Dear  Friend,

Maggie brushes her hair behind her ear and reflectively looks out the restaurant window. Choosing her words carefully, she begins to talk about how she came to The Baptist Children’s Village when she was 14, escaping a life of abuse and neglect.

The more she talks, however, a smile spreads across her face. Her eyes sparkle.

“From the start I just felt like I was at home. I thought, finally, I was somewhere safe, and I knew I was not in danger anymore. I was loved for the first time. So many of us kids (at the BCV), we’d never known love like that before,” she said.

Your houseparents did show Maggie love by listening to her when she wanted to talk and by affirming she was safe. They also shared with her the source of that love and took her to church. There, Maggie learned that Jesus died on the cross for her sins and rose again.

“I was baptized, and God changed everything,” said Maggie. “I would not be where I am right now without the love and support of my houseparents. I am thankful they showed me the way to the Lord. I am a new person now.”

Difficult life experiences have made Maggie wise beyond her years, so it is no surprise Jeremiah 29:11 is her favorite Scripture verse.

“That verse helps me a lot because when I have difficult moments, I know things happen for a reason. The stuff that happened to me before, I know the Lord had planned it for me for my future,” she said.

Maggie left the BCV several years ago and got a job at a local restaurant. Her managers soon saw her work ethic and compassion toward her fellow workers. She is now a kitchen manager. This January she enrolled in a local college.

“I want to make my dream come true. I’ve wanted to be a nurse ever since I was little,” said Maggie. “I always wanted to help people. I like working with people, getting to know people.”

Maggie has another dream. She looks down at her hands and blushes. “One day, after I’m married, I would like to have children and the opportunity to give them a better life than what I had,” he says, a smile again spreading across her face.

“God has blessed me so much. He’s brought me a long way.”

This Easter, as we celebrate our risen Savior, think about the impact God made on Maggie’s life and the many children still in your care. Through your prayers and support, God can make all things new. Please consider making a gift to help your BCV show the love of Christ to children and impact them now and for generations to come.

He is Risen, 

 Sean A. Milner
 Executive Director 

P.S. For 123 years, The Baptist Children’s Village has been changing generations of families. Thank you for your faithful prayers and for considering a tax-deductible donation.