Have you ever wondered how houseparents come to serve at Baptist Children's Home? It isn't the typical job posting that people line up to apply for.  Serving as a houseparent is a calling that God speaks to someone.  Current houseparents David and Renee Anderson are a perfect example of how God speaks to the hearts of His people and uses them to serve the kingdom.

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David and Renee's journey to becoming houseparents came as a casual lunch.  Paula Joy, who serves as the Director of Development and Marketing at Baptist Children's Home and Family Services, visits with many people across the state regularly.  On this particular day, she was having lunch with Renee, and in the course of that lunch, the seed was planted.  As Renee went home that afternoon, she approached David about praying to seek the Lord's guidance in the next step of their lives.  They were comfortable living the lives that they had, serving faithfully in their church and community.  Giving up that comfortable lifestyle was not how they expected God to use them in the coming years.  Yet, as they continued to pray, God continued to speak directly to their hearts and they both realized He was pointing them to Carmi.

Surrendering to the call of the mission field is not an easy journey.  Becoming a houseparent is agreeing to become family to children who may not have had a positive family experience before.  There are periods of adjustment as everyone learns a little about each other and trust-building begins.

House parents model a loving home with two parents that share in the responsibility and care.  Some children experience the love and care of a father for the first time.   David shared how he experienced when one of the girls in his house told him he was the only father figure she had ever known.

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Every person that steps on the campus of BCH is broken in some way.  Renee reflected on how God has used the children and other adults here to help heal the brokenness inside her, "You think you are coming here to bless others, but you will be the one who is blessed."  Both David and Renee agree that they don't look at this as a job; it is a mission field.  Looking back over the last few years, they wouldn't change a thing about the decision to answer God's call to serve.

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The residential care program of Baptist Children's Home is the lasting legacy of the original ministry that started in 1918.  Residential care for adolescents continues to be an opportunity to show the power of God's love and grace as we care for these children and their families.  As we come out of the pandemic and look forward to the next year, we have urgent need for houseparents.  Please be in prayer for BCHFS as we seek houseparents for the residential program.  If this stirs something in your heart, be praying about how God is calling you to serve.