Providing missions opportunities is a blessing that continues to inspire and encourage the children Baptist Children’s Homes serves while giving NC Baptist volunteers a glimpse inside the statewide ministry.
Legacy giving has been a part of our ministry since its beginnings in 1885.
Through the years, thousands of legacy givers have lived out these words from James 1:27— “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” This verse speaks to God’s heart for the orphans and the widows. This verse also gives us an answer to caring for the “least of these” as God calls us—you and me to action.
One hundred and twenty years ago, on June 5, 1914, Kennedy Home in Kinston opened its doors to care for the orphans of that day. In 1912, Captain William Lafayette Kennedy and his wife Emily Hardee Kennedy heard God’s call and determined they wanted to make a difference—they wanted to impact the hopelessness of orphaned children in eastern North Carolina. They signed over the deed of their 1200-acre farm on May 14, 1912 to the Baptist Orphanage. Their love for children and commitment to seeing the orphanage grow was also realized when Mrs. Kennedy sold the diamonds her husband had given her each year on their anniversary to fund the building of a cottage in memory of her father. Mrs. Kennedy became terminally ill that same year but was determined to see the cottage built before she died. On May 10, 1918, the cottage was completed—Mrs. Kennedy died that very night. Her legacy of love will live forever through the lives of the children the ministry at Kennedy Home has touched over the years.
I am so grateful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of people who have chosen to be legacy givers—to make a difference—and impact the hopelessness experienced by children yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I know this statement will definitely get me in trouble with my Carolina, State, and Wake Forest friends, but I am a Duke Fan, have been since childhood. I recently learned Duke University was originally known as Trinity College. In 1924, Trinity College was renamed Duke University in honor of a legacy gift given by James Buchanan Duke. Mr. Duke wanted to be a part of changing history for thousands of young people through quality education. Like Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, Mr. Duke desired to impact the hopelessness of children all across our state and beyond. For many years, Baptist Children’s Homes has been the recipient of Mr. Duke’s generosity through The Duke Endowment. This year the Duke Endowment celebrates its 100th anniversary.
What if Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy had not chosen to make a legacy gift? What if J. B. Duke had determined not to care about the future of others? So many wonderful children and families would have had no place to go for hope and healing. The minds and potential success of thousands of youth would have been wasted.
Did you know that approximately two-thirds of all U.S. adults die without having a well thought out estate plan? In the parable of the faithful servant we read: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). The making of a Christian Last Will and Testament is a lasting expression of Christian stewardship.
An article in the NY Times several years ago, (“He Left a Fortune, to No One”) stated that a “$40 million estate may default to the State of New York.” As I read this information, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as I thought about all of the hungry children these funds could have fed, the thousands of homeless families these funds could have rescued with a second chance, and the thousands of people fighting life-threatening illnesses these funds could have helped heal. The hundreds of minds that could have been challenged. The thousands of abused children that could have been rescued. So many lives could have been changed.
With an estate plan, you can share your life’s treasures as you desire.
Without an estate plan, state law will determine who will receive your life’s treasures.
With an estate plan, you will select your guardian for your minor children.
Without an estate plan, a court will appoint a guardian for your minor children.
With an estate plan, you choose the executor of your estate.
Without an estate plan, typically a court will appoint a paid administrator to oversee the distribution of your life’s treasures.
With an estate plan, the Christian Kingdom Building Ministries you love will be funded.
Without an estate plan, needs will go unmet.
Will you join the Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, J. B. Duke, and others in being good stewards of all that God has given you? Will you leave a legacy that will impact the hopelessness of children across our state? Will you be a part of our vision of sharing hope…changing lives?
Each of us have the ability (through every gift God has given us through the years) to impact lostness and hopelessness.
It is with excited anticipation, I approach each day knowing God will send His provision through His people—through YOU! Thank you for your legacy giving!
We are so very grateful for you! Everyday your phone calls of concern, prayer, and support have been and continue to be a major source of encouragement to our children and staff. Thank YOU!!!
Please note: This information is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. For such advice, please contact your legal professional.
Written by Brenda B. Gray, Executive Vice President, Development & Communications
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