Vinicia “Vi” White President 1617 Elmview Dr. Houston, TX 77080 713-988-9757 www.gracewood.org
MIRACLE FARM BOYS RANCH
John Turner Interim Administrator 10802 FM 2621 Brenham, TX 77833 979-836-0901 www.miraclefarm.org
TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Debbie Rippstein, MA President 1101 N Mays Street Round Rock, TX 78664 512-255-3682 www.tbch.org
CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES
Serving children. Strengthening families.
Children At Heart Ministries supplements administrative, accounting, human resources, information technology services, fundraising, and communications services to our family of ministries at no cost. These affiliate arrangements allow our family of ministries to significantly control general administrative and fundraising costs, which maximizes donor gifts for direct care of children and families in need.
GRACEWOOD
Helping children and their single mothers rise above.
Gracewood rescues and restores children and their single mothers by offering home, hope, and healing. At Gracewood, we allow single mothers and their children who find themselves in crisis to hit the pause button and refocus their future toward safety, happiness, and independence. By guiding them in their pursuit of independence, they learn the basic tools they need to make long-term, quality-of-life improvements.
MIRACLE FARM BOYS RANCH
Forging young men of integrity and character.
Rooted in Christian faith and western heritage, our oneof-a-kind ranch helps struggling young men experience healing, earn an education, and learn respect. Through our innovative horse program and on-site academic and vocational training, young men establish and achieve goals for a lifetime, and learn to believe in themselves as something more than society has painted them to be. It all happens in a safe, structured environment where they have the opportunity to turn their lives around and become responsible young men.
TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Embrace. Empower. Equip.
Texas Baptist Children’s Home embraces children and families in need in order to empower and equip them for a promising future. Children and single mothers, and youth aging out of foster care or facing homelessness, who come to TBCH are often lost, hurting, and hopeless, without a place to turn for help during their time of greatest need. Our residential programs provide a safe home and a stable family environment where they can learn, grow, and ultimately experience a happy, healthy future.
Cover photo by Michelle Yeatts
Stories written by Molly Perkins
We are celebrating at Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM)! 75 years is no small feat when it comes to serving children and families. This year, 2025, we celebrate Texas Baptist Children’s Home’s founding in Round Rock, Texas back in 1950. The times have changed but the purpose and God’s plan has not –we exist to honor God and build a better world by serving children and strengthening families.
Kool & the Gang released a fun song in the 80’s aptly called Celebration. The lyrics say:
There’s a party goin’ on right here A celebration to last throughout the years So bring your good times and your laughter too We gonna celebrate your party with you
TODD ROBERSON
PRESIDENT/CEO
CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES
well lived, the return of something lost, birthdays, getting your driver’s license, Mother’s Day (and oh yeah, Father’s Day), a new job, a promotion, baptism, restored health, retirement, and so many more milestones of life. While most are, not all things celebrated are necessarily happy or joyous.
heritage, and bluntly the blessings of God, even through difficult times, are things to celebrate!
Think about the many life events you celebrate. The birth of a baby, the graduation of a student, new life in Christ, a marriage, golden and diamond anniversaries, a life
Celebrating the work and ministries of Texas Baptist Children’s Home, Miracle Farm Boys Ranch, and Gracewood obviously reminds us that children and families were, and still are, going through tough times and traumatic experiences to need these places we celebrate. So why do we celebrate? Changed lives, changed trajectories, new hope, new life, new expectations, generational renewal and family
In 1950, Louis and Billie Sue Henna were stirred and motivated by God to begin a place on the outskirts of Round Rock, in the country, to take care of the needs of boys and girls and to help their families. Mr. Henna was 36 years old and Mrs. Henna was 29 years old when they donated 112 acres of land and five buildings to begin Texas Baptist Children’s Home. I don’t see any way that they could have fathomed the many lives changed and given new hope 75 years later. It would be like asking you or me to predict the impacts of our lives 75 years from now. It’s hard to see, but God had a plan for their generosity,
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan presents a proclamation from the City of Round Rock to Todd Roberson, President and CEO of Children At Heart Ministries, and Debbie Rippstein, President of Texas Baptist Children’s Home, proclaiming April 11, 2025 “Texas Baptist Children’s Home Day” celebrating 75 years of serving children and families.
Dr. Craig Christina, Associate Executive Director for Texas Baptists, presents Todd Roberson with a recognition from the BGCT for Children At Heart Ministries’ 75 years of serving children and families.
Ruthie Herber and Louis Henna, Jr. unveil bronzes of their parents, Billie Sue and Louis Henna, Sr., Founders of Texas Baptist Children’s Home, during the 75th Anniversary Gala.
From Trials to Testimony
Kristal never imagined she would be sitting in a small car at night, alone, while her children slept inside her mother’s house. She stared at the darkened windows, longing for the warmth of a home, yet knowing she wasn’t truly welcome there. Her marriage, once filled with hope, had crumbled under the weight of her husband’s drinking and absence. When he started disappearing for weeks at a time, refusing to answer her calls or get help, Kristal knew she had to make a change. But finding a place to go was another battle.
Her mother took them in, but her stepfather made it clear they were a burden. That’s when a co-worker mentioned Texas Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH). It was a place where mothers like Kristal could find support, resources, and a path to independence. Desperate for stability, she decided to reach out.
From the moment Kristal walked through the doors of TBCH, she felt something she hadn’t in a long time - hope. Her Family Life Coordinator, Carla, became a steady presence in her life. With patience and kindness, Carla helped Kristal understand that she didn’t have to accept anything less than what she and her children deserved. For too long, Kristal had taken life as it came, enduring hardship without truly believing she could build something better. But now, for the first time, she saw the possibility of a future filled with stability and joy.
TBCH didn’t just offer Kristal a roof over her head; they gave her a foundation to rebuild her life. She was accustmed to working multiple jobs just to scrape by, always carrying the weight alone. At TBCH, she found genuine and selfless support that allowed her to breathe. The weight on her shoulders lessened, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to dream.
Endure whatever trials you face, and remain strong in your faith. Things will always test us here on Earth, but this is not our home—God is our home.
As Kristal settled into her new reality, TBCH encouraged her to set goals and prioritize her faith. They helped her find a local church, Awaken Church, where she and her children could grow spiritually. She had always known of God, but her faith had been distant, uncertain. Linda, a member of the TBCH Pastoral Team, took time to pray with her, leaving scripture for her to reflect on throughout the week. Over time, Kristal found comfort in those words, and her relationship with God deepened. Her children, Maranda and Eric, also embraced their faith, with Maranda even participating in mission trips.
a nurse, determined to provide a better future for herself and her children. Through the TBCH Aftercare Program, they continued receiving support in the form of counseling, clothing, and assistance when needed. Even though she had stepped into independence, she was never alone.
Kristal’s children thrived in this new environment. Maranda, full of ambition and creativity, dreamed of owning her own jewelry shop. Eric, with an artist’s soul, envisioned himself illustrating children’s books. Their futures were bright, and Kristal prayed they would always follow where the Holy Spirit led them.
Therapy became another pillar of their healing journey. The counselors at TBCH used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) techniques to help Kristal and her children process their past traumas. The Christian-based therapy not only brought healing but also strengthened their family bond. Kristal learned to see her children as more than just her responsibility; they were gifts from Heaven, entrusted to her with purpose. This realization changed everything - she no longer saw herself as a struggling mother, but as a chosen caretaker of God’s children.
Slowly but surely, Kristal built a new life. She secured an apartment near TBCH, giving her family a place to call their own. She also enrolled in school to become
TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Reflecting on her journey, Kristal knew that her time at TBCH had prepared her to be the mother her children needed. She had learned endurance, faith, and the power of community. To other mothers who found themselves at TBCH, she offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Endure whatever trials you face, and remain strong in your faith. Things will always test us here on Earth, but this is not our home—God is our home.”
Written by Molly Perkins
Photos by Azul Ox Visuals
From Healing to Hope
Benjamina never imagined that the life she built with the father of her two boys, Nicholas and Jesus, would turn into a nightmare. What started as small tensions grew into something far worse - physical abuse. She endured it, hoping things would change, but the breaking point came when he put his hands on her in front of their child. In that moment, Benjamina knew she had to leave.
when she turned to her mother for support, she was met with resistance. Her mother, bound by traditional values, urged her to keep the family together. But Benjamina knew better. Staying would not only continue the cycle of pain, but it would also teach her boys the wrong lessons about love and respect. Determined to find a safe place for her children, she felt hopeful when a friend told her about Gracewood. When a spot opened, Benjamina didn’t hesitate. Feeling uncertain yet hopeful, she packed only the essentials and stepped into a new chapter.
Gracewood changed Benjamina’s life in ways she never imagined. She had put her education on hold to work at a daycare, trying to provide for her children. At Gracewood, she had the opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree and later, with continued support, she earned her master’s degree!
However, her wounds were not just
financial or educational. The trauma from her past left deep scars, making her distrustful of all men. Through Gracewood’s counseling program, she was able to slowly dismantle the walls she had built around herself. She learned how to heal, how to process her pain, and how to navigate her relationship with her mother, who eventually came to understand that leaving had been the best decision. Her boys also thrived in the supportive environment. They attended counseling, an experience they still talk about fondly years later.
The gated community gave Benjamina security and peace of mind, knowing her children were safe. The other families she lived alongside understood her struggles in a way few others could. It wasn’t just a shelter; it was a place of belonging.
Financial and budgeting classes were another game-changer. She learned how to manage her finances effectively, equipping her with skills she would carry
into her future. She and her boys made the most of their time together, whether it was sharing meals provided by local churches or spending time in the garden. One day, while shopping at Patty’s Place, Gracewood’s free clothing boutique for moms, Benjamina spotted a dress she loved, but it wasn’t her size. Instead of putting it back, she took it as a goal. It became a symbol of her journey, motivating her to focus on her health and well-being.
Although Benjamina had known Jesus before coming to Gracewood, her abusive relationship had strained her faith. She found herself questioning God’s plan and feeling distant from Him. But through Gracewood, she rediscovered her faith, learning to trust in God’s path for her life. She immersed herself in devotionals and became active in a local church. That renewed faith became a cornerstone for her children as well. Her son Jesus was baptized last year, and Nicholas will soon follow. Seeing her children grow in their faith has been one of her greatest joys.
Benjamina will never forget the kindness she received at Gracewood. Every staff member made her and her boys feel like they mattered. They celebrated birthdays, cheered her on when she graduated, and provided unwavering support even after she moved on through the Aftercare program. Local churches also played a significant role in making them feel special. One Christmas, a church collected wish lists from the children, ensuring that every child and mother was showered with gifts.
Today, Benjamina’s life looks completely different. Armed with her master’s degree, she now holds a leadership position in her field. She and her boys live with her mother, who has become a vital support system, helping with school drop-offs and providing financial stability. The future holds even more promise, as she plans to purchase a home of her own.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her life now
The other families she lived alongside understood her struggles in a way few others could. It wasn’t just a shelter; it was a place of belonging.
is giving back. She and her boys prioritize service, volunteering at their church and finding ways to bless others. Having been on the receiving end of generosity, they understand its power and want to pass it on.
Benjamina’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. From a place of fear and uncertainty, she built a life filled with security, success, and purpose. Gracewood gave her the tools, the support, and the faith to create a future she once thought was impossible. Now, she and her boys stand as a testament to the power of hope, community, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.
Written by Molly Perkins
Photos by Emma Knowles Photography
Nichloas and Jesus before attending the Houston Orchestra, an excusrion provided by a Gracewood donor.
MIRACLE FARM BOYS RANCH
John’s journey to Miracle Farm began at a crossroads in his life. At just 15 years old, he found himself in a turbulent situation. His mother had passed away, and custody was granted to his stepfather, who later remarried.
Struggling to find stability in a fractured home, John acted out, and despite efforts from his stepparents, including medication and psychiatric care - nothing seemed to help. He was lost, angry, and searching for a place where he could belong.
A Path to Purpose
That place turned out to be Miracle Farm Boys Ranch. For John, it was not just a temporary shelter; it was a transformative environment that set the foundation for the rest of his life. It provided an escape from bad influences and introduced him to other boys who, like him, were striving to turn their lives around. It was a structured, loving environment where he learned the value of hard work and discipline.
One of the most profound aspects of John’s time at Miracle Farm was working with the horses. He discovered that to handle these powerful animals, he had to overcome fear and replace it with courage. Every time he climbed onto a horse, he was mastering not just the animal, but his own fears and insecurities. The Farm also felt like home in ways he had never experienced before - small gestures, like receiving a birthday cake, made him feel seen and valued.
Coming from the inner city of Austin, adjusting to life on a ranch was a shock but it was also life changing. The wide-open spaces, the fresh air, and the connection to nature all contributed to the deep, internal transformation he experienced. If he had $20 million dollars, he says, he would build another Miracle Farm, just so more boys could experience the same profound change he did.
This life is a fight between truth and lies. The truth is, you were made perfect and are being made perfect at the same time.
Now, John describes himself as restored. He is happily married and a devoted father to his fiveyear-old daughter, Ora. He has become a leader in both his church and his workplace, dedicating his life to helping others who, like him, once felt lost. As a life coach, he walks alongside people through their hardships, offering guidance and encouragement. He believes he is called to be there for others in the same way Miracle Farm was there for him.
Looking back, John credits his time at the Farm for instilling values that continue to guide him today. The foundation he built there—one of honesty, integrity, and perseverance—shaped his character in ways he never imagined. He recalls the long, grueling days
further reinforcing his sense of purpose.
Faith was another major aspect of John’s journey. Though he was raised in church, his mother’s death left him angry at God, and he distanced himself from faith. While Miracle Farm reintroduced him to the teachings of Jesus, it wasn’t until years later that he truly embraced a relationship with Christ. Today, he is on the path to becoming a catalyst pastor—someone who ignites positive change within a church or community, equipping others for ministry and discipleship.
of working in the summer heat, baling hay under the relentless Texas sun. Instead of resenting the labor, he embraced it, feeling a sense of accomplishment that helped define what it meant to be a hardworking man. One of the most rewarding experiences was working as a farrier. This role gave him a sense of position and influence, setting him apart from the other boys. It was an opportunity to develop skills and confidence,
For the boys currently at Miracle Farm, John has a message: “This life is a fight between truth and lies. The truth is, you were made perfect and are being made perfect at the same time. It’s both. Jesus said, ‘I only do what the Father does’ because He was always with the Father. Allow the One who created you to tell you what you were created for. In Him, there is rest. When you live from that truth, life becomes easy and fun.”
When asked if there were specific people at Miracle Farm Boys Ranch who impacted his life, John struggles to name just one. To him, it was like a close-knit neighborhood where every door was open, and every person was welcoming. Miracle Farm was more than just a place to stay—it was a sanctuary where John found himself, his purpose, and his faith. It shaped him into the man he is today, and he carries its lessons with him in every step he takes.
Written
Molly Perkins
by
Photos by Michelle Yeatts
John (top right) celebrates Christmas with his housemates.
Your generosity has the power to change lives!
Whatever your stage in life, planned giving can benefit you and your loved ones while also helping generations to come. Some planned gifts have an impact now, some after your lifetime. Many offer tax savings, and some even provide you with income for life.
• Cash gifts
• IRA Distributions
• Gifts of appreciated securities or stocks
• Gifts of real estate (land, buildings, home equity, etc.)
• Gifts of tangible personal property (jewelry, antiques, automobiles, etc.)
• QCD (Qualifies Charitable Distributions)
PLANNED OR DEFERRED GIFTS:
• Charitable Gift Annuity
• Annuity Trust, Unitrust, and Lead Trust
• Life Estates
(All of the above can provide life income or return funds directly to the donor or designee)
LIFE INSURANCE:
• Donate paid-up policies
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS (DAF):
• Specify a gift to any of the Children At Heart family of ministries through your DAF BEQUESTS:
• Specify a gift to any of the Children At Heart family of ministries in your will
Your charitable giving should accommodate your personal philanthropic interests and goals and your individual financial needs and abilities. Let us help you design a plan that fits your desires. You can decide the legacy you leave!
For more information or to meet with a gift planning professional, please contact:
Maynard Phillips
Vice President
for Mission
Advancement
Phone (512) 246-4222
Fax (737) 309-3922
1301 N Mays Street Round Rock, TX 78664
www.cahgift.org
Many of the programs and services at Gracewood, Miracle Farm Boys Ranch, and Texas Baptist Children’s Home have benefitted from individuals who had the foresight to include the Children At Heart family of ministries in their estate plans. There are many ways to give, and choosing the right plan can have a major impact on you and your family. We are here to serve you and work with your professional advisor to help develop a strategy that is right for you. As a result, you and your family can experience the joy of leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
1301 North Mays Street
Round Rock, Texas 78664
Continued from page 3
and He has a plan to impact others through us today as well.
Speaking of celebrating, on October 25 from 11 am until 2 pm we will continue the 75th anniversary celebration on the TBCH campus in Round Rock. There will be a festival like atmosphere with food, music, and things for most ages to do. As plans are more firmly established, the TBCH website should have more complete information about the day as well as how you and your church can be involved. As the song indicates on page 3, it’s a celebration that we plan to last throughout the year. Join us in celebrating the wonderful things God has accomplished through Texas Baptist Children’s Home, Miracle Farm Boys Ranch, and Gracewood. We are thankful for His goodness through friends like you!
As Ecclesiastes says in chapter 3, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This year, in this season, we are celebrating – Honoring the past 75 years and looking forward towards building the future with God’s wisdom and blessing for children and families for the next 75 years and beyond! Will you join us?
