As we enter a new year, it is fitting to begin with a focus and emphasis on the sanctity of life. President Ronald Reagan on January 13, 1984, issued a proclamation designating January 22 of that year as the first National Sanctity of Life Day. This was the 11th anniversary of Roe v. Wade where the Supreme Court ruled that abortion was legal. Regrettably not every president since Reagan has issued an annual proclamation, but that should not detract us. Life, regardless of what a … [Read more...]
The gift of hope, healing and restoration
When I was a child growing up in southern Missouri, my brothers and I always anticipated the arrival of the Sears Christmas Book. It was a catalog filled with pictures of toys, games and all sorts of good stuff. We would look through it over and over, marveling at all the items. After having to make some really tough decisions, we would prepare our Christmas wish lists. We were limited to how many items we could put on that list and we soon learned to list our wishes in order of priority. … [Read more...]
Creating Christmas memories for hurting children
Christmas is right around the corner. For many, just as Andy Williams used to sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Anticipation is building for many children as they contemplate what good things might be in the presents they will unwrap on Christmas day. I know this to be true, as I had the same sense of anticipation and excitement when I was a child growing up. Although my family was as “poor as church mice,” my parents worked hard to ensure that my brothers and I had a good … [Read more...]
Missionaries needed to share gospel with Mo. children
This month we celebrate the greatest gift that was ever given to mankind – the gift of a Savior and a Redeemer. When we accept and receive that gift, we enter into an eternal, everlasting relationship with the God who is the Author of all creation and who formed us and knew us, even in the womb. What a gift! And it is one we are to share with others. The shepherds heard the message of the glad tidings of the birth of the Savior from the angels. But, Jesus told us that we are to be His … [Read more...]
MBCH cares for children, families amid pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is rapidly changing our world obviously affects the ministries of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Like everyone else, we are continuing to monitor this pandemic very closely. We are adjusting policies and procedures which allow us to follow the guidelines and restrictions developed by the health and governmental authorities. We balance that with continuing to provide care to children, youth and families who are hurting. Missouri Baptist Children’s … [Read more...]
Ministering to children in today’s society
Missouri Baptist Children’s Home has been serving children, youth and families since April 1, 1886. In those early days, only very young children were served. The history shows that during the first year of operation, 76 children were received into the home of whom 25 were adopted and 26 died. These deaths occurred because many of the children were from abject poverty and were malnourished, weak and very ill. For those who were adopted, life was so much better than if they would have … [Read more...]
A time to celebrate foster families
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity for people all across the nation to focus attention on the year-round needs of American children and youth in foster care. On any given day there are more than 400,000 children in foster care nation-wide. If you were able to bring together all these children into one city, this city would be the 43rd or 44th largest in the United States. This city made up of foster children would be bigger than St. Louis! There are more than … [Read more...]
A Kingdom partnership stronger than ever
It is a joy and privilege for Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) to have this opportunity to share our story once a month in The Pathway. We plan to have a number of different people associated with MBCH write future columns so you can have a better sense of the broad and varied ministries we offer. The Missouri Baptist Convention and Missouri Baptist Children’s Home have a long history of partnership, but I do not think it has been any stronger than it is right now. Dr. John Yeats … [Read more...]