Spring 2015 Magazine - Tennessee Baptist Children`s Home

@TBCH
Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes ● Spring 2015
When we asked Kim Robinson (a house
mother at the TBCH Brentwood campus) to
tell us her incredible story of being a mother
to five adopted girls, she wanted to make
one thing clear: “I am far from the example of
a perfect mom. I have fallen on my face more
times than I want to admit. The only good in me is
Christ and if I touch a child’s life in any way at all it
is nothing in me-only Him. My goal in life (although
I fail all the time) is to point others toward Jesus!”
We think that makes her an OUTSTANDING
example of motherhood. Here is her story!
My husband Mark and I were married in March of 1991. We found out early on that
we probably would never be able to have children on our own (which was a huge
roadblock in our life/marriage/spiritual life.) It took several months of prayer and reevaluating our
lives to get through it. But eventually we decided that God had a bigger plan for our lives than
the average couple and we accepted the plan! We began foster parenting and had several
children walk through our doors. In 1998 Mark and I felt a calling to missions, so we surrendered to
the Lord to go wherever He called. Later that year we learned about TBCH’s residential program
and felt our heart tug towards the ministry. We began working as houseparents at the Brentwood
campus in March 1999. We loved working at TBCH and fell in love with the kids. We especially fell
in love with two girls: Latisha (5) and Nicole (10). They had two other sisters--Dedra (6) and Kayla
(8)--in another home.
In November 2000 our adoption counselor called and told us that a little girl was born
prematurely (2lbs 6oz) but--if she lived--would be available to adopt. We knew God would
take care of all the details, and He did! Today Crystal Joy is a beautiful, smart 14 year old.
Then, In early 2002, we were informed that Latisha, Nicole, Debra, and Kayla were going
to be available for adoption. Until that moment, Mark and I hadn’t even discussed adopting
them- but after hearing that, we both immediately said we wanted them. We
started working at TBCH with 0 children of our own and left in August
2002 with 5 beautiful girls! From 2002-2013 we lived a “normal life”
raising our girls and serving as the children’s minister at a local
church. These years were not easy. Adopting 5 girls at one
time was hard; there was a lot of “baggage” they needed
to unpack and some days it wasn’t pretty! But still, we
felt God calling us back to mission work.
In January 2013 we contacted TBCH and met them for
lunch to just share our heart. They told us they didn’t
have any openings at that time. We left that day
confused and thinking we had missed our calling. A
few days later, though, a set of houseparents had
to go onto medical leave. Needless to say, God
sent us to them before they ever needed us! On
March 11, 2013 we began our journey at TBCH again
as houseparents to a cottage full of girls!
What do you think makes a good mom?
Kim: I think the main thing is loving a child
unconditionally- no matter what their issues/
problems/handicaps are and pointing them
to Christ by our actions as well as our words.
Model Christlike behavior and it will be
etched in their minds forever.
The 2015 Mother’s Day Offering
is going to be our biggest and
best yet! We have a great new look, and
we’ve streamlined our delivery process to help you
get everything your church needs to start promoting the
MDO early.
With the reduced allotment of funds from the Tennessee
Baptist Convention this year, we are counting on our church
partners to help us fill the gap.
The Mother’s Day Offering accounts for
33% of our annual operating budget.
With our recent expansion into foster care, the MDO will have a greater
impact than ever before. We encourage you to prayerfully consider what
your church’s gifts could do for the lives of Tennessee’s children:
Here are just a few significant expenses that go towards the care of our children:
$100 provides medical/counselling for
one child for a year.
$360 clothes one child for a year.
$1,000 educates one child for a year.
$1,300 feeds one child for a year.
(That’s just $1.00 per meal!)
How many children would your
church like to support this year?
A LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
If you are reading this issue of @TBCH, there is a strong probability that you are already a part of the TBCH
family as a donor, volunteer, staff member, an active leader in your church, a visiting family, or affiliated with
an organization that actively supports our residential and foster care ministries. Whatever your connection is to
TBCH, we say THANK YOU for all that you do to help us minister in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In this issue of @TBCH, you will read about the 2015 Mothers Day Offering. Our goal this year is $2.5 million. This
church-based offering, if the goal is met, will provide 33% of our operating budget for fiscal year 2014/2015.
Because the Offering provides a third of our annual budget, its success in reaching our goal is a paramount
challenge for the TBCH family.
As you enjoy this issue of @TBCH, please keep in mind how very important your support of this special offering is
to the Lord’s ministry to children. The need is great.
When we think about Mother’s Day, in addition to the promotion of the Mother’s Day Offering, we think about
the wonderful women who serve as house mothers all across the state. There are so many champions of our
ministry who serve in this role. In this issue of @TBCH, we invite you to read the story of Kim Robinson. Kim and
her husband, Mark, have served two seasons as house parents on the Brentwood campus. I think that you will
be amazed, impressed, encouraged, and inspired by Kim’s story.
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children
in my name welcomes me; and whoever
welcomes me does not welcome me but the
one who sent me.” Mark 9:37
In a recent edition of @TBCH, it was announced that I would be retiring at the end of this year. On January 1st
of 2016, Greg McCoy, former pastor at First Baptist Church, Portland will assume the responsibilities of the office
of TBCH President/Treasurer. The transition of leadership of our 124 year old ministry is going very well. As the
7th President/Treasurer during that period of time, Bro. Greg is well suited to lead TBCH to new heights of ministry
and service in the years ahead. You will enjoy his column on “Imperfect Families.”
While we depend on churches across Tennessee to support our ministry through the Mother’s Day Offering,
there are individuals as well who support TBCH not only with their financial resources, but with their influence
with others who have the capacity to help meet the ongoing needs of the children and families in our care.
Such a couple is Rodney and Rebecca Jarvis. I think that you will be inspired by what motivates the Jarvises
to personally and professionally make a difference at TBCH. You will want to read their testimony of personal
commitment to TBCH as an expression of their faith in Jesus Christ.
You will also find a copy of our 2014 Annual Report in the middle of this issue of @TBCH. Please read through
it. It is intended to give the reader a clear and succinct representation of our finances during the 2014. As
an example of our corporate commitment to excellence in stewardship, we have inserted the Annual Report
in this issue of @TBCH so that the cost of mailing the report by itself could be eliminated. That may seem like
a small matter to most, but it is a clear illustration of how serious we take the responsibility of being excellent
stewards of all the resources that God has provided to us.
So welcome to this issue of @TBCH!! We hope that you enjoy the information that has been provided for your
review, information, and inspiration.
In Christ Alone,
Bryant Millsaps
President/Treasurer
DID YOU KNOW? THE MOTHER’S DAY
OFFERING ACCOUNTS FOR 33% OF TBCH’S
OPERATING BUDGET
4
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) GREG MCCOY, RANDY DAVIS,
DENISE SHINN, GEORGE SHINN, BRYANT MILLSAPS
The Shinn Foundation Makes a
Huge Impact on the TBCH Ministry
The Shinn Foundation, located in Franklin,TN, announced on January 15th a $1 million commitment to TBCH’s
foster care program. George and Denise Shinn presented a check to President/Treasurer Dr. Bryant Millsaps
and President-elect Greg McCoy, promising that this commitment was only the beginning of their involvement
with TBCH. In honor of their support, the TBCH foster care program will be renamed the Denise and George
Shinn Foster Care Program.
George Shinn is the former owner of the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. He recently moved to Franklin and said
he was looking for a way to “give back” to the community. He learned of TBCH through his pastor at West
Franklin Baptist Church (now a campus of Brentwood Baptist Church) and after visiting a TBCH campus, said he
decided to make a “business decision and a heart decision” to help the TBCH ministry.
Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Director Randy C. Davis opened the ceremony in prayer, saying
“We’re very thankful that God has supplied this generous gift to Great Commission work in Tennessee through
the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes.”
TBCH’s foster care program is already placing children in safe, Christ-centered homes across the state. Davis
added that the Shinn’s gift will “accelerate and enhance our work with children in foster care.”
The Shinns’ generous gift joins the over $811,000 that has already been committed towards reaching TBCH’s
$5.2 million fund-raising IMPACT campaign goal.
Dr. Millsaps thanked the Shinns, on behalf of the hundreds of TBCH workers over the past 124 years, from founder
Georgia Eastman up to today; and on behalf of all the children in our care, and those who have yet to be born
who will be positively affected by this gift.
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SUBSCRIBE
FOR INFO AT
TENNESSEECHILDREN.ORG
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK,
TWITTER @TBCH
AND INSTAGRAM
@TENNESSEECHILDREN
CONTACT A
LOCAL CAMPUS
WEST TN: (901)386-3961
MID TN: (615)376-3190
EAST TN: (423)892-2722
FOR FOSTER
CARE INFO
(615)376-3172
DID YOU KNOW? HOUSE PARENTS ARE
FULL TIME EMPLOYEES OF TBCH
6
The Blessed Imperfection of Family.
by President-Elect Greg McCoy
I met my wife, Jeri, in college. We quickly became good friends
and my heart was drawn to her as I discovered her deep
love for the Lord and her compassion for people. Jeri has
always had a desire to stick up for the underdog, to
defend the defenseless, and to show mercy to the
hurting. And I can guarantee you that if Jennifer
or Seth (our children) or I am sick, Mom is who we
want around! These qualities in my wife have
proven to be a much needed companion in
our ministry over the past 30 years.
You would think that with a wife like that (and
a husband like me!) we would have a perfect
family. Well, maybe not! In fact, we all know
that family is family, and none of us have a
perfect one. I’m not sure The Cleavers of the
50’s ever existed in the real world. Moms and
dads don’t always make the correct decisions.
Brothers and sisters don’t always make up at the
end of the day and go to bed content that a life
lesson has been filed away in their memory banks.
While we might long for our family to resemble the
Cleavers of the 50’s or the Cosbys of the 80’s, more often
than not today’s families resemble the Bunkers of the 70’s, or
worse, the Simpsons of the 90’s! This is not a new phenomenon. In Genesis
chapters 24-35 there is a story about Isaac & Rebekah’s family. For thousands of years, families have been
multi-faceted, dynamic, and active. Families have energy - they grow and change. We can glean at least a
couple of things from this biblical family:
Families have problems
Crises come in all shapes and sizes: sibling rivalry, unfaithfulness, disrespect, death, disease, childlessness, jealousy, financial struggles, rebelliousness, abuse, poor decisions, and more.
Families make mistakes
Even with good role models, every family still learns by trial and error. We might show preferential treatment to one child over another. We love too much, too little, or in the wrong way.
We say “No,” when we should have said “Yes.” We say “Yes,” when we should have said “No.”
We major on the minors and minor on the majors. We often sweat the small stuff.
Certain problems and mistakes create such a crisis that the family is in need of additional help. Which brings
me to the reason the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes exist: to minister the love of Jesus to children and
families in crisis. We believe that Jesus is the answer for every child that comes into our care and for their family.
This is why our team is willing to work, to serve, and to invest our lives in this effort. This is also why we are grateful
for your partnership in this mission. Your prayers and financial investment help us be Jesus to families in crisis.
Would your imperfect family join my imperfect family in being regular investors in the ministry of TBCH? Jacob
said to God in Genesis 32:26, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” We are holding on as tight as we can
and trusting in God’s provision!
2013-2014
Annual Report
REVENUE
These three categories represent our most significant revenue streams. As you can see, our ministry lives by
faith, and through your faithful support. We hope that in the coming year, God willing, these gaps between
what we need and what we receive will be narrowed.
NON-CHURCH GIVING*
WE NEEDED: $2,000,000
WE RECEIVED: $1,235,413
*Individual/corporate gifts, foundations
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM*
WE ANTICIPATED: $1,704,550
WE RECEIVED: $1,593,419
*The Cooperative Program is Southern Baptists’ unified plan of giving through which cooperating churches give
a percentage of their undesignated receipts in support of Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries.
In 2013, TBCH was allocated 4.67%. In 2014 this was lowered to 4.6%. To learn more about the cooperative
program, please visit http://www.sbc.net/cp/
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING*
OUR GOAL: $2,500,000
WE RECEIVED: $1,889,950
*TBCH’s only church-specific fundrasing event of the year.
EXPENSES
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR 2013/2014
$8,004,860
Find our full audit online at www.tennesseechildren.org/documents, or contact us at 1(800)624-8591
CAMPUS STORIES
WEST TN
DARREN ANDRUS, VICE PRESIDENT WEST TENNESSEE REGION
Tim (10) was referred to the Children’s Home a few months ago. He had become increasingly more
defiant towards his father. An incident at home resulted in Tim breaking his father’s finger. Counseling
and medication have not improved their relationship. It was determined that some time apart might
help the situation so his father asked the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes for help.
Some of Tim’s behaviors included banging his head against the wall, biting furniture and trying to bite his
father. He would open up the door of a moving vehicle and act like he was going to jump. He would hit
his father and throw things while acting out in anger and frustration when he didn’t get his way. Tim has
been admitted to behavior health hospitals and family counseling with no positive changes.
Just recently, Tim’s father said “I was able to keep Tim for Thanksgiving Day and he was very respectful
and loving towards me. I can already see a difference in Tim from his short stay at the Children’s Home. I
am very thankful he can be there to get help in restoring our relationship and thankful for a home where
Christ is the central part of the healing process. I know that meeting Darren was a divine appointment
from God to get the help Tim and I need through the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes. He couldn’t
be in a better place!”
“I am thankful for a home where Christ is
the central part of the healing process.”
MIDDLE TN
KELLY CAMPBELL, VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE TENNESSEE REGION
A former resident came by to see me in October of this year. When he came into my office, the first
thing he said was “thank you.” After that, he told me he joined the Navy and would be flying soon
to the Middle East to join his ship. He asked me if it would be okay if he addressed the older children
on campus and let them know a little about his pilgrimage. I agreed and we set the date for him to
come. There were about 8 students who joined us for the evening. I asked him a series of questions and
he gave very open and honest answers. Two days later, he left for his assignment. Pray for Nick as he
serves his country.
EAST TN
PATRICK ADDISON, VICE PRESIDENT EAST TENNESSEE REGION
One of our alum, Jacque Crum Comer, and her husband Jeffery came home from Hawaii to show off
Abigail, their precious 4 month old daughter. She had to come meet all her “grandparents.” These
are the times when this work really pays off.
The best thing about Oakdale is their involvement in their church, Potter’s House Fellowship. They are
extremely involved in missions, outreach, events, and every other youth activity. The church loves our
girls and they love the church. I am so grateful for churches that truly reach out to embrace our kids in
their church.
THE IMPACT CAMPAIGN
Our IMPACT fundraising campaign is currently underway. It is not simply an effort to raise money, however.
It is a response to new opportunities for ministry to children and families, a catalyst for needed change
within TBCH, and a foundation for future growth.
There is a firm foundation upon which the TBCH ministry has been built. However,
the future requires an expansion of how TBCH operates on all levels. Our calling
and our purpose will not change. Our defining question will always be “What is in
the best interest of the children?”
There are thousands of children across Tennessee today who need help.
TBCH currently assists only a percentage of those children. There
are opportunities for us to do more. TBCH’s successful history of
providing residential care has demonstrated that the private
sector can effectively enact social programs with excellence.
Ensuring a viable, long-term future for TBCH provides hope for
children who are too often overlooked, forgotten, and brushed
aside. For these children, TBCH will press forward with hope … and
with the faithful expectation that what lies ahead is even greater
than what has been celebrated in its past.
OUR GOAL IS $5.2 MILLION.
COMMITMENTS AND GIFTS
SO FAR TOTAL $1.9 MILLION.
WON’T YOU PRAYERFULLY
CONSIDER HELPING US
REACH OUR GOAL?
Give Online at
www.tennesseechildren.org
(Click “Donate” and select the IMPACT campaign)
Send Faith Commitment Payments to:
Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, Inc.
PO Box 2206 / Brentwood, TN 37024
(615)376-3140 / 1(800)624-8591
WHY DO YOU GIVE?
FEATURING RODNEY JARVIS OF JARVIS SIGNS
INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
RJ: I’m Rodney Jarvis. Just a simple guy.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH TBCH?
RJ: I knew a man from church who was in Leadership
Brentwood. They were helping the Children’s
Homes, and asked if we could meet about
signage. After talking with TBCH, we decided
to donate the entire sign package. My
Uncle and Aunt adopted a boy from a
children’s home in North Carolina, and
it reminded me of the TBCH.
It is nice to give to something local.
I enjoy seeing the kids at the high
school succeeding and getting
involved.
WE’RE TALKING ABOUT MOTHER’S
DAY IN THIS ISSUE. WHO’S A
SPECIAL WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE?
RJ: My grandmother was
probably the best example of
a Christian lady there ever was.
She was a role model not in the
prim and proper way but in just
a solid example of doing and
giving to others and her family.
She passed away when I was about
10 years old and I miss her and my
Grandfather. As for my mom--I do
not know how she did it. She worked full
time and was at everything I was involved
in: school, sports, and church. She would
get up early before work to make supper for
us. I really do not know how she did it. My wife is
the most unbelievable mom. She has never missed
a thing with our kids. I have been buried in our business
and she has really been like a single parent to our kids sometimes.
She is one of the best people out there. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Yeah I would say women have been pretty important in my life.
Rodney and Becca Jarvis both graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 1995 with degrees in Business
Administration. In 1996, Rodney and Becca purchased the business, formerly known as Griggs Award, Sign & Flag Co.,
and together have been growing the company ever since. What started out to be a small trophy shop has grown
into a full service sign company including design, manufacturing, and installation with more than 30 employees.
12
Meet Patrick Addison, Our
New VP for East Tennessee
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Patrick: I was born in Memphis, TN. A few years later I
moved to Arlington, TN, which is right outside of Memphis.
I lived there, married Ashley in 2006, and we made
Arlington our home. Ashley taught kindergarten for six
years in Arlington until we moved to the TBCH Memphis
campus. Prior to joining the TBCH team, I served as a
police officer in Collierville, TN, for six years. I went on
to teach criminal justice at Houston High School in
Germantown, TN, for three years. Ashley and I adopted
our daughter, Kate, in 2011. She is a spunky four year old
and the light of our lives.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH TBCH?
Patrick: We went to church with Stuart and Ashley
McCollough, house parents at the Memphis campus.
We enjoyed getting to know this couple, as well as
the children and seeing them each week at church.
In college, Ashley and I started volunteering at TBCH’s
Memphis campus. We helped with recreation time each
week, as well as gym nights every month. We were then
married and became a visiting family for a child. We
developed a very close relationship with that young
boy, and he quickly became a part of our family. He
became friends with all of our friends’ children. He was
then able to meet our daughter and loved getting to
hold her and even attended her baby shower. He was PATRICK ADDISON, WIFE ASHLEY, AND DAUGHTER KATE
so proud! It was such a neat experience for us, as well
as our friends. He went back to his family, and we took a little time off before being a visiting family for another
child. We were her visiting family until we began working as relief house parents at the Memphis campus in
2013. God gave us a love for TBCH years ago, and we were so blessed to be able to use our experiences from
other occupations to serve as house parents. We were house parents at the Memphis campus for 18 months
until God called us to Chattanooga. While house parenting, I also worked at the Boys’ Ranch in Millington for
several months as a caseworker. Learning from the house parents, social staff, and leadership of those two
campuses helped to prepare us for my new position in East Tennessee. God has been so gracious in allowing
us to serve the children and families of Tennessee through the TBCH.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
Patrick: During our time as house parents, we worked closely with Johnny and Bea Mayhan. As their relief, we
were able to build relationships with several children in our care. It’s hard to pick one specific experience, but
overall, the relationships that were formed in that time with residents and fellow staff will always be special
to our family. In East Tennessee, I have already had the opportunity to hear of trusting relationships between
residents and house parents. This is a vital step in the healing process with most of the children in our care. I
am thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside the house parents and social staff of the Chattanooga and
Oakdale campuses.
UPCOMING EVENTS
KARS4KIDS
April 18th
TBCH Brentwood Campus
1310 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
HOPE HINES FORE KIDS
GOLF CLASSIC
June 8th
Nashville Golf and Athletic Club
1703 Crockett Springs Trail, Brentwood, TN 37027
For information on either of these events,
or if you’re interested in becoming an event
sponsor, contact
Mid TN Region: Jeff McGinnis at
[email protected] or (615)376-3195
East TN Region: Theresa Davis at
[email protected] or (423)892-2722
West TN Region: Mary Wasson at
[email protected] or (901)386-3961
“GNASH,” IS THE MASCOT FOR THE NASHVILLE
PREDATORS HOCKEY TEAM. THE PREDATORS
ARE A CORPORATE SPONSOR FOR TBCH EVENTS,
AND LONGTIME FRIEND OF THE MINISTRY
@TBCH
Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes ● PO Box 2206 ● Brentwood, TN ● 37024
1(800)624-8591 ● www.tennesseechildren.org