“I want to thank the Children’s Home for helping me define my future.”
Your gifts give chance for new life this Easter Season!
Easter is a time of renewal, new life and unconditional love. When a student in crisis arrives, we provide an opportunity for healing, and sharing God’s love.
Your loyal support has helped us equip students with the tools they need as they prepare for life on their own. Many have been wards of the state much of their lives, with our Home their last childhood placement. They quickly learn living here gives them a chance for a new life through education, career planning, positive behavior, healthy relationships, spiritual growth and preparing for an abundant and happy adult life.
“When I came to the Home, I felt I was on a dead end. I had no plans for the future. The greatest thing the Home did for me was to help me find a way forward,” Luke said while preparing to leave our Home in January, headed for a college dorm.
“I give the credit to God, but also to Pastor Perry [our Spiritual Life Leader] and all the staff at the Home. This is the first time in a long time that I am excited about my future. Although I do not have much family support, I have support from the Home’s staff and some outside services that also help me. One of the things a Home staff member said to me was, ‘You are not alone,’ and that meant so much to me.” That’s why we’re here. And why you’re so important to us.
Abused by his biological parents, Luke was placed in foster care at age 4, adopted at age 12, then found himself kicked back into foster care. He even slept in a homeless shelter for some time. You can understand why his mental health challenges led to aggressive behavior and self-harm, like experimenting with drugs and alcohol.
“When I moved into the dorm, I had everything I needed and felt like I fit right in.” — Luke
Through God’s grace, the Department of Child Services sent Luke to us. Having found a safe and loving home, he excelled, learning skills like budgeting, how to apply for college, and job interviewing to help him prepare for independence. A job in the community strengthened his self-confidence. Now Luke has been admitted to college so he can pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Pastor Perry, the Home’s Spiritual Life Leader, told us, “Luke is a young man who has a passion for serving others. A few months ago, he rededicated his life to Christ. He never missed a Wednesday evening worship service at Gress Memorial Chapel. At the end of his stay, he asked me if he could preach. He wrote a message that was very inspirational to our other students.” Pastor Perry then grinned and added, “Luke said he would like to be the next Spiritual Life Leader at the Home.”
The Home celebrated Luke’s departure with a send-off party and all sorts of things he had no idea were necessary. “When I moved into the dorm, I had everything I needed and felt like I fit right in,” he recalled. “I want to thank the Children’s Home for helping me define my future.”
“I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.”
This Easter will be especially meaningful for Luke as he steps closer to his new life. But as Luke leaves the Home, another troubled student arrives.
Your generosity and prayers allow us to give new life to the students we serve. May you be blessed with the Lord’s peace and renewal of the Easter season.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17