I am returning from my first meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina. Thornwell is one of those thin places of the earth where the space between holy and ordinary is very small indeed.
This residential home however, like many others across the nation has not escaped the effects of a spiraling downward economy. Tough times called for decisive action on the part of the Board of Trustees, the staff, and others in recent years so that the lives of precious children would be least affected by things that were certainly beyond their control.
Although still in recovery, I am beginning my term on the Board at a time when it seems like the Phoenix is emerging from the ashes. Thanks be to God! Projected income at Thornwell was exceeded by 2 million dollars last year alone. A record number of donors exists today along with an increase in sponsorships of individual children and cottages. This is the direct result of a professional and dedicated staff with vision, hope, and a mirrored reflection of God's love and grace. But it is also the result of people such as yourselves in the local church who have responded generously and lovingly to requests from Thornwell on behalf of the children who live there.
Many of you know of a recent anonymous gift to our church in the amount of $50,000. The Session voted to give ten percent (a tithe) of that gift in the amount of $5,000 to Thornwell. I had the privilege and honor of delivering the welcomed gift this week. In addition, the weekly Sunday School offering at FPC generates hundreds of dollars each year. Presbyterian Women have sponsored a child for many years and she will be graduating very soon. Cathy and I have decided to personally sponsor a child as well. What a joy to be able to share a pizza with her and extend happy birthday greetings to this precious 11 year old on Friday.
The Wednesday Night Live Committee will be meeting soon to plan a THORNWELL NIGHT in late April. At this event you will have an opportunity to hear more about Thornwell, make a contribution to the annual fund, sponsor a child or cottage, or simply become a "Friend of Thornwell" where you will receive all of the exciting news and happenings of a place where dreams become very, very real!
As always, I thank you for the time allowed to serve the Church of Jesus Christ in such a particular and special way. I now feel more intimately connected to 176 people, children and staff, who are living each day with a common purpose... a means of providing hope and wholeness to children and families. There is GOOD NEWS to share about Thornwell and I pray that you will partner with me in telling this wonderful and beautiful story.
Faithfully,
Rick
No comments:
Post a Comment