BRIDGETON – Trustees of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) heard reports of ministry success and three salvations at their quarterly board meeting July 23 here.
“I’ve told you many times before that this report is a bunch of numbers,” Russell Martin, MBCH vice president and treasurer, said, “but they also represent real people and children that have been touched for the cause of Christ.”
Sixty-four youth have been served in MBCH therapeutic group homes so far this year, while 29 women and 10 infants were ministered to through pregnancy services. MBCH taught 28 youth aged 17-21 who are aging out of the foster care system independent life skills through their transitional living program.
Aug. 15 MBCH will open a maternity home shelter designed for short-term care for older women (older than 21) that wouldn’t be involved in a typical crisis pregnancy center.
A relatively new human trafficking ministry has served 14 young women trying to leave a life of prostitution.
Three of the children’s in MBCH programs accepted Christ as their savior so far this year.
Gifts through the Cooperative Program to MBCH in 2013 are down 5.8 percent, totaling $233,909.08 through June 30. Missouri churches have given an additional $125,000 to MBCH through the Missouri Missions Offering, also slightly down from last year. On the positive side, monies from bequests and wills are up year-to-date, nearly 33 percent thanks to some large estate gifts.
The board next meets Oct. 8 at the main MBCH campus in Bridgeton.