Blog
A Continued Benefit
By Catherine Finch
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) has the privilege of serving families and children in Oklahoma. When these children and families leave the care of OBHC, there is an effort to keep in touch. Continued contact is not always possible, but one of the alums from Baptist Children’s Home, Owasso was willing to share his story. Please enjoy Troy’s story!
“My name is Troy, and I am a network systems administrator for the United States Air Force. I am currently stationed at Fort Meade [Maryland.] I am 23 years old, and I like playing all kinds of sports, reading, gaming and spending time with my beautiful wife.
I learned about OBHC when I was in an abusive relationship with my father. While I was living with my father, the police came to his house one night and arrested him. I was constantly switched around from family member to family member, so nobody had the burden for too long, but ultimately, none of my family wanted to take care of my brother and me. We were presented a list of places to live and Baptist Children’s Home, Owasso seemed to be the most appealing.
When I first arrived at the campus, I was excited! There were a ton of kids playing on the playground, and the area looked really inviting. When we met the houseparents for the boys’ cottage (the Moreheads at that time), it confirmed what I had been thinking… this place is super cool!
As I grew older, I became sad that I could not have a ‘normal life’ of hanging out with friends at their house or owning my own phone or car, but OBHC adapted and made it to where we were not so different from other families. I fostered many different relationships with many different kids and my houseparents, and I grew to appreciate the good life I had.
A typical day began by waking up at 7:00 a.m. to get ready for school and catch the bus to school. After school, we had study time for an hour or so and then free time to do whatever we wanted (video games, playing outside, etc.) before dinner. After dinner we would play some more, and depending on what grade you were in, you would go to bed later or earlier than others.
One of my favorite memories is Christmas every year. I miss opening the presents from all the different people who generously gave to OBHC, and seeing how happy it made everyone on campus brought me so much joy and delight.
I do not think I can credit just one person for impacting me during my time at the campus, but if I did pick, it would be Jerod Jessup. He was my last housedad before I left OBHC. He taught me many life lessons and was an incredible houseparent. The fact that OBHC provided a Christian home changed me in many ways and strengthened and built a great relationship with Christ for me. My relationship with Christ has continued to benefit me after I have left OBHC. I have a wonderful relationship with my wife, and we have a beautiful baby girl who was born in October 2022, and I could not be happier.
“If I could encourage future kids at OBHC campuses, I would say this: Life is not always going to be what you want it to be, but if you follow the path God has for you, you will have everything you need.”