Downloand HomeNews - November 2020

A few years ago, I had a conversation with Cody*, one of our former residents. Before coming to the Children's Home, Cody and his sister were living with their father. At that time there wasn't much in their lives to be thankful for. They were practically raising themselves. One day their father told them that the family was going on vacation. After checking in at a hotel, the dad told Cody and his sister that he would be back in just a few minutes. He never returned.

With no extended family to care for them, Cody and his sister moved to LBCH. Soon, through the love and care of our staff, Cody and his sister were enjoying life as children should. After graduation Cody went to college and established his career. Three or four years later he came back to campus for a visit. That's when I had a conversation with him about his time at the Children's Home. Let me paraphrase what Cody shared.

"There are so many things that I was thankful for during my time at the Children's Home. I was thankful for having food every day. I was thankful that my sister and I didn't have to worry about being hurt. I was thankful that I could just be a kid. I didn't have to fix breakfast for me and my sister every day. I was thankful to have people around me who loved me even though they didn't really know me. I was thankful that I could play sports. And I was most thankful that you introduced me to Jesus." Cody concluded his thoughts with this. "I am so thankful for the people who give to the Children's Home."

Cody was talking about you and how you meet the needs of our children. You provide them with all the food they need, the clothes they need. You provide for their medical care and more. Most of all, you give them a safe and loving, Christian home. Like Cody, we are thankful for you.

I pray that God will bless you and your family with a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.  Let us all remember the words of Psalm 100:4. "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."

*Name changed for confidentiality