Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries follow Christ’s mandate to "Feed my lambs"

My preacher grandfather used to say, "Woe to him who smiles not over a cradle, and weeps not over a tomb." I rejoiced at the birth of our three children and our ten grandchildren. In recent years few things have excited my glee as much as seeing the grandchildren playing, running, laughing, talking, singing and praying.

Christ himself never spurned the companionship of a child. He overruled the decision of His disciples who were intent on protecting His schedule by banning the children from entering into His presence. Expressing His displeasure, He said, "Suffer (permit) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14).

Furthermore, Christ reenforced His commitment to children after the resurrection when He confronted Peter at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). Peter had denied the Lord three times just prior to the crucifixion, as Christ had foretold. So, it was not surprising that Jesus would question Peter’s devotion in this post-resurrection encounter. Jesus asked, "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these?"

Peter responded, "Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee."

Jesus’ next words are very instructive for all of us. Before ever urging Peter to "feed my sheep" He said, "Feed my lambs." I believe that Jesus was explicitly stating that the community of faith has been given the responsibility of caring for and nurturing the "lambs," (the children) before anyone else.

The GBC has taken this command of Christ seriously through the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. This ministry has been reaching out to hurting children and families since 1872. Under the leadership of Kenneth Dobbs, this GBC agency provides safety and shelter for more than 1,000 of God’s "lambs" each year.