Download HomeNews - July/August 2024
God tells us in His Word, “A joyful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22) In the summer at LBCH, there are a lot of joyful hearts on campus. The children are out of school. They have recreation and pool time several days each week. They enjoy Vacation Bible School, Christian camps, and cottage vacations. They have fun fishing at the bayou, riding their bikes around campus, and having picnics in the park.
When you know the life stories of our children, the ways in which they have been abused and neglected, their laughter is like sweet music to our ears. Instead of tears, they have smiles. Instead of worry, they have peace. Instead of despair, they have hope. At the Home, they know that they are loved. They know that they are not alone. Some of them for the first time in their lives feel a sense of value and worth. All of that is like good medicine that brings healing to their minds and hearts.
Most importantly, they learn that God has a great plan for their lives in Jesus Christ. Every summer, because of the Christian camps and VBS, many of our children accept Jesus as their Savior. They make genuine faith commitments that forever change their lives. That’s when we see the greatest joy. Thank you so much for the joy and laughter of our children.
We continue to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of LBCH. Our Alumni Reunion was incredible! Former residents and staff came from across the country to visit, reminisce, and enjoy a great time of fellowship. We used the occasion to open our new Legacy of Hope room which provides the history of the Home from its beginning as an orphanage to its multifaceted ministry today.
Construction of our new Compassion Center continues. We are also completing construction of a new prayer garden in memory of our former Associate Director of Child and Family Services, Melody Karamanis. Melody went home to be with the Lord earlier this year. She served at LBCH for over 15 years. She was an incredible Christian who loved the children and served us all with her incredible spirit of joy and hope.
Thank you again for your life-changing support of our children. Without your love and care most of them would not be able to experience what it’s like to just be a kid. But because of your commitment they are growing up in a Christian home that is making a difference in their lives.
Thank you again. God bless.