Sadly, not every child has the opportunity that most of us had to grow up in a home with our natural family. In today’s society, our children are often innocent victims, living in situations that are far from loving.

The Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries believe that every child deserves a loving home. They work diligently to make that a reality in the lives of each and every child and young person to whom they have the privilege of ministering.

Every day, somewhere in the State of Georgia, a child becomes a victim to child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. A young girl discovers that she is pregnant and has nowhere to turn. A teen battles a substance abuse problem. Young girls are exploited and victimized. Families who have children with developmental disabilities are seeking respite help. Every day, very near to where you live there are children and families who are desperate for help.

For more than 138 years, Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes have been the loving hand that reaches out to these hurting children. The mission of the Children’s Homes remains the same. The Children’s Homes continue to be a Christian ministry of services designed to promote the spiritual, physical and emotional well being of children, youth and families.

The 2009 annual report of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Inc. reports that there were 170 children served through residential care, 127 were served in Community Group Homes, and 163 participated in Camp Hawkins and Matthew’s Time. Maternity care served 19 young people.

The Nelson Price Treatment Center cared for 30. The Good Shepherd Residential program ministered to 16 and Family Foster Care provided for 7 children. The total number of children served in residential programs was 532. There were 131 Therapeutic Riding clients and 33 were served through Community Child and Adolescent services. Total residents and clients served were 696 and total days of care were a remarkable 53,339.

James S. Harper, who serves as president and chief executive officer of the Children’s Homes, made this statement: “What a wonderful Lord we serve who grants us the chance for a new life through Jesus Christ! Every day at Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes, we have the opportunity to share God’s love with all the children in our care. We want them to know that no matter what circumstances they come from, they can have a new beginning, starting today.”

I can not imagine a healthier attitude. God is blessing this ministry because of the hope it gives to so many children. Many of these children will go on to provide incredible service and ministry in the years to come.

Russ Barker was such a child. Russ’s testimony includes appreciation for the Children’s Home where he grew up and grew in his love for Jesus. Russ has served as an associational missionary for Atlanta and left that position to be pastor of one of our fine churches.

God has given Russ outstanding opportunities to serve Him and his influence has affected the lives of many. It would be impossible to adequately estimate the value of this ministry in the lives of young people and children in Georgia.

Perhaps you are asking, “What can I do to help with this amazing ministry?” Please remember to pray with regularity for this outstanding ministry of our convention.

You can give to support it. On Mother’s Day, we will receive a special Mother’s Day Offering for the Children’s Homes. Your gifts will go a long way in providing ministry to these children. You can also volunteer to give of your time to serve.

Your Sunday School class could adopt a cottage and then bless the children in that cottage with gifts. Spend volunteer hours repairing and painting the cottage and also just spending some quality time with the children.

Georgia Baptists are so blessed to have this amazing ministry to children. Let’s do everything we can to bless it and help it to grow.