A new school year is upon us. This has always been a favorite time of year for me, but it can be stressful for students who call Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) home. Eighteen years ago, the Lord called me to serve as a caseworker for Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. My plan was to be a teacher in an inner-city school somewhere. However, when the Lord says to do something, it is always best to do it.
Read more from Michael Williams, OBHC Interim President...
In my role as a caseworker, I experienced many students moving to the campus who were three or more years behind in reading and four years behind in math. Their confidence level was non-existent and discipline issues at school increased as a result. Thanks to some wonderful public school teachers, most of the students were able to get on the appropriate grade level in reading and math by the end of the school year. It took a lot of work from the students, teachers, houseparents and tutors, but for the first time in a student's life, he or she had great success in school and the possibilities seemed limitless.
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR Currently, houseparents, caseworkers and students are gearing up for the start of a new school year. Houseparents are filling school supply lists. Caseworkers are finalizing enrollment paperwork, and students are trying to figure out how to extend their summer vacation. Some of the best ministry takes place when school begins and OBHC staff and schoolteachers serve each student who walks through the doors. It is not uncommon for a teacher to reach out to me and let me know they are praying for one of our students each day. School teachers invest greatly in the lives of the students in our care. They know the challenges our students face, and they plan to give them the skills and tools needed to face those challenges head on. I hope you will join me in praying for our students and their teachers this year.
YOU CAN HELP We have other challenges facing us as the school year begins. Just like you, inflation has hit us hard. Gas prices are soaring. Groceries and utilities are higher than ever. The nation is divided. The stock market is down. Those are all realities, but this is the greater reality; God is still on the throne! People need the Lord. Christians are commissioned by God to be messengers of healing, help and hope. Perhaps now more than ever, we need your financial support. The opportunity to see lives forever changed has never been more prevalent. My request is for you to give today. Give generously. Give faithfully. Give joyfully. Give with a great confidence knowing that He who has supplied every need will not be moved!
