Editorial

Indeed, children are a blessing. Unfortunately, the Pslamist’s declaration (Ps. 127:3) frequently is not cherished or practiced by some parents and other adults. That’s where the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes comes in; and so do we through the annual Mother’s Day Offering. The goal for this year’s offering is $1.3 million.

The picture of child abuse and neglect in our state is dire. According to the Florida Department of Children & Families there were more than 83,000 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect last year alone.

These are the types of children who are ministered to through FBCH. In 2005, a total of 681 children and 173 developmentally needy young adults and maternity clients were served on FBCH’s residential group-care facilities across the state in Miami, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Cantonment (near Pensacola), and at the agency’s social work offices in Plantation, Gainesville and Milton. In addition to the residential care ministry centers, FBCH offers adoption services and operates a network of foster homes throughout the state to care for children in need. And FBCH’s sanctity of human life emphasis resulted last year in the establishment of two pregnancy care centers, training 428 staff and volunteers in 59 centers.

In all, 854 lives were touched by the invaluable ministry of FBCH. In its 101-year history, our Children’s Homes has ministered to more than 23,000 children.

In recent years there has been much said and written regarding President Bush’s faith-based initiatives. It’s clear that the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes is a faith-based organization that is meeting critical needs while staying true to its spiritual mission.

FBCH is a faith-based organization in every sense of the phrase. Meeting the physical and emotional needs of children is coupled with ministering to their spiritual needs. Christian house parents and social workers take the kids to church and tell them about the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In 2005, 52 professions of faith were made at FBCH facilities.

The $1.3 million goal for this year’s Mother’s Day Offering represents about 15 percent of the FBCH’s annual budget, while the Florida Baptist State Convention Cooperative Program accounts for nearly 18 percent of the budget. The costs of assisting needy children are significant – more than $9 million annually – but not beyond the reach of Florida Baptists.

If we were to be honest with ourselves we would all have to admit that there are times in our lives when we wonder if we are making a difference. Does what we do on a day-to-day basis have eternal consequences that matter in the Kingdom of God? What is the legacy that will remain when we leave this world?

These questions can be answered in many ways. How we love our spouses, raise our children, serve the Lord in our churches, minister to our neighbors and reach out to strangers all will be part of the legacy we leave behind. Of course, in the Kingdom of God, only those things of eternal value – how we touch the souls of human beings – will ultimately matter (1 Cor. 3:10-15).

As you think about Mother’s Day this Sunday, ponder briefly the legacy of your mother and consider the role you may play in helping disadvantaged and spiritually lost children who are cared for by the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.

My mother’s legacy will certainly be one in which the care of her children – both temporal and spiritual – were of primary importance. My wife’s legacy as a mother will also show these qualities. Tragically, many children in our society cannot say the same.

Every Florida Baptist has a role to play in meeting the financial needs of the Children’s Homes. Every church can set aside time for prayer for its ministry. Every Florida Baptist can give to support this critical ministry.

“The prayers and dollars from the hearts and hands of generous people enable this 101-year-old ministry to welcome and serve those who are most vulnerable,” FBCH President Jimmy McAdams wrote in his 2005 Annual Report. “Those who come to our doors are often desperate for direction and assistance. Unless benevolence intervenes, hopelessness will wrap its arms around them, squeezing out the last remnants of expectation and optimism. Fortunately for these young and vulnerable ones, we will continue to answer their prayers through people, places and plans.”

Let’s all do what we can to assist the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes minister to children. Please give generously to this year’s Mother’s Day Offering. By doing so, we will help these children understand that they are indeed “a gift of the Lord.”