Amanda and Jared Stone shared their testimony of how God works through Christian Adoption Services to Baptist Children’s Homes Trustees on January 17 during the group’s biannual meeting in Thomasville. The couple introduced their daughter Princess and recounted their story and how, during a three-year wait, God was preparing Princess in the Philippines to be adopted. “When we began the adoption process, Princess was facing insurmountable challenges,” Jared recalled. “But God was using this time to transform her life and prepare us to bring such a special little girl
home.”
The members of Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Board of Trustees were captivated as they listened to campers Sadie and Krisalyn share stories of how their lives have been changed since living at BCH’s Camp Duncan for Girls in Aberdeen. Both told of the new hope they have and how their lives have changed. Sadie testified that the night before she had given her heart to Jesus.
Camp Duncan director Brad Gearhart took time to encourage Trustees to help share BCH’s need for chiefs. There are open
positions at both girls’ and boys’ camps. He asked board members to think if there was someone they personally knew. Gearhart encouraged the group to publicize the need in their home churches. Chiefs are servant-minded, passionate, hard-working people who are seeking a great mission career opportunity. “I am always amazed by these dynamic young ladies,” BCH President/CEO Michael C. Blackwell said, affirming the Duncan campers. “And these girls’ testimonies remind us how these chiefs are used daily to bring about this godly change. Help us get the word out. We need chiefs.”
Camp Duncan’s Chief Aubrey spoke how her life had been enriched as a chief. She said it was hard work and that chiefs pour themselves into their task. But she also said it was the most rewarding thing she had ever done. Gearhart said that prospective chiefs could learn more at www.bchfamily,org/careers or call him at 717-623-1114.
Blackwell welcomed nine new Trustees:
Pam Annas, Fellowship Baptist, Hudson;
Vickie Burge, Village Baptist Church,Fayetteville;
Denise Critcher, Mt. Vernon Baptist, Boone;
Dana Dixon, Aversboro Road Baptist Church, Garner;
Matt Hollifield, FBC Charlotte;
Roy Howell, Green Level Baptist, Apex;
Matt Martin, Cool Springs Baptist, Sanford;
Sandy Saunders, Snyder Memorial Baptist, Fayetteville; and
Rit Varriale, Elizabeth Baptist, Shelby.
Trustees heard a tribute to BCH staff member Jennie Counts by Trustee Ken Haigler. Counts passed unexpectedly on January 5. Investment consultants reported that despite last year’s challenges, 2023 was beginning strong. BCH’s COO Keith Henry, Senior VP Sam Barefoot, and Executive VP Brenda Gray made reports.
The next Full Board of Trustees Meeting is slated for September 19 in Thomasville.