs I chose
during the summer was cleaning the
church at Kennedy Home. There was
always such a peace and serenity in that
place for me, and I always tried to look
real busy when Vance Russ came by to
inspect.”
Georgia, I remember making sure
you did everything right at the church,
too. You always did a great job. The
letter continues: “Mr. Russ always
looked to be stern, but down inside I
found out he had the most sensitive
and compassionate heart I’ve ever seen.
I found out in later years he carried a
tremendous load that really surprised
me. He taught me valuable lessons in
life that helped me to be the person I
am today. Of all the people who
crossed my path while growing up,
Vance Russ was the most admired and
respected by me. Who knew when I
left KH in 1976 that he would forever
remain my fondest role model – a giant
of a man!”
Do you remember Mazie Warters? I
received a letter from her recently. She
was the housemother of Bryant Cottage with her husband Ethrage being
the dietician. She writes: “Help, help,
help is right. Arriving at KH after three
years living in a village outside of
Madrid, Spain was a big adjustment.
While there, we had no TV, no phone
and no English speaking radio station.
It was a huge adjustment returning to
North Carolina and starting a new job.
Together with our nine-month-old
daughter Nicole, we were placed at
Bryant Cottage where we met twelve
boys and girls. Once we were settled,
we realized we had to make two rules.
Rule #1: No kissing the baby. Rule #2:
Limit carrying the baby so she can
learn to walk. We arrived at the beginning of summer and suddenly realized
just how big the farm garden was and
the true meaning of canning and freez-
ing vegetables. All of our kids were
great. We learned together how to
blanch tomatoes, can carrots, green
beans, and corn. It helped us build relationships and in the long run have
some fun. Discovering the mystery of
peanuts growing under ground was
amazing to our daughter. I often think
about the children we lived with at
Bryant and have been able to reconnect with several of them now that they
are adults with families, children and
jobs of their own. We were at KH for
almost five years before moving to
Asheville, but the memories are often
fresh and alive and bring a smile to my
heart. Because of my years at KH, I
went into full time work at an emergency shelter for children, then a
homeless shelter, and later an independent living program for older
teenage girls. I celebrate every day and
every child I had the pleasure of sharing time with at Bryant and pray that
you have all been blessed in some way
by your experiences at KH, too. And
John, I will never forget all of those
aquariums and the choir.”
Very meaningful for 2014! I was
reading Facebook on New Year’s Eve
and Dan Russ (staff child in the 70s
while I was at KH) wrote this: “Years
ago when I was a teenager living at
KH, on New Year’s eve about 11 p.m.,
we would go down to the church for a
Watch Night Service. We would sing a
few hymns, have a devotion, and just
before midnight we would pray to the
Lord thanking Him for the blessings of
the previous year and inviting His wisdom and direction for the new year.
The staff children would run down and
ring the bell celebrating the new year.
Then we would get Daddy’s keys and
go play at the gym for a little while.
These were good times with sweet
memories. Wishing all of y’all a very
Happy 2014!”
I need your articles, so write to me
often. Email: jthompson117@ec.
rr.com or mail to 2500 Simpson Street,
Apt. 102, Windsor Place, Jacksonville,
N.C. 28546. Please don’t be upset if I
don’t use your article right away after
you write to me – just be
patient. Thanks! ~ JT
John Thompson was the choir
director at Kennedy Home from
1972-1977. Today, he enjoys a very
active retirement.
____________________________________________________________________
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kennedyhomealumni
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
11
[ HOMEWORD }
I never thought I would,
but I’ve learned I can
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
By Jim Edminson, Editor
I
grew up watching television. The big three
networks were in full swing offering a wide
variety of programing in the 60s and I was there
soaking it all up. TV time was mostly a family
affair. It seemed like the characters were invited
guests in our home. I felt as if I knew them personally – Andy, Opie and Aunt Bea; Pa Cartwright,
Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe; Marshall Dillon and
Miss Kitty; comedian Red Skelton and Mr. Disney.
Dinner migrated from the kitchen and dining
room to brand new TV trays in front of parents
and children positioned close around televisions.
The routines that had included playing outside
until past dark and early evening visits with neighbors across backyard fences were modified so that
no one missed the latest episode of I Dream of
Jeannie or Hawaii Five-O.
And on the rare occasion when I was at home
on Sunday evenings, I sat extra close to our television as Tinker Bell waved her magic wand to
begin The Wonderful World of Disney.
Networks began broadcasting cartoons on
Saturday mornings filling a four-hour time slot,
and parents were rewarded with a few extra hours
of sleep while breakfast cereal companies boomed.
Early television cartoons were re-used movie
cartoons featuring the likes of Bugs Bunny,
Mighty Mouse and Woody Woodpecker.
Our new black and white television console
had a 21-inch screen encased in a furniture cabinet. Now, the larger screen allowed our family of
six to sit farther away for all to have an optimal
view. As the youngest in the family, I was relegated
to turn the channels using the round tuning dial.
The advent of the remote control took the
responsibility away.
We achieved maximum viewing with the use
of an outdoor antenna. With what looked like an
over-sized kitchen utensil atop a metal pole, the
number of channels we could tune into reached
five with the inclusion of Public Television and
the introduction of Ernie and Bert, Big Bird and
Can we help?
BCH offers services for
children and families. Need
help, call 1.800.476.3669.
1.Western Area Family Services
Linda Morgan, Lead Dir.
828.627.9254
2.Central Area Family Services
Regina Keener, Dir.
336.474.1200
Cookie Monster.
By the early 70s,
our single black
and white set was
replaced by a color
television. Shows
now appeared in
“living color.”
Television was
more real in color
and became a window
into places far away –
places where people had only dreamt
about going. Blue water looked wetter and
the sun seemed hotter.
In 1976, I remember watching in awe as an
international fleet of tall-masted sailing ships were
anchored in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty
as fireworks exploded in every color imaginable
in the evening sky celebrating the Bicentennial.
Television has always been a part of my life.
So, you can imagine Kathy’s response when I suggested I’d abstain from television during Lent.
My family has always observed Lent. Lent is
a time that begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts
40 days. The traditional purpose of Lent is the
preparation of a believer to celebrate Easter
through prayer, introspection, repentance of
sins, and self-denial.
A few weeks prior, my children begin to ask
each other what each one will be giving up this
year during Lent. They have never been idle participants and have made their choices something
truly hard to yield for 40 days or for that matter
any amount of time. So, I was inspired.
“What?” Kathy was finally able to ask after
I declared the possibility of not watching television.
I knew she thought she may not have heard
correctly, so I repeated slowly and loudly. “I think
I should give up watching television for Lent.”
“Do you need to decide now?” she asked.
3.Eastern Area Family Services
Brian Baltzell, Dir.
252.522.0811
3.Odum Home
Kathy Locklear, Res. Campus Mgr.
252.230.5709
4.Cameron Boys Camp
Stephen Ashton, Dir.
910.245.4034
5.Camp Duncan for Girls
Paul Daley, Dir.
910.944.3077
6.Oak Ranch/Family Care
Lynn Garner, Dir.
336.474.1240
7.Weekday Education
Linda Russo, Dir.
336.474.1201
8.Dev. Disabilities Ministry
Peggy Pennington, Dir.
336.474.1261
9.NC Baptist Aging Ministry
Sandy Gregory, Dir.
336-474-1221
Ideas or suggestions, contact: Keith Henry, COO at 336-474-1215
“Maybe you
should think
about it a
while – that’s
a big commitment.”
But, I
didn’t back
down. I was
ready to do
something
this year that
would be
impacting. Kathy decided to join me.
The big 40-inch flat screen is silent. I have
books stacked by my big armchair. My Bible is
flagged to the book of Romans. I’ve already read
John Grisham’s latest novel and I am halfway
through author Seth Davis’ biography of Coach
John Wooden. Kathy and I listen to music every
evening. We have digital radio and have listened
to traditional Hawaiian and Celtic music, Native
American flute, and acoustic guitar. And we spend
time each evening talking and holding hands.
Who would have thought that giving up
television could be so enriching? But I’ve learned
that not watching TV allows time to do things
I value even more.
Edminson is editor of
Charity & Children and
writes “Homeword” to inspire and encourage families
in the midst of full lives and
hectic schedules. He has
recently published his first book Under One
Roof. Email him at wjedminson@bchfamily.
org or call 1.800.476.3669, ext. 1217 for
information on how you can get your copy of Under One Roof: Life’s lessons
learned at home. Proceeds from this first edition benefit the children and
families served by BCH.
REVIEW: Just finished reading Under One Roof and thoroughly enjoyed
it. It reads like a diary of a godly man who is your best friend. Great job
of reminding us of biblical truths lived out in practical ways. I am looking
forward to Jim’s next book. – David Church
We participate in these areas:
CFC #33241
Research Triangle Area CFC
Cape Fear Area CFC
Camp Lejeune/Onslow
County/New River CFC
Southeastern North Carolina
(includes Fort Bragg)
Greater North Carolina CFC
Cherry Point CFC
Rowan/Iredell County CFC
CFC Central Carolinas
CFC of Western NC
South Hampton Roads CFC
(Camden, Chowan, Currituck,
Dare, Gates, Hertford,
Pasquotank, and Perquimans
Counties and Albemarle and
Elizabeth City)
Calling All State Employees!
#3641
Choose BCH as your charity in the
State Employees Combined Campaign.
SECC code is 3641. Encourage others to
as well and better the lives of children
and families in North Carolina.
____________________________________________________________________
12
4/14 – Charity + Children – 127/3
More Homeword at www.bchfamily.org/news/charity_and_children