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here is something amazingly beautiful about a family who would take a child into their home and make room for her at their table. It is a

wonderful reflection of what God does for each of us. At one point, we were all lost and wondering aimlessly and God made room for us. He gave us significance and a sense of belonging. Though He did not have to, He chose to love us and we are infinitely better for it!

Recently we witnessed the transformational power of love in the life of one of our residents. Her life has been forever changed because a family made room for her.

Jessica is a sixteen-year-old girl with a radiant smile and a caring heart. You wouldn’t have recognized her two years ago when she came into care. She had built a wall of protection around herself and kept everyone at arm’s length. She was fighting at school and with the other girls in her cottage. At one point BCH staff were concerned about whether or not Jessica would be able to remain in care.

Eventually she began to adapt to her new surroundings, her house-parents- Earl and Mary Perschbacher-and the other girls in her cottage. She even developed a fondness for Earl’s tendency to be overly protective of the girls in his cottage, especially when it came to potential male suitors. While at BCH, Jessica received love, structure, responsibilities and spiritual teaching. It was during her stay at Baptist Children’s Home that she invited Jesus into her life!

mma is the daughter of some close friends of mine. She has everything any little girl would ever need. For her 7th birthday she asked her friends and family to give a gift to Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services instead of buying her presents. At her birthday party she proudly handed me the checks that people had given, proclaiming “This is for the Children’s Home.” A few

days later while visiting her grandparents, she rode her scooter down the street to my house. Handing me an envelope she stated, “Here is some more birthday money. I told my mom if we get enough

maybe the Children’s Home will be able to buy a mansion for the kids! My mom said that probably won’t happen but that’s ok.” She smiled, hugged me and headed back to her grandparents’ house. No fanfare, just mission accomplished!

As I watched her go down the street, I couldn’t help think what a remarkable little girl she is. She has a big heart that is easily touched by the needs of others. Her sense of justice, generosity and redemption are just what God desires in His people when He calls us to encourage the oppressed, defend

the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.

We should all follow Emma’s lead in meeting the needs of vulnerable children, orphans, the poor and families in distress. This Thanksgiving, as you consider all that you have to be thankful for, let that motivate you to help someone else who is not as fortunate. Consider giving to Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Your support has

never been more important. This has been a challenging year for us.

Loving Others with the Heart of a Child

Finding the Place Where Your Heart Belongs

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Follow us on Facebook for many event details.

Sign-up for our online newsletter by emailing us at BCHFS@BCHFS.com.

Donations can be made online at BCHFS.com.

The Hamson family poses for a picture at the BCHFS Metro East Executive Director’s Dinner earlier this year. Pictured from left to right are Josh, Cole, Jessica, Amy and Wyatt.

“...and a little child shall lead

them.” -Isaiah 11:6

BCHFS: In this issue...•FindingthePlaceWhereYourHeartBelongs....................1

•LovingOtherswiththeHeartofaChild...................1•2014WomenofCompassionForum..............................................2

•BELIEVE:2014ThanksgivingAppeal.............................................3

•HuntingforaWaytoHelpKids?.................................3

•BCHFSAchievesHagueAccreditation...............................4•BCHFSMemorialGifts..............4•BCHFSMemorialGifts..............4•BCHFSSupportersMade2014anEventfulYear!..................5•15thAnnualFallFestival..............6•SouthernIllinoisGolfScrambleRaisesOver$53,000.....................7

•SendaCustom-DesignedChristmasCardtoYourFriendsandClients.......................7•DoYouKnowSomeoneWhoNeedsHelp?..........................8

•BCHFSUpcomingEvents&JobOpportunities...................8

2 BCHFS NEWS: Building Futures. Changing Lives.

Friend Loves at All Times was the theme for this year’s Women of Compassion Forum, which took place on Friday, October 24 on the beautiful property of the Cedarhurst Center

for the Arts in Mt. Vernon, IL. There were twenty-two ladies in attendance.Women of Compassion is a group of like-minded women who come together annually, pooling their resources to meet the needs of vulnerable children, orphans and families in distress. The main purpose for the Forum is to unite the members of the group in their support of BCHFS and to allow them to decide how their financial support will be used. This year they divided their funding between two ministry areas: Cove Connection and the Baptist Children’s Home tutoring program. Cove Connection is a ministry of Angels’ Cove Maternity Center, which pairs unwed moms and dads in Mt. Vernon with local mentors. The group meets weekly for fellowship, parenting skill classes and Bible study. The Baptist Children’s Home tutoring program provides students on our Carmi campus the individual help they need to be academically successful. In addition to directing the Women of Compassion funds, those in attendance were treated to the artistry of Libby Morecraft, wife of Saline Association Director of Missions, Rusty Morecraft. Libby shared a song while sculpting a detailed bust of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns. The ladies were also inspired by the testimony of Amy Hamson and her daughter Jessica who shared about their experience with BCHFS and how God has changed their lives through the services they received. Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” We are so thankful for each of the Women of Compassion. We appreciate that

they see the needs of the children and families we serve and choose to express their love by investing in their precious lives. Ladies, we hope YOU will consider becoming a member of Women of Compassion in 2015. Simply make a donation of $500 or more to Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services and join us for the WOC Forum on Saturday, March 21, 2015. For more information, contact Paula Joy (618) 731-1323 or paula.joy@bchfs.com.

2014 Women of Compassion Forum

AA Friend Loves at All Times Jessica remained in care at BCH for over two

years, successfully completing the program. However, because of her family situation, she was unable to return home. She could have stayed at BCH, but the staff knew that Jessica really needed to be part of a family. The search for a family began.

At the same time God was working in the lives of Josh and Amy Hamson who began to talk about adding to their family. Amy dreamed of having another baby, but Josh suggested that they consider inviting a teenager into their home. At first, Amy was skeptical of the thought. Being the mother of two small boys, she had doubts about her ability to parent a teenager. The couple finally decided to become a visiting resource for Baptist Children’s Home and invited Jessica to spend Thanksgiving with them. During this visit, Jessica tried to show her “tough,” independent side. But Amy, being a school teacher, was not fazed in the least. From that point on, every time there was a school break, holiday or even summer break, Jessica would spend it with the Hamsons.

After several trips returning Jessica to the Children’s Home, Josh finally said to Amy, “Either we have to quit going to get her or we need to bring her in to our home permanently, because I can’t stand to take her back anymore!” The couple decided to ask Jessica to join their family.

According to Amy, they are not a perfect family, nor do they have a perfect home. But, she, Josh and the boys love Jessica and she loves them. BCH Aftercare Worker, Adam Koop, mentioned that during his last visit to check on Jessica, he felt like an outsider. Jessica and her family have connected in a way we hope all children would.

We rejoice in seeing what a beautiful story God has been orchestrating in Jessica’s life over the past two years. The road has not been smooth, but along the way He has been faithful and has led her to the place where her heart belongs.

Finding the Place Where Your Heart Belongs

(continued from page 1)

WOC members and special guests pose for a group photo in front of the artwork at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.

Those who attended the WOC Forum were inspired by the artistry of Libby Morecraft, who shared a song and sculpted a bust of Christ.

Jessica recently spoke about her journey at the recent Women’s of Compassion Forum. (see related story on left.)

We would like to extend an invitation to women throughout the state to

become a member of WOC and join us at next year’s

forum to be held on March 21, 2015. The only thing our group is missing is YOU!

ELIEVEB

The cOuple decided TO ask Jessica

TO JOin Their Family.

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BELIEVEB2014 THANKSGIVING AppeAl

Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God... ~ John 1:12

Believe in Him. Believe in them.

elieVe. These days you see that word printed on everything from Christmas cards to decorative kitchen trivets. The very mention of the word inspires

optimism in the human heart and encourages us to hold fast to the hope of a brighter tomorrow. Unfortunately, the possibility of a brighter tomorrow is a concept many of our residents at Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services find hard to believe. When a life of abuse and neglect is all a child has ever known, it can be hard for her to comprehend a home filled with love and free of turmoil. This is why I am so grateful for the support of friends like you. You allow us to be there as a beacon of light in a darkened world. You help to ensure each of our residents has the opportunity

to experience life in a

loving, stable Christian home. You help them learn to believe in themselves, trust others, and understand that goodness and kindness truly exist.But the impact of your giving does not end at BCH Residential Care. You provide parental guidance and care to young mothers and their babies through Angels’ Cove maternity center in Mt. Vernon, IL, you help strengthen families through our ten Pathways Counseling locations, you help prevent child abuse through Safe Families and you provide tangible aid to Ugandan orphans through Latreia International.As the Executive Director of Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, I can tell you that I believe in protecting children, I believe in preserving life and I believe in building stronger families. Furthermore, I firmly believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to transform lives and heal hearts. That is why I am glad YOU

believe in the ministry of BCHFS. As Thanksgiving time approaches, I hope

you will pray fervently for the children in our care. I have enclosed a list of

their names and ages. I ask that you select a child’s name, write it

on the enclosed table tent and place it in the middle of your

table. This holiday season, as you say grace before the meal, I ask that you prayerfully remember this child.In addition to praying, I humbly ask that you consider sending your most generous monetary gift. For every child or family we care for, there are others in urgent need of our help. I am thoroughly convinced that, as the Body of Christ, we cannot afford to grow weary or complacent when it comes to providing for the welfare of His children. These lives are simply too important! This holiday season, will you will join us in helping vulnerable kids believe in miracles!

Yours For His Children,

CUTHERE

Doug Devore, LSW

Executive Director, BCHFS

Hunting for a Way to Help Kids?f hunting is your passion, why not do it for a great cause? Join BCHFS on Monday, December 22, at Grassy Lake Hunt Club in Ware, IL. for our annual Winter Waterfowl Hunt. The cost is $200 per hunter and includes coffee/donuts and lunch. Grassy Lake can accommodate 30-40 hunters, so don’t delay. Reserve your spot today! Register online at www.BCHFS.com or by calling (618) 382-4164, ex. 101. I

BCHFS 949 County Rd. 1300 N. Carmi, IL 62821

Mail to:

BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME & FAMILY SERVICES ACHIEVES VALUABLE HAGUE ACCREDITATION

aptist Children’s Home & Family Services has received notification that it has achieved Hague Accreditation through the Council

on Accreditation (COA) as authorized by the U.S. Department of State, according to an announcement made to Doug Devore, Executive Director of the organization.

Hague Accreditation attests that Baptist Children’s Home & Family Services is in substantial compliance with the Hague Convention Accreditation Standards. Baptist Children’s Home & Family Services’ Hague Accreditation expiration date is August 21, 2018.

The Hague Convention is an international treaty created to ensure that inter-country adoptions are in the best interests of children and to prevent abduction, exploitation,

sale, or trafficking of children. The treaty was established to provide consistency from country to country in the area of international adoption. In 1994 the United States signed this treaty and agreed to develop regulations and a monitoring process for adoption service providers in the U.S. that worked with agencies in countries that signed onto the Convention.

Achieving Hague Accreditation will now allow BCHFS and Angels’ Cove to facilitate international adoptions and enable them to provide home study services to other agencies working with international adoption placements.

For more information about the Hague Convention, including a full list of participating countries, please visit the Hague Conference on Private International Law’s website at www.hcch.net.

BCHFS MEMORIAL GIFTS: August - October 2014

BCHFS HONOR GIFTS: August - October 2014

Note: Memorial Names are in BOLD.

Note: Honor Names are in BOLD.

MEMORIAL GIFTS FROM AUGUST-OCTOBER 2014

Barbara A. AdamsMark Thomas AdamsHarold D. AlleyDixie PiskosAlan BeasleyJoan MoweryMark MosbyAlma OsterholmDoris and Ernie RhodesGene and Joyce PlottDorothy BeasleyDavid and Carol HarveyJolene BeckerFirst Baptist Church, PeruElla Mae BellingerHarold BellingerWilliam BerryBessie L. BerryClaude and Amy BowkerBrad and Patty RuyleLt. Col. L.R. BlyckerNancy BlyckerJoyce CampbellThe Lydia Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church, CarmiLamor and Norma CaulkLonnie CaulkElton and Jeanette CarlileJack and Lois KnepperGary ClarkFirst Baptist Church, ColumbiaOrval and Juanita ClineJames and Mary EmeryDennis D. CoadDonna Coad

Kendall CoffmanMr. and Mrs. Gene CoffmanSu ConnerFirst Baptist Church, SalemHelen CoxPenny Jo CoxBuel CrabbMargaret and Brian FarmerMike and Minnie CroghanMike and Becky CroghanMarshall M. CrossCharles and Karen ShupeMyra DavidsonDonald and Shirley RayMarshall and Jackie BurnsPeggy BittleFrank and Linda LaFoonWilliam and Brenda HatfieldDennis and Kathy ThornburgRodney and Laura SadlerBuel and Doris BaileyLoyd and Carlene ThompsonWilliam and Pauline MallamsJames and Paula Keistler, IIAmy Lu and Stuart RendlemanRobert and Nancy KendrickMax MillerCharles and Mary Jane LasleyDale and Jean Denny, Jr.Carole BakerRichard and Pamela BittleUnion County Country Club LadiesCarol L. OtrichAlan and Donna MorganRobert DeJournettKeenes Baptist ChurchDr. John Q. DickeyDwain and Linda BridgesJames and Stella EastYvonne WeberBarbara EubanksGarry EubanksMarian EvansFirst Baptist Church, CartervilleGertrude FentonWalshville Baptist ChurchMr. and Mrs. Ralph ElamJackie Lynn FraileyFaye OxfordBob FulkersonJune FulkersonNancy FullerRehoboth Baptist Association

Betty GerdesEd GerdesRoy and Don GoddardBarbara AdamsNaomi GoddardBarbara AdamsRoger and Angela SickmeierGloria SickmeierJeni and Jerry GoddardMid-Continental Fuels Construction, Inc., Johnston CityRev. and Mrs. B.E. GreeneJudy ShoemakerCarl GriffithsKaren S. LampleyBenny and Linda StricklinWilliam and Carolyn CoxWilliam and Dana KeatingHerb Gutzler and Stephanie GutzlerMs. Fern GutzlerLoretta HagenShirley McComisMrs. Anna Belle BartelsHurbert and Rosemary RinghausenPatrick and Patsy WalzRose (Wock) BranhamWilliam and Donna WebberMinnie Dinwiddie and Alpha HankinsMr. and Mrs. Joseph DinwiddieGeneda HarrisonEvelyn DeGrootePaul and Charlotte HaysePatricia LanceAlice HendersonDoug and Carey GillAnna HolleyJohn and Betty StallingsSally S. HortonMarvin HortonRev. Tony JayneFirst Baptist Church, SalemRex JeraldsFirst Baptist Church, CartervilleYoung at Heart Sunday School Class, Carterville First Baptist ChurchWanda WhitneyRex and Loretta JeraldsLarry and Rita GardnerRon and Jayleen Waldron

Avery L. JenningsJoyce BomkeJack JohnsonJames and Sandra LoydNancy HancockWayne and Marilyn WagnerJo Anne CoxMarilyn ParksCathy LisenbyBill and Judy NewburyDennis and Marlene BraddyJerry and Nyla ClemensPaul and Peggy HowardVicki ReevesPhillip and Wanda KramerJerry and Bonnie FarthingGary and Kathy PhillipsNeva SagerJames and Elizabeth MooreBilly and Helen EllisMr. Terry HammonsMs. Patricia A. HawkinsClark JonesFirst Baptist Church, SalemRev. Dewitt KelleyDianne BergerPearl G. KingeryJune D. JohnsonLucas KnebelMike and Lucetta DurbinBob KnoxFirst Baptist Church, ColumbiaPat Duvall and Kenny KokerInez DuvallJack KornegayElizabeth KornegayChuck and June ElliottFairmont Olympic Hotel, Development and Communications GroupRev. George B. LeathersMr. and Mrs. Brad BurlowBilly “Chuck” LilesMr. and Mrs. Doug MorrowDelma LongBob LongBarbara LoweryHarold and Jo SmithFirst Baptist Church, Creal SpringsLeRoy MarksLaura MarksNova (Schultz) Marshall Lois Peck

Victor McDonaldMildred McDonaldGary Lewis and Charles MilesMarilyn MilesImogene MillerThe Homemakers Class of Calvary Baptist Church, Granite CityAnna L. Barham, Joe L. Barham, James E. Barham and Virgil NewsomeElizabeth NewsomeMeghan PattersonFirst Baptist Church, SalemMaritta PavelonisJohn B. PavelonisAnita PetersHerod Springs Baptist ChurchMrs. Geraldine PorterShirley RisterDonna RickeyFirst Baptist Church, FindlayRev. Eugene RisterShirley RisterBen RizerLorene RizerBernice RomannPontoon Baptist Church, Granite CityRev. Dean RuyleWanda RuyleIrvin and Velma SadlerPhil and Linda OsmanEdwin SampsonLouise SampsonJennifer Scoggin and Barry ScogginMs. Georgia ScogginMarilyn Schuttenhelm and James E. Scott, Jr.First Baptist Church, ColumbiaTheresia SeagravesImmanuel Baptist Church, MetropolisJohn and Betty StallingsCecile SmithKenneth and Aleta Kay SmithRev. Kenneth D. SpiresWilliam and Linda SpiresLinda and Dennis GerardMark and Sharon LittonBankWestSummit Avenue Baptist Church, DecaturOpal Lawrence

Ida Mae LeachLitchfield National BankFillmore Baptist ChurchJim StewartNorma ColyerFrieda TalleyPauline DillowRick and Deb KolkRay and Janice FlammEdith HartsockBonnie HankeyBarbara Lowery (Thompson), Jim, Anna Mae and Daryl ThompsonPamela Woodruff and FamilyLloyd TrotterMary TrotterWillis UngerMrs. Benita UngerJack and Carley VanceMerlene and George WebsterNorman VirdenMabelene VirdenJames WaltzFirst Baptist Church, EldoradoDebbie WatsonKevin Organ, Starr, Tara, Aleta, and KirkBeulah Brown, Flo Cook, Mildred Helen Penrod and James WesleyMr. and Mrs. Melvin MinerCharles WhiteEmilia WhiteDortha WhiteSummit Avenue Baptist Church, DecaturCarol WhittingtonBob WhittingtonBill and JoAnn WigginsNorma EdmisonTom WilliamsPontoon Baptist Church, Granite CityGrant Douglas and Jim WolfHomemakers Class of Calvary Baptist Church, Granite CityDean WoodsWilma WoodsJC Rister and Edwin ZacharyAnita Zachary

HONOR GIFTS FROM AUGUST-OCTOBER 2014

AmyDorothy Lacey

GrandchildrenRick and Darwin VanDyke

Florence BondMary Rosancki

David, Beth and CindyBeulah BrownDavid ClarkJean ClarkPhyllis DavisLoretta PurdyTravis DavisRandy and Deb DavisDoug DevoreDavid and Sandy Paddock

Jeffrey and Jacqueline FriendIrma HawkinsJames GrossPearly GrossAnn HookerFaye BowmanFirst Baptist Church, Johnston CityDanny TroutFirst Baptist Church, Shawneetown

Lydia OxfordDon and Sarah HaileTen Post Oak Baptist Church, KeenesJoan S. KemperRobert J. KemperMs. Earline KohrigTony KohrigCaleb and Luke OwenPeggy Durst

Park Avenue Baptist Sisters In ChristLaura SeidelLinda RobertsLarry FisherSteve and Pam ShoemakerRonald NewberryRay L. StoreyArthur and Dorothy ClaytorJo TempleMickey and Debby Smith

Emma UseryDanny and Debbie UseryErnie and Linda BingmanDoug and Connie DevoreJarrod and Natalie NewellWoodson Baptist ChurchRon and Phyllis Lacy

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BAchieving Hague Accreditation will allow BCHFS to facilitate international adoptions and provide home study services to other agencies who do international placements.

BCHFS Supporters Made 2014 an Eventful Year!

Macoupin Association Trivia Night The Macoupin Baptist Association Trivia Night was held on Saturday, September 6 at Emmanuel Baptist Church Activity Center in Carlinville, IL. The fundraiser, which has become an annual event in Macoupin Association, raised $3,300 for the ministries of BCHFS. We would like to thank Rev. Ray and Kay Robinson, Tom and Jeanie Slusser, Kenny and Rosie Huff, Rev. Rob and Madonna Cleeton, Ida Mae Leach and Donna Schmedeke for their work in making the trivia night a success!

5

I n addition to our traditional fundraisers, BCHFS was blessed to be the beneficiary of several wonderful events throughout the year that were hosted on our behalf. The following are a few highlights from the various events and activities hosted by BCHFS supporters. We are so grateful for the time and efforts of these wonderful people!

BCHFS Development Officer, Paula Joy, poses with David Vaught at the White Sox game. The Snow Angel Pageant gives

young ladies the opportunity to earn scholarships while serving as an ambassador for Angel ’s Cove.

Captain Ray Robinson announces the pirate trivia round at the Macoupin Trivia Night.

Ice Cream 5K organizers, Jessica, Jonathan and Hope Evans.

A team from Walgreens takes time to pose for the camera while awaiting the next question.

This Fall we were forced to close one of our group homes in Carmi. We are not satisfied with serving fewer people and we hope you agree. These lives are too important. We cannot afford to become complacent when it comes to the welfare of children and families. Emma made a difference because she put her love for others first. Imagine

the difference we could make together if we followed her example.

Loving Others with the Heart of a Child(continued from page 1)

White Sox FundraiserEach year, Mitchell, Vaught and Taylor, Inc. Investment Advisors of Chicago, IL hosts an Annual Public Pension Fund Trustee Seminar at US Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. As part of their package, the firm receives a block of all-inclusive party suite tickets to the evening game. They sell the tickets and donate the proceeds to a local charity. This year, partner David Vaught suggested the firm adopt BCHFS as their charity beneficiary. The fundraiser, which was held on Saturday, September 16, raised over $2,000 for BCHFS. Special thanks to Mitchell, Vaught and Taylor, Inc. Investment Advisors for their support!

Ice Cream 5K RunMarion First Baptist Church hosted its 2nd Annual Ice Cream 5K Run on Saturday, September 13. The event featured a 5K Run/Walk, a one-mile “fun run” for the kids and an ice cream social following the race. The event, which was spear-headed by Jessica Evans of Marion, IL raised $3,850 for BCHFS. Special thanks to Jessica and Marion FBC for hosting a great event in support of BCHFS!

Snow Angel PageantFor the past four years, Jenna Harner of Dongola, IL has hosted the Snow Angel Pageant to benefit Angels’ Cove maternity center. She enlists her whole family to help produce the event each year. Last year, the Snow Angel Pageant raised $3,318 for Angels’ Cove. However, the event’s impact on the ministry of BCHFS was felt throughout the year. Along with Jenna and her sister Janna, the Snow Angels have participated in a number of volunteer projects throughout the year. This year’s Snow Angel Pageant will be held on Saturday, November 22, at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL. Special thanks to Jenna, the Harner Family and the Snow Angel contestants for all their help throughout the year!

Walgreens FundraisersWalgreens Distribution Center in Mt. Vernon, IL hosts a series of fundraisers each year to raise money for local charities. The money raised by the group will then be matched by the company up to $20,000. This year, they have chosen to benefit Angels’ Cove. Organizers from Walgreens hosted a trivia night on Saturday, October 25 at West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon. The event raised $1,281. The group has plans to host several additional fundraisers including a bowl-a-thon to take place in January 2015. Follow BCHFS on Facebook to receive information on upcoming events and how you can become involved.

Doug Devore, LSW

Executive Director, BCHFS

Yours For His Children,

B

6

FALL FESTIvAL

Christian contemporary rock group, 33AD, entertained the masses on the Fall Festival main stage.

There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the BCH campus than chugging around the circle on the barrel train!

There is never a lack of things to do at Fall Festival. Kids zoomed down slides, created works-of-art and raced Hot Wheels cars!

15TH ANNuAL

More than 2,000 turn out for another great day of fun!

CHFS held its 15th Annual Fall Festival on the grounds of the agency’s Carmi campus on Saturday, September 20. Once again, the Lord blessed the event with beautiful weather, which undoubtedly encouraged patrons to turn out in droves. Altogether, 2,003 people visited the campus and enjoyed the festivities

which included live music by Christian group, 33AD; inflatable bounce houses; carnival games; horseback rides provided by Way of the Cross Ministries; hands-on pottery wheel demonstrations; a car show; quilt and silent auctions; and BCH cottage tours. As always, patrons were also treated to a complimentary lunch and a myriad of delicious free snacks. The event helped raise $26,620 for the ministry work of BCHFS.

BCHFS would like to thank the 46 church groups and individuals from all over the state who provided the booths as well as those who donated quilts or silent auction items. We would also like to thank the members of the Fall Festival planning committee: Jerry Burwell, Debbie Chamberlain, Barb Crider, Doug Devore, William Foote, Art Foster, Linda Hayse, Edna Henson, Paula Joy, Scott Kiser, Nick Knight, Adam Koop, Phil Mitchell, Rick and Val Mitchell, Carolyn Nichols, Susan Shilling, Kenny Steward, Rhiannon Storm and Nancy Wall. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

B

7

BAnnual Golf Scramble Raises Over $53,000 for BCHFS

aptist Children’s Home and Family Services hosted its 17th Annual Southern Illinois Charity Golf Scramble on Saturday, October 4 at beautiful Green Hills Golf Club in Mt. Vernon, IL. The tournament, which was sponsored by M-Class Mining of Akin, IL and MACH Mining of Johnston City, IL,

attracted thirty-three teams from all over the state and raised $53,495 for the children and families in care at BCHFS.BCHFS would like to congratulate the Martin & Bayley/Huck’s Convenient Stores team consisting of Paul Black, Chad Everett, Mike Everett and H.L. Hussman for taking home First Place honors during the morning flight. A team from Carmi First Baptist Church consisting of Joe Newcomb, Luke Raczykowski, Caleb Hughes and Mike Croghan took home Second Place. The afternoon flight winners were Chuck Bean, Adam Lewis, Gary Stanhouse and Jake Stanhouse of DuQuoin, IL. Second Place went to Randall Worley, Haven Hicks and Todd Rushing of the Carpenters Local #638 in Marion, IL.BCHFS would like to thank our major sponsors: M-Class Mining, MACH Mining, LLC, Donoheaven Foundation, Wood Energy, Anonymous Donors, ARDL Inc., Enviro-Tech Termite & Pest Control, Inc., Martin & Bayley/Huck’s Convenient Stores, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard P.C, Strata Exploration, Inc., LGP Consulting, Crescent Bearing and Supply and the all the many sponsors who made this year’s tournament a success.BCHFS would also like to thank the members of the Southern IL Golf Steering Committee: Chris Bean, Steve Chamness, Benita Coffel, Doug Devore, Jason Eubanks, Matthew Flanigan, Tom Hester, Tom Hammill, Randy & Valerie Jenkins, Bob Jesop, Paula Joy, Mike McClure, Richard Montgomery, Paul Sadler, Ken Steward, Rhiannon Storm, Ron Summers, Robert White.

The members of the AM First Place Team, from Martin & Bayley/Huck’s Convenient Stores, are H.L. Hussman, Chad Everett, Mike Everett and Paul Black.

AnadK.Salem,M.D.Anderson’sFurniture,IncARDL,Inc.Bean’sInsuranceBruceConcreteConstruction,IncCampbellFuneralHomeCarmiLumberCompanyCarmiRotaryClubCarpentersLocal#638ClarkNaturalStoneLLCCrescentBearing&Supply,IncDon’sBodyShopDonoheavenFoundationDraperInsuranceAgencyEdwardJonesEgyptianBuilding&Construction TradesCouncil

Enviro-TechTermite&Pest Control,IncFarmersStateBankFreedomTransportGandy’sBodyShop,IncGholsonFinancialServicesGrayHunterStennIBEWLocalUnion702IronWorkersLocal392PACIUOELocal318Johnson&VaughnFuneralHome,IncLGPConsultingInc.LittleEgyptVeterinaryClinicLoganStreetBaptistChurchM&SImplementMACHMining,L.L.C.

Martin&BayleyMeredith-WaddellFuneralHomeMetropolisDrugs11Morton&JohnstonFuneralHomeMountainValleyWaterMr.andMrs.DavidK.OverstreetMr.andMrs.JohnnieR.McBrideMr.andMrs.LarryMillerMr.andMrs.RodneyShurtzMr.andMrs.SteveChamnessMr.andMrs.TomHammillMr.BobJesopMr.J.NelsonWoodMr.KevinDelatourD.M.D.Mr.MatthewFlaniganMr.MikeMcClure

Mr.SamMitchell,AttorneyatLawMt.PleasantBaptistChurchMt.VernonDreamHomesMt.VernonRotaryWestClubNorthSideBaptistChurchO’DanielTruckingCompanyOsbornFuneralHome,Inc.PaulMillerConstructionPepDrillingPlainviewGeneralBaptistChurchPlantscapeNursery&Landscape ServicePlumbers&PipefittersLocalNo.551QualitySheetMetalsLLCR.P.LumberCo.,Inc.RameyInsuranceAgency,Inc.

Rent-All&Sales,IncSandbergPhoenix&vonGontardP.C.SesserAutoBody,Inc.SesserPaveandSealIncSouthernBaptistFoundationSt.Mary’sGoodSamaritanStateBankofWhittingtonStateFarmInsStrataExploration,IncTeamstersLocalUnionNo.347TedrickInsuranceTheInsurancePartnershipWabashValleyServiceCo.WhiteCountyCoal,LLCWilliams&AssociatesInsurance AgencyLLC

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors

The winners of the PM flight are Adam Lewis, Chuck Bean, Gary Stanhouse and Jake Stanhouse.

Southern Illinois Charity Golf Scramble Results

USE THIS REMIT CARD FOR SUPPORTING THE CHRISTMAS CARD PROGRAM (see page 8)

My Information:Name: ________________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________City/State/Zipcode:______________________________________Phone:_________________________________________________

Please mail the BCHFS Christmas Card to the following person (to be honored):

Name: ________________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________City/State/Zipcode:______________________________________

BCHFS Christmas Card Support FormYES, please send a Christmas card from the children at BCHFS. Enclosed is my holiday gift for the amount of $ _____________.

Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!

Mail this card and your check to:BCHFS Administration O�ce

949 County Rd. 1300 N.Carmi, IL 62821(618) 382-4164

CUTHERE

Baptist Children’s Home (BCH)Residential Care949 County Rd. 1300 N.Carmi, IL 62821(618) 382-4165email: bch@bchfs.com

Angels’ CovePregnancy, Adoption & Foster Care4243 Lincolnshire DriveMt. Vernon, IL 62864(618) 242-4944email: anglescove@bchfs.com

Pathways Counseling Christian Counseling Services

Central IL Office1500 E. Walnut StreetChatham, IL 62629Chatham: (217) 483-2222Carlinville: (217) 971-9385Effingham: (618) 367-6352Salem: (618) 367-6352Vandalia: (618) 367-6352

Metro East Office4950 Old Collinsville Rd.Swansea, IL 62226Swansea: (618) 624-4060Edwardsville: (618) 447-0257Wood River: (618) 251-9790

Southeastern IL Office949 County Rd. 1300 N.Carmi, IL 62821Carmi: (618) 382-3907Harrisburg: (618) 382-3907

Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Administration Office949 County Rd. 1300 N.Carmi, IL 62821(618) 382-4164email: bchfs@bchfs.comwww.BCHFS.com

BCHFS: IN-THE-NEWSUpcoming Events

Employment Opportunities

Learn more by calling (618) 382-4164 or visit our website at www.BCHFS.com.

Follow us on Facebook for many event details and other important information.Sign-up for our online Newsletter by emailing us at BCHFS@BCHFS.com.Donations can be made online at www.BCHFS.com.

• November /December – Christmas Card Appeal. Share the

spirit of the holidays with friends, family or clients by participating in the BCHFS Christmas Card Program. Simplify your to-do list and help kids at the same time (See article on page 8.)

• November /December – 2015 Angels Calendars Available Now. Looking for a great gift for that special someone? Purchase one of our 2015 Celebrate Angels calendars. The cost is $10 each. Order by calling (618) 242-4944.

• December 22 – Winter Waterfowl Hunt to Benefit Our Services. Register now to take part in this annual waterfowl hunt! The event will take place at Grassy Lake Hunt Club in Ware, IL Cost is $200 per hunter. (See article on page 3.)

• Northern Illinois Development Officer BCHFS is now accepting applications for a Development Officer position in the Northern region of the state. The position will be filled in January 2015. The Development Officer would be responsible for all fundraising and public relations activities within the region. Applicants must have experience in sales, marketing, public relations or related

field. Activities would include event planning, public speaking and soliciting financial support for BCHFS. Applicants must be located or willing to relocate to Northern, IL. Position is full-time with benefits.

• Contractual Therapist BCHFS is currently seeking Contractual Therapists for our Southeastern and Metro East Pathways Counseling Offices. Must have a current LCSW or LCPC.

• Relief Houseparent BCHFS is seeking a female houseparent to provide Christian guidance and supervision in a group home setting to troubled female or male adolescents. Applicants would be required to rotate to different cottages with another female staff caring for the residents over a 4 to 5-day period. Applicants must be at least 21 and have a HS diploma or GED. The position is full-time with benefits.

t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas time is the one time during the year when it seems all creation comes together to celebrate the things

that make life beautiful - family, friends, love, peace and charity. This year, we hope you will allow us to help you perpetuate the spirit of the season by participating in our annual Christmas Card Program.

each year, we hold a christmas card contest which gives our residents the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity. They work hard to communicate through their artwork what Christmas means to them. Each entry is special, but only one is chosen to be the winning card.

This year’s winning card was designed by Jeffery, an 13-year-old resident of Garrison Cottage. Jeffery’s drawing depicts a snowman with his arms spread wide, playfully proclaiming, “Jesus Loves You Snow Much!” Jeffery’s cleverly designed card is sure to warm the hearts of your loved ones this Christmas season!

if you would like to participate in our christmas card program, simply send a monetary gift of your choice along with the enclosed form to BchFs. Upon receipt of your gift and instructions, we will send the winning card to the person you designate, with the inscription that a gift has been given by you in their honor. You may view this year’s card and/or submit your information online through our website, www.BCHFS.com.

The BCHFS Christmas card program provides a perfect opportunity to honor your loved ones and at the same time share the hope and joy of Christmas with the hurting children and families we serve! merry christmas to you and yours from all of us at Baptist children’s home and Family services!

Merry Christmas from all of us at BCHFS. We wish you peace, joy and prosperity in the coming year. Thank you

for your continued support and partnership.

Send a Custom-Designed Christmas Card to Your Friends and Clients

I

remiT By mail FOrm: You may use the remit card attached to page 7 of this newsletter and mail in your order for your convenience.

Cover Artwork by BCH Resident, Jeffery, 13

949 County Rd. 1300 N. Carmi, IL 62821www.BCHFS.com

This year’s card was designed by a 13-year-old BCH resident named Jeffery.

Merry Christmas