Do We Need the Home for Children?
By Dr. Coleman Peacock, Smoky Mountain Children’s Home
Many times during my 19 years of ministry at the Home for Children, I have entertained the question, “Why do we need this ministry?”
Invariably, I begin enumerating reasons supporting the need for the Home for Children, highlighting the many success stories. Recently, the question was raised again to emphasize the uniqueness and importance of what is done at the Home. Paul Duncan, former superintendent of the Home, cut to the meat of the question as he responded in an article a few years ago with the following remarks:
“Neglected, abused, homeless and unruly – these are terms often used to describe the boys and girls referred to us for placement here at the Home for Children. But these terms don’t tell the real stories. Such words frequently cover a multitude of unbelievable horror and sadness in the lives of children.”
What’s to become of children and youth whose lives have been devastated by atrocities . . . whose lives have been broken and wounded , , , whose lives struggle violently with intense trauma? Where can they receive the healing and the character-building teaching they so desperately need?
While we don’t succeed with every child, we do provide a Christ-centered program staffed by committed and competent workers. We do provide a Christian alternative to a secular, humanistic approach that makes little effort to give spiritual guidance and healing.
The Home for Children is able to accept for placement the aforementioned children because of the prayers and financial support of people just like you, who believe in what we are doing. More than ever before, we need the Home for Children. The needs of children are greater, the cost is greater, and the challenge is more difficult. But the mandate is inescapable: “Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not!”
Because so many young lives have been spoiled by dysfunctional families and because these children have not had opportunities for a second chance in life, we hold a great appreciation for places like the Home for Children. In this Christian facility, children are given a second chance to find direction and opportunity. The innocence of young children should never be exploited by the tragedies of life, but they are. Children should never be cold, hungry or abused, but they are. However, because of the Home for Children, there is a place for children who have suffered atrocities of life . . . a place where they can feel warm and secure . . . a place where they can develop character, experience God’s love and enjoy being a child again. Yes, we definitely need the Home for Children.
The need for the Home was lauded again this week as the Kentucky Women’s Ministries Board visited our campus. President, Joyce Stephens, through tear-filled eyes spoke with compassion about their commitment to the Home and to the children on My Old Kentucky Home cottage. After presenting a check for $33,000, she pledged their commitment for the future. These mothers have said YES to the Home for Children. And they issue a challenge to all other mothers to do the same this Mother’s Day.
Please click here to view a special Mother’s Day video. You can also visit the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Web site at www.smch.cc .
