Each year on Mother's Day, Georgia Baptists receive a very special offering, the Children's Home Offering. Why is it so special? It is special because the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries is making a significant and positive difference in the lives of a multitude of children in a day when our society gives every evidence of having devalued the lives of children.

Right thinking individuals cannot help being appalled at the incredible rise in crimes against children. Jesus said, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).

I confess that upon hearing of the unbelievable crimes against precious children across our country, I long for a literal fulfillment of that verse of Scripture. While it is not for us as individuals to mete out the punishment deserved by evildoers, we can pick up the pieces of broken young lives and do all that we can to put their broken hearts back together again. This is the constant devotion of Dr. Kenneth Dobbs and all who serve with him through our Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries.

Just recently one of our children from the Children's Homes was ordered to return home. Within days, the child experienced the same deplorable treatment that brought him to our ministry in the first place. When brought back to the judge, the child asked to be sent back to the Children's Home where he knew that he was loved. He is back, and on his behalf, thank you to all of you who have given to the Children's Homes. From this event you can see that your gifts are making a difference.

The Nelson Price Treatment Center is a vital part of this ministry. It was established to care for the particular needs of children involved in substance abuse. This past year 70 of our children at the Children's Homes received substance abuse treatment at the Nelson Price Treatment Center. At a recent graduation from the Center, one parent stood up and said, "Thank you for giving me my child back."

Isn't that the essence of ministry? I think so. Don't you think that the Lord is pleased when we support a ministry that has as its purpose the loving care of the very children He spoke of in Matthew 18?

The numbers of children in our state who are in need of special care are staggering. Last year in Georgia 82,000 children were victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. While this is heartbreaking we can be encouraged that our Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries served 723 children and families through their ministry last year. Of these cases, 719 children were housed in our residential programs and 99 were admitted to this ministry through emergency placement situations.

Now, here is the truly wonderful news. Last year 99 of the children in our care made life changing and eternal decisions to trust Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! I want to shout "Hallelujah!" Is there a Georgia Baptist, or a Christian anywhere who would not shout with joy over such a report? Here are 99 lives crushed by circumstance that have been put back together through the amazing grace of Jesus.

With over 15,000 children currently in state custody it's easy to see that the opportunity for ministry to hurting children and families in our state is both overwhelming and continuing.

Last year 21% of the donations that help to support this ministry came from churches. I was shocked and disappointed to see this statistic. Let's push that percentage much higher this year. I encourage all Georgia Baptists and Georgia Baptist churches to give this year on Mother's Day to the Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries Offering. We cannot neglect this responsibility.