President's Message
Our church ministry theme "Life on the Vine" this year has been based on Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The messages presented by Director of Church Ministry Gavin Daniels during a spiritual life retreat focused on four W’s: Waiting, Watching, Witnessing, and Worshipping. I’d like to share with you how these four W’s apply to the work we have been doing this year.
Waiting: Since the Spring, we have learned to wait, to be patient. We were thrilled to hold an Open House for Williamson Cottage, our new cottage for teen boys, in June. We thought our guys would move in that month, additional needed work delayed our progress.
Watching: With great pride and praise to God, we have been watching our youth grow and mature. Several met their goals and were able to return to their families. Three teens met their goal of graduating from high school. During the retreat, we joyfully watched as six youth shared their faith in Jesus and were baptized.
Witnessing: God has given me opportunities to witness with churches, civic groups, and interested individuals about this wonderful place. I have been able to share stories of how youth are rewriting the stories of their lives here. Many people and groups have been inspired to make donations to the Home because of the apparent difference we are helping youth make, and because of our vision to continue reaching out to children and families.
Worshipping: We are thrilled that Covid restrictions have eased and church groups are again able to join our weekly worship services. Pastor Gavin shares great messages that the youth can understand. The teens willingly participate in the services by singing, reading Scripture, and leading prayer. They also lead nightly devotions in their cottages.
How is the Children’s Home able to wait, watch, witness, and worship? We do so with your support. I know you rejoice with us when teens meet their goals and when campus projects are finished. I also know you support us with prayer and encouragement. God has given us people like yourselves, who have a heart for helping youth. We are witnesses of just how vital you are to our Home. We ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers as we strive to care for children now and into the future.
I consider it an honor to serve my Lord through this ministry and am committed to children and families and want this Home to be successful in all its areas of service.
Gary Lee
President/CEO
