By Lisa Lowrance//Missouri Baptist Children's Home (MBCH) “I don’t even like kids!” These were the words I uttered for nearly 17 years. I have never wanted biological children. It was never important to me. In all honestly, I hate hospitals, needles and pain, so pregnancy was never going to be a good fit for me. Plus, I had big dreams for my career (none of which panned out, of course). I didn’t like kids. So, of course, I found myself working for the Children’s Division in 2004, an … [Read more...]
MBCH ministry helps to rescue trafficked children
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was written by Charles Phillips, who serves as program director for MBCH Children & Family Ministries. Sex trafficking of children around the world is never easy to believe. MBCH Children and Family Ministries started its ministry to this population in 2012 in St. Louis. When MBCH Children and Family Ministries began the process of opening a home for minors in 2018 in the Kansas City area, someone from the community argued that a home for minors was not … [Read more...]
Ministry of MBCH Foster Family Care brings hope to young woman
BRIDGETON – It was a cold day in February when Rae picked up Anna from the psychiatric hospital, but Anna shook her head no when Rae offered her a jacket. With short sleeves that showed off all the scars on her arms, Anna was a little too open, too exposed as she slouched into the passenger seat and twisted the cap off the water bottle Rae handed her. It was a long drive to the MBCH residential facility where Rae, a Family Foster Care Specialist, was assigned to transport Anna. Small talk … [Read more...]
MBCH helps churches protect the vulnerable
by Angie Gentry, FRD/TFC Supervisor, MBCH Children and Family Ministries When church leaders and parents learn that one in ten children are sexually abused before they turn eighteen and ninety percent of children are abused by someone they know and trust, the safety of children becomes a top priority for churches everywhere, yet many churches do not have a plan in place to ensure the safety of their children. MBCH Children and Family Ministries can help churches across the state to … [Read more...]
MBCH President Russell Martin announces intention to retire in June 2024
MBCH board prepares transitional timeline and will soon search for successor BRIDGETON, Mo. (MBCH) – Russell Martin has announced his intention to retire from the role of President and Treasurer of the Missouri Baptist Children's Home (MBCH), effective mid-year 2024. Martin will provide continued leadership and support throughout a time of transition until his retirement. Andy Helton, currently serving as Vice President, will assume the role of Executive Vice President and … [Read more...]
MBCH Coleman House now named Martin Youth Center
BRIDGETON (MBCH) – At their first meeting of 2023, the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the Coleman House to the Martin Youth Center, named after current MBCH President Russell Martin. The board came to this decision as a way of honoring Martin’s passion for this project. “If you ask Russell (Martin) about the repurposing going on, you'll see his eyes light up and a big smile; he can hardly contain himself to talk about it,” Ron Baker, … [Read more...]