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12/16

Chicken feed was stored in the shed.The colorful, cloth sacks when emp-

tied were placed aside. The fabric was usedto make small children and girls clothes –but not all of it. Some of the material wassewn into small sacks with a draw stringadded to cinch and close the open end.

“I loved getting my cloth sack at Christ-mas,” 101-year-old Casey Medlin recalls.The bags made from the feed sacks werefilled with an apple, an orange, a stem oflarge raisins, and a variety of nuts.

On Christmas Eve, all children, matronsand staff members at the Thomasville Baptist Orphanage gathered at the centrallylocated church. The floor and balcony werefull. In the late 1920s, more than 500 children were in care. Medlin remembers

there being 22 boys all togetheron the sleeping floor of his cottage.

A large freshly-cut tree withbig, brightlycolored lights in red, yellow,

blue, and green sat centerstage capturing the imagi-nations of every boy andgirl. He fondly recountswalking up to the front of the sanctuary with theboys from his cottage andreceiving a box wrapped in Christmas paper with a tag dangling with hisname on it. One year therewere gloves, another year a pocket knife, and thenthere was the time he received a flash light. Butthe gift he was most fond of was the pocket watchthat he carried in hispocket until he wore it out and it stoppedworking.

As they turned to go back to their seats,each child was handed

the cloth sack. Medlin says that in a lifetime as long as

his, there are many wonderful Christmas

memories, but it is a child’s

memoriesthat neverfade.

Medlinwas bornAugust 7,

1915.

He is the third of seven children. After the birth of his youngest brother, his mompassed. Unable to care for his children,Medlin’s father parceled them out to family

except Casey anda younger brotherwho were sent tothe orphanage in1925.

“My brotherran away,” Medlinsays, “but I stayedbecause I felt likeI didn’t have anywhere to go.I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t bewhere I am todayif I’d gone withmy brother.”

At 20 years old, Medlin lefthis sweetheart inThomasville andjoined the Navy.He and three of his brothersserved during the war. He wasdischarged in1940, married

Thelma on August 22, and began workingat a hosiery plant making socks for sailors.

Medlin and Thelma were married 56years when she passed. The couple raisedthree children. His daughter and oldestchild Janice passed away in 1994. His mid-dle child A.J., Jr. is retired from GeorgiaPower and lives in Georgia, and hisyoungest Danny played pro football andnow lives near Medlin.

“My first hourly wage was only 75 centsan hour,” he reminisces. “Our first home’smortgage payment was $35. I paid it at thebank in town.”(continued on page 6)

Andrew Jackson “Casey” Medlin, Sr.

Christmas memories last a long lifetime______________________________________________________________By Jim Edminson, Editor

Read Baptist Children’s Homes’ stories at bchblog.org.____________________________________________________________________

.2 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11

Charity & Children – Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Inc., 204 Idol St., PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Michael C. Blackwell, publisher; Jim Edminson, editor (wjedminson@bchfamily.org); J. Blake Ragsdale, managing editor (jbragsdale@ bchfamily.org); 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. It is printed at Triangle Web Printing, Durham, NC and 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 orchange, use the above address and write to Attn: Circulation Manager, send an email to address@bchfamily.org or call at 336-474-1209. Subscribe online at bchfamily.org/charityandchildren. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Charity & Children, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

Vision: sharing hope . . . changing lives

Mission: To provide the highest quality

of Christian services to children, adults

and families in a caring culture of

measurable excellence

You’ve been wading through Christmas decorations in stores since Labor Day. By

now, every jingle, flyer and advertisement you see is working to plant a single thought in yourhead – spend money mindlessly at Christmas to indulge the expectations of others, buying your way to a happy holiday.

You’ve said it for years: “This year I’m going toapproach Christmas differently. This year I’m goingto lift the birth of Jesus and smother the glitter.”

But because of the pressures of a commercializedtradition, you’ve never done it. Let’s do it this year!

Some Christian families wish to omit Santa Clausfrom Christmas because they fear they are not beingtruthful to their children (“Santa lives in the NorthPole with eight reindeer”), are providing wrongmotivation for expected behavior (“Santa only visitsgood children”), and encouraging greediness(“What is Santa going to bring you for Christmas?”).

Because there is no way to completely shieldyour child from Santa Claus, what is a parent to do?

First, don’t count down the days until Santacomes or mention Santa every time you discussChristmas. Count the number of days until Jesus’sbirthday instead. An inexpensive calendar can helpyou do this. Or make one as a family project.

Second, tell your children the true legend ofSaint Nicholas instead of rehashing Santa’s reindeerand the North Pole. Saint Nicholas was a real per-son with admirable Christian qualities, and yourchildren can learn about cheerful and generous giving from his example.

And third, children can also learn how young-sters in other nations celebrate Christmas withSanta Claus, such as French children anticipatingthe arrival of Pere Noel (Father Christmas) andleaving their shoes by the fireplace to be filled withnuts, sweets and small trinkets.

Now to begin the Christmas season, let the decorating commence. Give your children some old Christmas cards, glue, string, plastic lids, glitterand paper, and they can do a fine job making thingsto hang on the tree.

Children start Christmas lists months ahead,

stand patiently in line to tell Santa their Christmaswishes, and eagerly poreover the latest Christmascatalogs. You’re left wondering if you can eversatisfy the gleam of desiresuch piles of possibilitiesignite in a child.

Children need to knowthey will not receive every-thing on their Christmaslists. Even if you are finan-cially able to make theirChristmas dreams come true, you are doing theman ultimate disservice if you cater to every whim.

Christmas is also a good time to present children with useful gifts (underwear, socks,sweaters) and educational ones (books, age-appropriate electronics, etc.).

For children of preschool age and older, let them have a hand at being “Santa” to someone.Many churches sponsor local families, and mostcommunities have local programs like an “Adopt-an-Angel” program where you can purchase giftsfrom an “adopted” child’s Christmas list.

Participation in giving opportunities like “Opera-tion Christmas Child” may prove to be a lesson initself as underprivileged children in other countriesreceive toys and gifts reminding them that they areimportant and someone is praying for them. Yourchild can purchase a few items on the wish list andalso purchase a “special surprise” – a toy he or shewould most like to have but is willing to give tosomeone else his or her age.

It’s also a great time to remember the boys andgirls at Baptist Children’s Homes. Our children arealways amazed to receive gifts. They often ask howit is that someone who doesn’t even know themwould give a gift. We always tell them that you love them and you love the Lord.

Finally, for family gift giving, inspire your familyto make gifts for one another. Odds and ends suchas shoeboxes, paper towel tubes and styrofoammeat trays can be transformed into creative gifts by a preschooler. Teach older children some of your

favorite talents such as knitting, quilting, baking,woodworking, or leather tooling.

One last hint: As a parent, it is tempting to gooverboard at Christmas, especially when buyinggifts for your children. Before you head out to shop(or buy online), plan a budget and make a list ofprioritized items.

Before sending the children off to bed, singChristmas carols by the light of the Christmas tree.Most importantly, read the story of our Savior’sbirth from the second chapter of Luke, so childrencan anticipate his birthday.

After exchanging gifts on Christmas morning,encourage your family to enjoy a leisurely breakfasttogether. Keep breakfast simple – cinnamon rolls,coffee and orange juice. This is a special familytime, and you shouldn’t spend your morning in the kitchen.

If our children are to really experience the wonder of God’s gift at Christmas, we cannotmerely take a peek at the Baby of Bethlehem andthink that there’s nothing more to it. The gift ofthe Christ Child is God’s gift to us. If we are to impart that gift to our children by giving from therichness of our hearts and the abundance of ourblessings, we will help them to realize that even

those gifts pale in light of the Christ-mas gift God gave to us.

[ MY THOUGHTS }

This holiday season, approach Christmas in a whole new way_______________________________________________________________________________________________

By Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO

Michael C. Blackwell leads the ministry with vigor and enthusiasm. He has served as president of BaptistChildren’s Homes since 1983 and has a record-setting 33-year tenure.

The cost of damages incurred from HurricaneMatthew are mounting as conditions at

Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Eastern NorthCarolina locations, particularly Kennedy Homein Kinston, continue to be assessed.

The storm that devastated much of the easternpart of the state on October 8 impacted sevenBCH locations. Wind-driven rains caused trees to fall, water damage in several buildings, andloss of power. Many of the children and staffmembers were forced to temporarily evacuateuntil it was safe for them to return.

Kennedy Home, BCH’s second-largest cam-pus, was hit the hardest with residents and staffrelocating to Mills Home in Thomasville for aweek. Early estimates show at least $1.5 millionin damages on the campus.

“It’s heartbreaking to see Kennedy Homestaggering in the aftermath of this devastatingstorm.” BCH president/CEO Michael C. Black-well says. “The cost to restore this great place isgoing to be high. I ask everyone to be in prayerfor Kennedy Home and to give how God leads.”

A total of 32 trees have fallen and another 30toppled around the perimeter of the campus. Atotal of 18 outof 24 buildingssuffered somelevel of dam-age includingstaff housing,the gymna-sium, the foodstorage build-ing, and fiveresidential cottages.

In somebuildings, newwalls will needto be installedand flooringreplaced. The floor at the gymnasium, one of thechildren’s favorite spots, was completely ruined.

Church groups and disaster relief teams havehelped with initial repairs and clean up.

“We’re starting to rebuild,” says KennedyHome director Brian Baltzell. “We give thanks to God for each person who has come and forthe ministry being offered.”

Volunteers of all ages have traveled from acrossand outside the state to assist at the campus. Thefirst group that arrived was from Spilman Memo-rial Baptist Church in Kinston, the home church

of Kennedy Home alumna Dorris Powers.“It was with a deep sadness to come out

there after the storm,” Powers says. “Trees weredown everywhere. We really saw the extent of thedamage when we went inside the food locker.”

The food locker, the central hub for KennedyHome’s food storage, sustained considerablewater damage. Both the walk-in freezer andcooler were severly damaged and may not be salvageable. The group spent the afternoon

cleaning out spoiledfood. All perishable food supplies in thelocker and the cottageswere lost.

“We saw people in various places on campus working hardand doing what neededto be done,” Powerscontinues. “God is goodin all the ways He provides.”

Volunteer teams aretackling projects. Workranges from cutting upfallen trees to hanging

drywall in the affected buildings.“We had about 200 people here last weekend

helping with trees, drywall and sorting dona-tions,” says Baltzell.

Those donations, both physical and monetary,are coming from individuals as well as commu-nity groups hosting donation drives. The driveshave collected truckloads of clothing, non perish-able food, paper products, and cleaning supplies.

“The community response has been over-whelming to behold,” Blackwell says. “Friends

across the state are ensuring that our residentsand staff know beyond any doubt that they are loved.”

The coming days are crucial as clean up pro-gresses and damages continue to be evaluated.Blackwell emphasizes that strong, continuingchurch and community support is essential to the restoration of Kennedy Home.

“Giving is the only way to defray these massiveexpenses while still providing for the needs of thechildren and families we serve daily,” he says. “Asalways, we are confident that God will provide.”

To give, contact BCH’s Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442 or bbgray@bchfamily.org. Also,give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow. To volunteer, contact BCH’s Sam Barefoot at336-474-1278 or svbarefoot@bchfamily.org.

Above, numerous churches and community friends have responded to Hurricane Matthew’s devastating impact by donating clothing and supplies. Below, volunteers from around the state and beyond are helping with recovery and repairefforts at Kennedy Home in Kinston. Teams are helping with projects in cottages and buildings as well as debris clean up.

[ HURRICANE UPDATE }

Friends rally as damagecosts run high_________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Give to Hurricane Relief at bchfamily.org/givenow

Your vehicle becomes a DRIVING part of the BCH

ministry when you donate it!

Call Sam Barefoot at 336-474-1224

____________________________________________________________________

12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11 3.

Your 2016 gift will have a lasting impact on children’s lives!_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As you consider your year-end gifts, there aremany options that can benefit Baptist Children’sHomes. Here are a few:

1. What better gift to give someone than tohonor them with a gift that will truly make a differ-ence in the life of a child for years to come. BCHwill notify the honoree with a card and acknowl-edge receipt of the gift to you.

2. A gift of cash is an easy way to help BCH andsecure a charitable deduction for 2016. Your invest-ment into the life of a child through a gift of stockwill be life-changing.

3. Gifts of appreciated stock may offer a bettertax advantage than the gift of cash.

4. As you consider your year-end gifts, you mayneed to consider a gift that can produce income. Ifthis option interests you, consider a charitable gift

annuity or charitable remainder unitrust. A charita-ble gift annuity or charitable remainder unitrust canprovide you with increased income, a charitable de-duction, and avoidance of capital gains tax if the giftis in the form of appreciated stock.

5. A gift of real estate provides the three-fold advantage of allowing the donor to: experience the joy of giving, receive a tax deduction, and offera major financial gift to BCH. In recent years, BCHhas received a vacation home, a primary residence,and undeveloped land.

6. Do you own a life insurance policy that is nolonger needed? It would be a perfect gift for BCH.

7. Are you thinking about purchasing a newvehicle? Your old vehicle would be a great gift toBCH.

8. If you are 70½ or older an IRA Charitable

Rollover will lower the income and taxes from yourIRA withdrawals and provide a wonderful invest-ment in the life of a child.

This information is not intended as legal advice.Check with your accountant, tax advisor or attorneyto see what the best strategy will be for your partic-ular situation.

We thank you in advance for your investment inthe life of a child. Your gift will have a lasting im-pact on the children and families we serve. Thankyou for offering the spirit of Christmas to “our”children 365 days a year! Remember every gift yougive this year will be matched up to $250,000.

For details on any of these gift options that canbenefit you and Baptist Children’s Homes, pleasecall Brenda Gray at 336-689-4442.

Thank you for your many acts of kindness inresponse to the impact Hurricane Matthew

has had on Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH). We are so grateful for your help and for the manyways you shared your love with “one of the leastof these” mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew:they were hungry and you gave them food; theywere thirsty and you gave them water; theyneeded clothes and you clothed them.

Thank you.In Mark 10: 13-16, Jesus shares how important

children are to Him. He implores us to welcomethe children. In verse 16, scripture reads that Hepicked the children up in His arms and blessedthem. Since 1885, BCH has welcomed childrenand blessed them in the name of Jesus.

Thank you for following Jesus’ example.In the midst of continuing to deal with

the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, we arepreparing for Christmas.

For many children, Christmas is a time of fam-ily coming together. Picture in your mind a familygathered around the table filled with wonderfulfood. The aroma of Christmas cookies waftsthroughout the house. The house fills with laughter and joy. A beautiful Christmas tree sits in a corner surrounded by presents. The childrengather around the tree and family members openpresents. They smile because it is that one presentfor which they hoped. The image may look like a Norman Rockwell picture. But for many children and families, this is not reality.

I am reminded that the Christ Child did notcome to bring joy, hope and peace for some chil-

dren; He came for all children. Christmascan be a very difficult time. I do not remember a Christmas week at BCHwhen a child or family did notcome to us in desperate need.It’s heartbreaking to seethe hurt in the eyesof the children.But when a child comesto us havingbeen removedfrom herhome on Christmas Eve or when a child incare has no wordfrom family onChristmas – wordscannot describe theheartache.

I ask you onceagain to followChrist’s example in Mark 10:13-16.I ask you to helpus make room forthe children. I ask you to be like the Star of Bethlehem leading them to the One who bringshope and peace. I ask you to welcome them andbless them in the name of Jesus.

A mother and her two boys have nowhere toturn. Hungry and alone, she turns to BCH forhelp. Thanks to you, there is room for them andthey are welcomed. There is food for her family, a safe place, and help to sustain them. Arms arewrapped around them and they are blessed in the name of Jesus with the hope of Christmas.

As additional families come to us, will you help us make room for them?

You are the willing arms to hold children andfamilies in crisis. You are the eager hands to helpwipe away the tears. Because you care enough to give, you touch lives with hope and love.

Remember, Christmas is not just one day a yearin which we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Christmas is 365 days a year as we celebratethe birth of our Lord. One of my favorite

Christmas quotes is “Christmas my child,is love in action…every time we give,

it’s Christmas.” You have already

given beyond measurethis year as you have

helped us to impactnearly 22,000 individuals.

Thank you.Every year there

are more children to beembraced with God’slove – in the name ofJesus. You will find anenvelope in this issue ofCharity & Children foryour special Christmasgift. Please enclose yourgift in the addressed,postage free envelopeand mail it today!

In all of the activityof the holidays, it can be

difficult to find Christ in Christmas. But take timeto embrace “our” children and you will see Himin the smile of a young girl who has been batteredand abused but now has a loving houseparentwho offers hope and blessing in the name ofJesus. Look closely and you will see Him in theface of a mother who has food to feed her twoboys and a safe place of refuge. Look closely and you will see Him in you reaching out to help heal a child’s broken heart.

P.S. I thought you might like to know that Pat,one of our prayer warriors extraordinaire, praysand, out of gratitude, often cries over every gift.Her prayer is that God will use your faithfulness

in a mighty way to build His king-dom.Brenda Gray’s passion is children. She serves BCH as the executive vice president, development & communications. Gray directs all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for the state-wide services.

[ WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS }

Bless childrenin Jesus’ name__________________________________________________

By Brenda B. Gray, Executive Vice President, Dev. & Comm.

Leave a legacy through planned giving. Visit bchlegacy.org.____________________________________________________________________

.4 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11

[ C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 6 }

Your gift is automatically doubled at bchfamily.org/givenow.____________________________________________________________________

12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11 5.

(Continued from page 1) “Things are so different today,” Medlin says.

“There’s a lot of change in the world. It breaksmy heart to see children being hurt.”

Medlin loves sports and is passionate aboutbaseball. His love for baseball and children ledhim to become a coach.

“I’d get off at 3:00 in the afternoon and headto the baseball field,” he says. “We would prac-tice Monday through Friday during the season,except for game days, 3:30 to 5:00.”

Medlin believes that keeping the boys off the streets and on the baseball diamond made thedifference for some. “I knew if I kept them busy,they would stay out of trouble. Sports can be the best alternative to bad choices. If one boy had a chance at a better life – then it was worthevery hour spent.”

His love for sports was the impetus for his

involvement at the local high school. This year marked his finalyear as the official score keeper atthe football stadium – he served 55 years. Next to his seat in thescorer’s box is a plaque commemo-rating his service.

Medlin says he walks daily, reads his bible, and prays. “I fallshort of what I’d like to do. I prayand still it seems like I can’t prayenough – for my family, the chil-dren and the people in this world.”

A Christmas orange sits on thekitchen table. Medlin confesses, “I can’t believe that I’m 101. I can’t eat the apples or nuts anylonger, but I’ll enjoy the orangeand remember all the Christmastimes of years past.”

Keep up with BCH on Facebook – facebook.com/bchfamily.____________________________________________________________________

.6 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11

Casey Medlin stays busy. He walks two hours every day in his home. Thisyear, he marked his final year as score keeper for Thomasville High School’s

football games. Medlin has kept score at the games for 55 years.

101-year-old Mills Home alum is grateful for childhood home _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Baptists went out of their way to affirm the ministry of Baptist Children’s Homes

(BCH) during the two-day Annual Meeting ofthe Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.Taking place on November 14 -15 at the KouryConvention Center in Greensboro, BCH’s display booths consistently stayed busy as friendsvisited with the ministry’s staff.

“The Annual Meeting is always energizing. It’sinspiring to be among people who care so muchfor our children and families,” said BCH presi-dent/CEO Michael C. Blackwell. “North Car-olina Baptists make what we do possible.”

During Blackwell’s report at the Tuesdaymorning session, messengers heard firsthand howtheir support powerfully impacts lives.

Blackwell shared the story of Ruth, a 78-year-old widow who lost her home and was forced tosell most of her furnishings due to financial hard-ships after her husband’s passing. Through

BCH’s NorthCarolina BaptistAging Ministry(NCBAM), 17Baptist churchesrallied to findRuth a newhome, provide appliances andfurniture, stockher pantry, andpay her utility deposits.

“Ruth wentfrom impossibleto I’m possible,”Blackwell said.NCBAM served7,270 people thispast year.

Blackwell con-tinued by tellingthe story of a des-perate teenage girlwhose hope hadevaporated be-cause of her fam-ily’s drug addictions. She ran away from BCHtwice but returned to see if her houseparentswould continue to support her.

“She found out what loving people Baptistsare because Baptists do not give up on a child!”Blackwell exclaimed as the crowd applauded.“One of her housefathers led her to a savinggrace in Jesus Christ and baptized her in theswimming pool at our Broyhill Home.”

Blackwell concluded by saying, “Praise Godand stay tuned.”

Immediately after his report, BCH’s executiveleader presented messengers with complimentarycopies of his new book, Above the Clouds: 9 Essentials for Thriving at the Peak. Blackwellvisited with each individual and personally inscribed every book.

“It’s the least I can do to show my apprecia-tion to our NC Baptist friends for their unwaver-ing support,” Blackwell said.

[ BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION )

Blackwell shares Baptists’ impact___________________________________________________

Above, Michael C. Blackwell presents the 2016 BCH report to messengers attending the AnnualMeeting of the Baptist State Convention. Below left, Shirley Thompson with NC Campers on

Mission receives an ornament made by the residents of BCH’s Developmental DisabilitiesMinistry. Below right, Blackwell signs complimentary copies of his new book for messengers.

When meeting Otis Goins, no one is everconfused about why he helps the aging

in his community. He is motivated solely by hislove for Jesus.

“The Holy Spirit impressed me early in myministry to be kind and to care for widows and children,” 82-year-old Goins says, “and to support pastors – to be a blessing to those who serve the Lord.”

Goins is in his 56th year of ministry. He is thepastor at First Baptist Church New London inStanly County.

“Even though I’ve had a good time being apastor,” Goins says, “I have thought about retire-ment.” He says he was set to leave a good churchwhere he had pastored for almost 13 years. “Mylast service was the second Sunday in February,2000. Soon after, another church called andasked me to supply. It was a church where I hadonce served. My notion of retiring led to fourand a half years there and then I came to NewLondon in March, 2005. That was nearly 12years ago.”

Goins was 25 years old when he accepted thecall to become a minister. Three of his mother’sbrothers were pastors. His mother was a devoutChristian and Goins recalls his father as a manwho “loved the Lord.”

Goins remembers the day he accepted Christand “got saved.” He says that “the Lord hadbeen dealing” with him for some time.

“I was saved the week after Easter Sunday in 1953,” he says. “I was 18 years old.”

His home church where his Uncle Walter pastored – New Hope Baptist Church in Ellerbe,NC – conducted a week of revival services. Hismother faithfully attended – driven each night byhis father in the farm’s pickup truck. This night,his father worked too long in the tobacco barnand asked Goins to drive his mother.

“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t think so.’ Butthen I thought, ‘What kind of a man would I beif I didn’t drive my mother to church?’”

Even though Goins was under conviction, hereasoned that it would be okay. He drove up tothe church, his mother went in the building, andhe went to be with a friend that he saw near thedoor.

“I thought I was all set,” he confides. “Wewould sit in the back. I remember thinking, ‘I can do this. It won’t be too long and then I’ll go home.’”

What Goins didn’t know was that only a fewnights before, his friend got saved.

“I walked in with him and he didn’t sit on the back pew,” he recalls. “We walked right up to the front and sat on the first row.”

He says that he made it through the service

but during the altar call, Uncle Walter came andstood by him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Goins remembers it well: “He leaned in toward me and whispered, ‘Otis, don’t you thinkit’s time you got saved?’ I looked him in the faceand nodded, ‘Yes sir. It’s time.’ My life has neverbeen the same.”

Every day, Goins works to meet the needs of the frail aging in his community. He recruits,inspires, and partners to help others. His partnersinclude the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Community Coalition for Christ, churches,business leaders, friends, and acquaintances.

Goins says that when he finds out about anaging person’s need, he just shares the need withothers. He says there are times when he drives up to his house and there are things left under his carport – a stove or refrigerator, a medical bed or wheelchair, windows or lumber.

“It’s always a blessing to see what the Lord is able to do,” he asserts.

Goins says it is the love and concern that youshow others that makes the difference. He saysit’s about what the Lord can do through you tohelp someone in need.

He has served on NCBAM’s Advisory Teamsince its inception in 2009 and works hand-in-hand with NCBAM. Goins is also active in theleadership of Stanly Baptist Association.

Recently, The Reverend Otis Goins NCBAMEndowment Fund was established to honorGoins. The endowment will help continue, in

perpetuity, ministry to the frail aging. Earningsfrom the fund will be used by NCBAM in projects that help aging adults maintain their independence.

“The endowment is about reaching people inneed – for years to come,” Goins says. “This isnot about me. It is so far beyond me. It is abouthelping people. It’s about Him – the one whodied upon the cross for us.”

Contributions to The Reverend Otis GoinsNCBAM Endowment Fund are tax-deductibleand may be made payable to the North CarolinaBaptist Foundation. On checks, please memo account #000797 or The Reverend Otis GoinsNCBAM Endowment Fund.

Mail gifts honoring Goins to The North Carolina Baptist Foundation at 201 ConventionDrive in Cary, NC 27511 or to North CarolinaBaptist Aging Ministry at P.O. Box 338 inThomasville, NC 27360.

Contributions to the Fund may also be madeonline at www.ncbam.org. Use the commentsfield to designate your gift.

For more information about The ReverendOtis Goins NCBAM Endowment Fund or tolearn how to establish an NCBAM endowment,contact NCBAM at 877.506.2226 or emailncbam@bchfamily.org.

“It’s a joy to be able to serve,” Goins says.“Although it doesn’t feel like it, growing up inEllerbe was a long time ago – time goes by in a hurry. And it’s what you do for others thatstands out as years go by.”

[ NCBAM ENDOWMENT FEATURE }

Long legacy of love leads to new endowment______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson Editor

____________________________________________________________________

12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11 7.Learn more about helping the frail aging at www.ncbam.org.

Ninety-one-year-old Cora B. Staton of Oakboro shares her appreciation to Rev. Otis Goins for the new ramp that wasbuilt to help her safely enter her home. The Reverend Otis Goins NCBAM Endowment Fund honors the 82-year-old minis-

ter who is known for his care of the frail aging in Stanly County.

Stay up to date with Fancy Finds at fancyfinds.org.____________________________________________________________________

.8 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11

With the cutting of the ceremonial rib-bon, Fancy Finds commemorated its

long-anticipated grand opening event on Friday,October 14 with staff members, city leaders andeager customers in attendance. The ribbon-cut-ting ceremony was the culmination of months ofpreparations to ready Baptist Children’s Homes’(BCH) upscale resale shop for its official debut.

“For a long time, I’ve wanted to have some-thing like Fancy Finds,” BCH president/CEOMichael C. Blackwell said to the crowd at theceremony. “I didn’t know exactly what it wouldturn out to be, but if you have a dream, don’tgive up on it and things will come together.”

The journey to find the perfect location for the new resale store originally focused on the Cabarrus County area where there is high demand for restored furniture and home decoritems similar to what Fancy Finds offers.

In the end, it became apparent that establish-ing the storefront at Mills Home in Thomasville,the birthplace of BCH, was the ideal choice.

The store is located in the building that formerly housed the campus print shop and cur-rently serves as the headquarters for the NorthCarolina BaptistAging Ministry(NCBAM), BCH’sInformation Tech-nology, and MillsHome’s mainte-nance department.

Notably, FancyFinds is not the firststore to occupy thebuilding. The loca-tion once served as the “Figleaf,” a clothing shopwhere Mills Homeresidents could pickout apparel whenthey first arrived.Some residents alsoworked at the Figleaf.

“It’s fitting that Fancy Finds would find itshome in this particular place,” Blackwell said.“The building has a rich history that is still beingcharted.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Thomasvillemayor Raleigh York recalled his own childhoodhistory with Mills Home’s boys and girls.

“I remember as a boy playing baseball at MillsHome and attending school with the children,”York shared. “This is a great place that has served a lot of children, and it’s my honor to be a part

of the opening of this new place.”“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped

make this become a reality,” Fancy Finds directorRenee Gregory said to the crowd. “Fancy Findstruly came together because of the supportshown by the community and everyone at Baptist Children’s Homes.”

Gregoryand volunteersworked tire-lessly in thedays leadingup to thegrand openingto ensurethere wasplenty of creative itemsavailable forpurchase. Bythe end of Friday, mostof the newstock hadbeen bought.

“It was a good problem to have. The responseto the grand opening weekend was more than wecould’ve hoped for,” Gregory said.

Fancy Finds is open every third Friday and Saturday of each month (except December wherethe store opens the second weekend) with allproceeds benefiting BCH’s statewide ministries.In between retail weekends, Gregory devotes her time picking up newly-donated furniture and home decor items from donors and creativelyrepurposing them.

“It not only takes quite a bit of time to collect

new items, but we also have to go through thecreative process of restoring and repainting manyof them,” Gregory explained.

With the grand opening behind her, Gregoryis focused on identifying additional volunteers tohelp with responsibilities both before and duringthe days the store is open.

“As a nonprofit, we depend on volunteers,”she said. “More volunteers means we are able todo more for the children, families and agingadults BCH serves. There are lots of differentareas at Fancy Finds where people can help.”

[ FANCY FINDS GRAND OPENING }

Upscale resalestore launches_________________________________________________________

By J. Blake Ragsdale, Managing Editor

Fancy Finds celebrated the grand opening of its resale store with a ribbon cutting on October 14. The store is located atBaptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Mills Home campus in Thomasville. Above, Renee Gregory, Fancy Finds Director; MichaelC. Blackwell, BCH President/CEO; Raleigh York, Thomasville Mayor; and Tabitha Ward, BCH Director of Marketing and PR

cut the ceremonial ribbon. Below, customers and staff browse the store’s repurposed furniture and home decor.

Mills Home / 201-E Idol Street / Thomasville, NC 27360

W E N E E DVOLUNTEERSVolunteering at Fancy Finds

is a fantastic way to help!We need friends to take inventory, assist customers

and help creatively repurpose donated items. (We’ll even teach you how!)

C A L L R E N E E AT 7 0 4 . 9 0 9 . 8 2 2 3 .

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/millshomealumni

We can’t always remember allthe alumni who are currently

serving on the Alumni Council, butplease keep this name in mind –Robert Mayton. He is serving as ourpresident from 2016-2018. If youneed to contact him for any purpose,his address is 1206 Melchor Rd, Albe-marle, NC, 28001. His email addressis rimrim1951@gmail. We also needto keep this name in mind – Sally BeckFerguson. Sally is the one who keepsour addresses updated and reprinted ina new directory during every unevenyear. That will happen next year, so ifyou did not make all the corrections toyour contact information on the re-cent Homecoming forms you filledout, please send any changes to SallyBeck Ferguson, 25 Southern PineTrail, Ormond Beach, Fl, 32174 oremail her at fergusonsb@yahoo.com.

Sad news came from ConleyThompson that Billy Lord died. I’msure that alumni of the 30s and 40s re-member him as the son of our belovedchoir and band director. Billy was wellknown and loved also by alumni be-cause he too was in the band and wentto school on campus with the MillsHome kids. I’m sorry I have no con-tact information for friends who wishto send condolences to Billy’s family.

I was sorry to hear from CarolynMcCarson Tharrington that her sister,Ruth McCarson Davis, passed awayOct. 28. Carolyn wrote: “We shallsurely miss her but we rejoice that sheis in a better place and is not suffer-ing.” Carolyn would appreciate yourprayers for the family.

Ruth McCarson Davis, a member ofthe MH class of 1950, was very activein the MH church activities and wasan outstanding basketball player.Those two interests were the basis ofvital parts of her adult life. She was amember of Northwood Temple andalways an avid fan of bowling, basket-ball, football, ice hockey, and dancing.Ruth was proud to be a graduate ofMills Home, one of three organiza-tions to which the family wishes me-morial donations to be sent. Everydayher life was aimed towards living bythe Christian admonition to always beloving, compassionate and forgiving.She was very kind and giving in her

personal and professional life. Helpingothers was Ruth’s mission and a wayof thanking God for her many bless-ings. She is survived by a son, threedaughters, six grandchildren, and onegreat grandchild. She was buried Nov.2 at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.Condolences may be sent to Carolynat 6 Castle Dr., Smithfield, NC,27577; to Don McCarson at1521Dodgetown Rd., Walnut Cove, NC,27052; and to Betty M. Bordeaux at3067 Water Tank Rd., Delco, NC,28436.

Henrietta Everett Adams died Oct.10 at Clapp’s Nursing Home in Ashe-boro. She arrived at MH in 1929 atthe age of five and graduated in 1942.She dearly loved MH and appreciatedher Christian upbringing, the wonder-ful music opportunities, and the op-portunity to graduate from the MillsHome High School. Siblings whowere at MH with her were Helen,Jessie Virginia, and Dariel. Dariel diedin an accident while a child in care.She married Richard C. Adams in 1943and enjoyed a marriage of 53 years.Her progeny includes four grandchil-dren and five great grandchildren.Condolences may be sent for the fam-ily to Judy Ward, 658 Halifax St.,Asheboro, NC 27205 or Lynn Cox,6017 Dehaven Rd., Pleasant Garden,NC, 21317.

Thanks to Donald McCarson whoalways sends an update. Still a residentof the little town of Walnut Cove, hemanages to travel great distances fromhome. He wrote: “In April, 2015, mywife Jo Ann and I took our 17th cruise,traveling for 14 days across the At-lantic to visit the Azores, Ireland, theNetherlands, Belgium, and to spend afew days in London. While enteringthe harbor, we passed near the wreckof the Lusitania which was sunk by aGerman sub in WWI – 11 miles offthe coast of Ireland. When we arrivedin Cobh, Ireland, our ship docked atthe very spot where the Titanic lastdocked before sailing to its tragic sink-ing. In the Netherlands, we visitedKuekenlof Gardens, the home of theannual production of more than sevenmillion tulips – all spectacular. Londonwas all we could ask for and riding theLondon Eye was a unique way to seeLondon. If this wasn’t enough excite-

ment, our flight home proved to betoo much! After about six hours outand at 40,000 ft, my heart went intosyncope stage. Thank God for thedoctors and nurses who came to myaid and the diverting of the plane toPhiladelphia and Mercy/FitzgeraldHospital where they kept me alive. Ieventually made it back to home andto Baptist Hospital where I was givena high tech pacemaker and defibrilla-tor. I regained my strength and havebeen back on the golf course. Somecall me Lucky – I call myself Blessed!”

Don is very blessed also to have anurse as his wife, still nursing at theage of 79.

It was very nice to get an updatesheet from J. Parker McLendon, formerMills Home superintendent and muchbeloved person. He served as Superin-tendent from 1970 to 1976. He leftfor a while but returned to BCH in1995 and worked until 1997. Whilethe family was in Thomasville, FrancesMcLendon taught school at ColonialDrive and their three daughters at-tended the Thomasville schools. Hisdaughter Novella died several yearsago and Frances died in 2014. Hisdaughters Martha and Sheryl are doingwell rearing families. Congratulationsto Parker on his marriage to Joanne onNov.14, 2015. Alumni can contactParker at 219 Boyce Sink Court,Thomasville, NC 27360, Ph. 336-250-1957, mclendonpf@gmail.com.

James Byrd says on his update sheetthat he lives at 175 Clodfelter Rd. inThomasville, NC, 27360. His phonenumber is 336-475-3074. James andhis sister Ola Mae (now deceased)came to MH in 1963 from WilksCounty and James left in 1969. Jamesfondly remembers duties he was re-sponsible for while living at MH:working on the farm, in the freezerlocker, and other places on campus.Memories of workers are positive forJames, especially Thelma Robertson.Retired now from Siemen’s Energy,James is married to Barbara Leonardand they have two children and fourgrandchildren. James is contributingvery positively to the work of theAlumni Council and seems to enjoythat. He also enjoyed Homecoming2016 mainly because there were someold friends there whom he had not

seen in a few years.I’ve been seeing the name Patricia

Williams on Facebook and now I canattach that name to a MH alumna –Pat Espinosa. Pat and her sister Tinacame to MH from High Point in 1968and graduated in 1971. She has livedin the Winston-Salem, Forsyth arearearing her son for 25 years and teach-ing exceptional children. After leavingMH, she experienced several years ofuncertainty moving around, attendingthree years of college at The Way Col-lege in Emporia, Kansas, returning toNC, taking Bible classes, eventually at-tending Appalachian State Universityand completing her BS in Education.She also has a BS in Theology andserved as a missionary. She feels shewas rescued by BCH and treasures herlife and opportunity provided at MillsHome. She knows “she is what she istoday because of Mills Home.” Sheloved the life she had at Biggs Cottagewith Ms. Imogene as house motherand Ms. Walker as dietitian. She alsohas fond memories as a very grown up“Huffman resident.” Friends can re-connect with Pat at gotcats2003@yahoo.com.

Pat’s younger sister Christine, bet-ter known as Tina, left MH in 1973.She married at a fairly young age toBobby Justus – a very hard workingman who turned out to be a wonder-ful husband. They have been lucky tohave four children and they now haveeight grandchildren. Besides rearingchildren, Tina spent many years as thesupervisor of cafeterias in RandolphCounty. Now retired from that job,she enjoys helping with her daughter’shouse keeping business. Friends canreconnect with Tina at bjustus@north-state.net.

I received a very brief note fromMartha M. Shaw that John McCrackenpassed away on October 27, 2016 in Greensboro, NC. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, one son and one granddaughter. He lived at Mills Home in the late 1960s and

early 1970s.

Lib Johnson was a resident of MillsHome from 1946 to 1957. Johnsonbegan writing the Mills Home alumnicolumn in 1992.

[ MILLS HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alum survives heart crisis at 40,000 ft –Alumni remember friends who have passed_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Lib Smathers Johnson (336) 299-7412 libsjohnson@triad.rr.com

____________________________________________________________________

12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11 9.

Be a part of BCH’s statewide events at bchfamily.org/events.____________________________________________________________________

.10 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11

_________________________________Community Offers Hurricane Relief

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) president/CEOMichael C. Blackwell treated residents and staffmembers from Kennedy Home in Kinston to theirfirst lunch as guests at Mills Home in Thomasville.They enjoyed the buffet at Gatti’s Pizza. TheKennedy Home group were forced to evacuatethe eastern area campus because of the devastat-ing impact of Hurricane Matthew. They stayed atMills Home for a week until conditions stabilizedand they could return home._________________________________Media Covers the Story

Members of the news media were eager to shareHurricane Matthew’s impact on Kennedy Homeand tell how the community could help. Eight-een-year-old Sherman, one of Kennedy Home’sresidents who was evacuated to Thomasville, told a local television reporter his story.________________________________Restaurants Provide Meals

A number of restaurants and BCH friends helpedfeed the Kennedy Home group during their stay inThomasville. McDonald’s in Lexington, owned byCarl and Alisha Honeycutt, above, Hardees in

Thomasville, and Pepper Moon Catering inGreensboro, below, were a few restaurants andfood services that provided meals.

________________________________Businesses Hold Donation Drive

Radio station Majic 99.9/1440 WLXN in partner-ship with Jerry Hunt Supercenter, both located in Lexington, held a week-long donation drive to help after the hurricane. The community collected items that included clothing, bedding,non-perishable food, and other items lost due to the storm. The drive kicked-off at Jerry HuntSupercenter on October 17 with Orrell’s FoodService and Southern Propane providing a freehot dog lunch for donors. Above, Majic 99.9morning show hosts, left, Leanne Petty and, right, Willie Edwards pose with a donor. ________________________________Local Organizations Collect Items

Local resident Beth Heer dropped off a van full of donations collected by the Miss ThomasvilleScholarship Pageant and “Run 5 Feed 5” – an organization of the Christian Ministry of Archdale-Trinity.

________________________________Wake Forest Ice Hockey Team Helps

The Wake Forest ice hockey team gave tickets toanyone bringing donations for BCH to their homegame on November 4. Two Men and a Truck ofWinston-Salem, with help from Triad Storm youthhockey, volunteered their time to collect the do-nations. BCH's children were provided free ticketsand an opportunity to skate after the game.Above, houseparents and children with assistantcoach Kelly Curl, right. Below, members of TriadStorm youth hockey.

________________________________Volunteers and Donations Arrive

Donations by the truckload, including clothing,non-perishable food, and other supplies, havebeen delivered to Kennedy Home in the weeksafter Hurricane Matthew. Residents, above, havewitnessed the incredible amount of support upclose as they have pitched in to help unload theitems. Hundreds of volunteers from the Kinstonarea and across the state have worked tirelesslyto begin repairs and clean up the campus.

You can help! The cost of repairing KennedyHome will be great. Make an immediate gift atbchfamily.org/givenow and choose “HurricaneRelief” from the drop-down menu.

[ AROUND THE STATE }

Every day at churches and BCH facilities “around the state,” residents, staff members and North Carolina Baptists are mak-

ing news. In Charity & Children and through BCH's social media posts, friendscan connect daily, weekly and monthly to learn about all of BCH's happenings.______________________________________________________________________________________

Stay connected online at www.bchfamily.org and on Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, and Vimeo. Also follow NCBAM (www.ncbam.org) and BCH'sDevelopmental Disabilities Ministry (www.hereismyhome.org).

Get Involvedwww.bchfamily.org/getinvolved

You can meet the daily needs ofBCH’s boys and girls by sharingyour time, talents and resources:___________________________________

Food Angel: Through your FoodAngel sponsorship you provide regular meals to Baptist Children'sHomes' boys and girls. For as little as$4.92 a month, you can help provide36 meals to children and families in need. Become a sponsor atbchnc.org/bchfoodangels

Friends of Children Workdays:The perfect one-day missions out-reach. Projects for all ages! StatewideBCH workdays available in May and September. See 2016 dates onpage 8. Call 336-474-1209.

Mile of Pennies: Help by collecting a “Mile of Pennies.” When caring forhundreds of children, it takes every-one working together – one pennyadded to another penny and then another penny. Continue to multiplythe pennies and just imagine how faryou can go in making a real differ-ence! Call 336-474-1209.

Gently-Used Furniture Donationsand Volunteer Opportunities:Fancy Finds takes your gently-usedfurniture and home decor items andcreatively repurposes them to help all of BCH’s ministries. Fancy Findsneeds items as well as volunteers.Learn more at fancyfinds.org or call 704-909-8223.

Recycle Projects: Collect emptyprinter cartridges (laser, inkjet andfax cartridges). Deliver items to anyBCH facility or use prepaid shippinglabels to send items to recycler. Mil-lions of cartridges are thrown awayeach year. Begin collecting and helpthis year-round program earn moneyfor children. You can recycle cellphones, too. Call 336-474-1209.

Sweet Dreams Bed Sponsor: Youcan sponsor a child’s bed and ensurethey know that you care about them.A plaque with your name engraved,and if you choose the name of an individual you honor or memorialize,is affixed on or above a child's bed.Your special gift serves as a reminderto children that you are rememberingthem as they slip away to “sweetdreams.” Call 336-474-1277 or visitbchnc.org/bedsponsor.

Career Opportunities: Do you feel acall to missions? Do you have a pas-sion for serving others? BCH seeksservant-minded people who are look-ing for a great career opportunity. Allcurrent career opportunities, as wellas the online application, can befound at bchcareers.org

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kennedyhomealumni

Christmas is a very excitingtime of the year at Kennedy

Home (KH). When I served there,it was always a most favorite time. All five choirs were workinghard preparing for the Christmasprogram and my piano studentsworked hard in anticipation of theChristmas piano recital.

We had to be ready, decorate the church, and do it all in the first two weeks of December. Therewas always a “big” celebration inthe gym, too. The most excitingChristmas party was the time “Catfish” Hunter, the baseball star,came. Everyone was so excited! My sons, who were very youngthen, remember it and talk about it even today.

I hope everyone has a greatChristmas this year and rememberthe most important thing is to“Keep Christ In Christmas.” Afterall, we are celebrating His birthday.

Here is a note from LinwoodShivar (‘61-‘65): “I went to live at Kennedy Home in the spring of 1961 and I’m still grateful forthe experience. Many lasting friend-ships were developed not only withother KH brothers and sisters, butalso with many of the caring staff. A bond seemed to exist in that extended family that continuestoday. While there, I met the girl I fell in love with and later mar-ried – Beatrice Parris. God hasblessed us with two daughters and six grandchildren. We are looking forward to celebrating our50th wedding anniversary on this December 2. I thank God for mytime at Kennedy Home, for the influence of many caring KennedyHome brothers and sisters andstaff, and especially for the wife He gave me.”

Linwood, your KH family wishesyou and Beatrice a very happy 50th

wedding anniversary. I hope youhave many more years together.

If you met your wife or husbandat Kennedy Home take a few min-utes and share the story with us. It would make a good article. Also,

take time to tell us about yourselfand family, too. Send your story to jthompson117@ec.rr.com.

I know of several who met atKH, for instance Gary and DebbieCaulder. She was a staff child andhe was a KH youngin’. I love themboth dearly.

Rev. Horace and Mary Haweswere another couple. They evengot married at Cedar Dell – howabout that. I hope these two couples write me a note to sharetheir stories.

Here is a very interesting notefrom Lucy Vaughan Walters (‘30s -‘40): “Mr. Thompson, when I waseight months old, my father diedduring the flu epidemic in 1925-26. We had been living in Navyhousing. After his death, we had toleave and we moved back to BertieCounty. A home was loaned to usby one of our relatives. The houseburned down and mother had no job. I was taken to my aunt’shouse. My brother, who was 18months old, was taken to mygrandfather’s house.

“I think I have seen my brotherabout 10 times in my life. I saw mybirth mother probably six or eighttimes before I went to the orphan-age. I was seven years old andthought I was going to a place to play. I did not know I was goingto live there. I stayed at KH my entire childhood. I thought, well, I must have been a very bad childsince I was given away at 20months old and again at seven years old. I thought I wasn’twanted by my mother or my relatives. I didn’t know what I had done to deserve this.

“So, I tried to study hard andwork hard hoping somebody wouldwant me and not give me awayagain.

“At first, I liked the orphanage.But doubling the second and thirdgrades and being the only one topass the fifth grade put me age-wiseyounger than my peers. I soonfound out this put me in a very awkward situation. My class peersdidn’t want me – what being two

years younger than they were,“My own age friends didn’t want

me because I was two grades abovethem. I spent many nights crying.”

“Mama didn’t ever take me back.But my dear relative, Mrs. RubyDennis, who ran an insurance officein Raleigh helped me. She providedme with a coat and later a promdress. She and her daughters havealways been there to support me.When I got grown, I tried to bethere for them.

“Mr. Hough, our KH director,had a day in my honor two weeksbefore I graduated. It was a tributebecause I graduated so young andhad earned such a high scholasticaverage.

“When I read Charity & Chil-dren now and learn how trainedmarried couples serve as housepar-ents and brothers and sisters whoare in care stay together, it is verygratifying. There was no such thingwhen I was there.

“Now I want to talk a littleabout vacations and Christmas. Wehad two weeks a year for vacation –in June, July or August. People vol-unteered and came after you or youwere sent by train or bus. The firstyear, I was 8 years old and was sentby train to Ahoskie with a card-board sign that read: “LucyVaughan, Kennedy Home, To –Mrs. Myers, Ahoskie, NC.” I wasgiven a sandwich in case I got hungry.

“I don’t remember how long it took the train to get to Ahoskie.The sign was reversed and writtenon the back for the return trip. Theyears after, I was sent by bus.

“Now for Christmas, each childwas allowed to write down oneitem they wanted as a present. Thelist of items were sent to NorthCarolina Baptist churches. Theneach child was given a sack withthese items in them: one apple, one orange, pecans and Englishwalnuts, and a few pieces of hardcandy. These two items were fromSanta Claus for the younger ones.On Christmas morning, packageswere given out along with any that

may have been sent by children’srelatives – these gifts had been keptin the office until Christmas.

“There was a Christmas tree inevery building. These were put upabout a week before Christmas andwe helped decorate them! The treeswere brought in from the placesthey grew on the KH property.They were brought in by sleighs,pulled by horses. This was a veryexciting time for the younger children. I remember waiting allday for the trees to come! I was always excited.

“Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for keeping me informed. Also, I’mglad to learn that children stay forshorter time periods. It’s good toknow, that for some, they can goback to families. I hope my story isinformative and helps others knowhow things were in the early days of the orphanage.”

Thank you, Lucy! I plan to use some more from your letters in future columns.

I hope this column is enjoyed. I have a new computer and I don’tknow how to make things work aswell as I hope to in the future, butI’m learning. I’d love to have morestories to share. Be sure to writeand mail or email me your stories.Readers want to hear about yourexperiences and I do to.

Thank you all for reading and forthe prayers and support you give.Remember to help out in anywaythat you can while work is done torepair the damages at KennedyHome after the hurricane.

I hope everyone had a greatThanksgiving. Becky and I wishyou a very meaningful Christmasand a Happy New Year! I hope allyour Christmas church programsare beautiful and I hope you are inone of them or I’m coming to getyou! Always be involved in Churchlife. Merry Christmas and, remem-

ber, I love you. – jt

[ KENNEDY HOME ALUMNI COLUMN }

Alumna anticipated arrival of Christmas trees –Decorated trees were in every building_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By John Thompson, 2324 Country Club Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546 (252)671-3515 jthompson117@ec.rr.com

John Thompson was the choir director at Kennedy Home from1972-1977. Today, he enjoys a veryactive retirement.

____________________________________________________________________

12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11 11.

Christmas time in married stu-dent housing centers around

simple pleasures. The semester windsto a close, days are not quite as busy,and from most apartments musicspills out in festive notes. Even in Baton Rouge, the season turnscooler and caps and sweaters appearin all shades of red and green. Thepine trees move to and fro, and almost rhythmically they droppinecones all around.

When the Louisiana winter rainscome, the fragrance of the pinestakes me back to my grandparents’home. Mawmaw’s kitchen put outgood smells of pumpkin pies androasting pecans. All of us had therosy red cheeks of the season, and itseems, looking back, that laughterwas the chief mode of communica-tion. Joy surrounded the anticipa-tion of the holiday coming. . .

One memorable December livingon the Louisiana State Universitycampus, Kathy and I bundled Kyleinto his Snugglie and walked over to the forestry department’s tree sale on campus. We saw lots of ourneighbors from married studenthousing shopping for just the righttree, too. Prices divided the sections,and Kathy and I headed to the backcorner where the pine trees stood.We found one just about my heightthat would fill the designated cornerof our little apartment just right. Itwas perfect – full, fragrant, fresh –and we didn’t care that it onlylooked that way from one side. Oursmall batch of ornaments would fillthe front and no one would see the

skimpy side that faced the corner. I toted the tree, Kathy toted Kyle,and we went home smiling.

My mom’s crocheted bells, trees,and candycanes looked cheery nextto our store-bought apple and pearornaments from TG&Y – two boxesfor a buck. Kathy’s crafted fabrictree skirt added a bit of flare, andwith Kyle in the crook of one arm, I placed the star atop the tree,turned on the lights, and felt the familiar rush of peace that signaledthe season. Later, we listened toChristmas music lying on the tilefloor to see the patterns of twinklelights on the walls and ceiling.

On another December, my graduation and a move from collegelife necessitated a different kind ofholiday. Due to the busy season and the transition, there would beno tree. Kathy decided we could simplify our preparations. Mom and Dad gave us a large basket fromtheir travels in Spain, a bread basketthat spanned nearly three feet longand a foot and a half wide. Kylejoined us as we went pinecone gathering, filling the basket with allshapes, colors and sizes of pineconesfrom around campus. Our son lovedit. His knitted mittens protected hishands from the prickles but hinderedhis release of the cones into the bas-ket, so I plucked them from him ashe shook his hands, eager to gathermore.

Back at home, I pulled out the lights, tucked them amid thepinecones, and opened the box of ornaments. Kyle placed apples,

pears and candycanes. We put the basket on a small table in front of the window, added a big bow atop the handle, andplugged in the twinkle lights –it was different, smaller, but perfect. Later that evening, we had a good surprise as the lights’warmth released that old familiarpine fragrance of my boyhood.

With the lights and scent of pineand the anticipation in the eyes ofmy son, that Christmas felt like thebest ever. I said it aloud, and Kathylaughed: “You say that every year!”

That was true then and remainstrue now. Christmas brings past joysand memories to me, and they jointhe good memories we make eachnew season, and they all meld intosomething that feels like, well,Christmas to me. A Savior’s birth,the thrill of hope, our promise ofGod’s provision for our salvation.

Now only weeks from Christmas, Kathy sees me as she pulls into thedriveway at the end of her day. I amon the porch. We are now empty-nesters. Most evenings, we watch the sky darken and listen to the birdscall. And no matter what the daybrought, all is better, two bestfriends, husband and wife, on theporch, holding hands, finding joy in togetherness.

Then there is a breeze. A pineconefalls. This will be the best Christmas!

Edminson writes “Homeword” to inspire and encourage families. He isavailable for preaching and speakingengagements. Email him at wjedmin-son@bchfamily. org or call 800-476-3669, ext. 1217 to schedule a date.

[ #H O M E W O R D }

Pinecone scent bringswarm Christmas feelings______________________________________________________________________________________________

By Jim Edminson, Editor

Read more #Homeword at bchfamily.org/charityandchildren.

You can make children’s Christmas wishes come true!

Mail to: Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361. Give online at www.bchfamily.org/givenow

one child

$50

two siblings

$100

holiday outing

$300

one cottage

$600

cottage needs

$1,000

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City ____________________________ State ________ Zip ____________ Phone ____________________________ Email ____________________________

Credit Card Option: q Visa q MC Name on card: _________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________________

Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Must have Credit Card Expiration Date: __________ Three-digit security code (on card back): ___ ___ ___

Don’t wait! Choose a sponsorlevel perfect for you and providejoyous memories for the children.

____________________________________________________________________

.12 12/16 – Charity & Children – 129/11