Convention institutions, agencies bring reports

As a 12-year-old, Kimani arrived at the Baptist Children’s Homes Broyhill Home campus weighing 32 pounds and wearing size three toddler clothes.

“I came from an unloving family who abused me and made me sleep in a closet. I would go two-three days without eating,” Kimani shared with messengers during the 2013 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSC) annual meeting in Greensboro. “When I came to Broyhill they immediately showed me love.”

Kimani, now 18, experienced hope and healing during his time at Baptist Children’s Homes. He went to school for the first time and, most importantly, heard about Jesus’ love and received Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior.

“I was hopeless, and now I have hope,” Kimani said. “I never thought I’d be alive today. If it weren’t for Broyhill none of this would have been possible.”

The theme for this year’s Thanksgiving Offering for Baptist Children’s Homes was “Blessed,” based on Mark 10:16, and the goal is $1,475,000.

BR photo by Dianna L. Cagle Michael Blackwell, president of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH), raises hands with someone helped through BCH and North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry during the Baptist State Convention annual meeting.

Messengers also heard a report from the N.C. Baptist Foundation, which focused on highlighting ways North Carolina Baptists can be good stewards of the material and financial resources the Lord has provided.

Although their salvation is secure in Jesus, Foundation president Clay Warf said many people are not ready to meet death because they are not yet prepared as Christian stewards. “We’re not ready to go on until we have a plan for what is going to happen to our stuff, and what is going to happen to help meet the needs of our loved ones and Kingdom work,” Warf said.

Through endowments and charitable trust funds, Christians can ensure that they continue making a difference in ministry and missions for years to come. Believers should also be good stewards as they prepare documents such as their last will and testament.

The N.C. Baptist Foundation is ready to assist North Carolina Baptists with financial services, investment planning, gift planning and church growth investment funds.

In 2012, the Foundation made 203 presentations to churches and opened 78 new accounts.

Paul Mullen, who recently retired as church and community relations director, brought the N.C. Baptist Hospital report. Since 1923, N.C. Baptist Hospital has sought to provide excellent care to patients.

“We are so very grateful for a long-lasting partnership with North Carolina Baptists,” Mullen said. “We fully anticipate that this relationship will become more dynamic, more alive, in the years ahead.”

The hospital continues to prove a national leader in health care, being ranked among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News and World Report in 12 different specialty areas. The hospital is ranked as the No. 1 cancer hospital in North Carolina and No. 12 in the nation. Nearly 300 physicians are recognized among the “Best Doctors in America” and 2,800 nurses are recognized by Magnet (American Nurses Credentialing Center).

“That’s a testament to the compassionate care being provided every day,” Mullen said. Mullen also introduced Leland Kerr, who is moving into the role of liaison for FaithHealthNC.

Kerr previously served as pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Shelby. He is also a former director of missions and officer of the BSC.

“FaithHealthNC is one of the signature achievements of the medical center and the partnership with North Carolina Baptists,” Mullen said. “Leland is just the right person to take this ministry forward.” Through FaithHealthNC, participating congregations appoint volunteer congregational care coordinators who facilitate care for members and their neighbors during times of illness.

“My entire adult life has been spent in ministry,” Kerr said. “We believe the partnership between FaithHealthNC, the churches and the Convention will produce a strong bond that results in the shared mission of caring and healing.”

Also bringing a report to messengers was Biblical Recorder editor Allan Blume, who encouraged North Carolina Baptists to be aware of all the many ways God is using churches and individuals to impact lostness. “If you are reading the Biblical Recorder, you will be better informed and better supporters of the Cooperative Program and Kingdom work,” Blume said. “We are telling stories of God at work.”

The Biblical Recorder shares how God is working in North Carolina and around the world through its print edition, digital edition, website and weekly e-newsletter. The Biblical Recorder also has available a free smartphone app.

“Your people need to know what is going on. The Biblical Recorder is your partner in the process of keeping information in front of your people,” Blume said. “We cannot exist and help you if your people are not aware of our ministry. Please tell your church family who we are.”