The Open Door

Last year, in Georgia, 99 children died as victims of abuse and neglect. This is unthinkable and unacceptable! Every fifteen minutes, of every hour, of every day, of every month, there is a confirmed case of child abuse in Georgia. Currently, in our state, there are almost 15,000 children in State childcare custody.

If your heart is not breaking over these statistics, something is dreadfully wrong. These kinds of statistics must never become just another report for the Christian. We must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of cultural desensitization due to “bad news overload.” The words of our Savior should ring in our ears and hearts when we hear or read statistics such as these.

You will remember that Jesus said that it would be better for a person to have a millstone tied around his neck and be dropped into the depths of the sea than to ever be an offense to one of these little ones. Jesus said that it would be better for such a person if he had never been born.

That we are called as believers in Christ to take care of the children is without dispute. The question is, “What are you doing to care for these children?” Since 1872, the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries has been making a huge difference in the lives of children who are trapped in what appears to be hopeless situations. This includes children who have suffered from abuse and neglect, children who have suffered from poverty, children who have suffered from the results of alcohol and drugs.

This incredible ministry is focused upon coming to the aid of children in the midst of disaster and rescuing them. I am speaking of a literal rescue and beyond rescue to a personal introduction to Jesus Christ and the difference He can make in their lives.

The reason I ask the question, “What are you doing to care for these children?” is that while the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries is a vital part of our Convention, they are not a part of the Cooperative Program ministries of the Convention, so unless you give personally to their support through the annual Children’s Home Day offering on Mother’s Day, you are not engaging in this vital ministry at all.

The Children’s Homes are not a part of the Cooperative Program because they have chosen not to be a part of the Cooperative Program. The reason is that they wish to raise their support through going directly to our churches. Agencies supported through the Cooperative Program are not permitted to request additional funds from our churches.

Our record of support through the churches of our Convention last year was not encouraging. Only 300 churches requested promotional information about the Children’s Homes ministries. I was surprised to learn that only 21% of the Children’s Homes Ministries’ funding came from our churches in 2005. Out of over 3,600 churches in our Convention, less than half gave to the support of this necessary and rewarding ministry.

Dr. Kenneth Dobbs, president and CEO of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, recently said, “Now, more than ever, Georgia Baptist Children’s Home desperately needs the help of Georgia Baptists in order to continue serving the Lord by caring for His children.” Dr. Dobbs stated, “Naturally, we continue to make sure our children are cared for physically, emotionally and most importantly – spiritually.

“Through God’s love and your support of this ministry, 139 children in our care made professions of faith in 2005.” Truly, that is a “Hallelujah” statement! We praise the Lord for every child who was touched by this ministry last year and rejoice in those who were saved.

I encourage you to give enthusiastically to the support of this ministry on Mother’s Day, May 14. This year’s theme is “Reaching Out Through Christ.” Dr. Dobbs stated, “That’s what we do here every day. We reach out as His servants to love, as Christ loved, children and families in need.”