Spring 2023 Magazine

EDITORS

Sheila M. Price

Kyle Thompson

CONTRIBUTORS

Julia Bell

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kyle Thompson

PRINTING

Professional Printers, Inc., Columbia, SC

PRESIDENT

William D. Nicholson II, Ph.D.

President

MISSION

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries exists to restore the Faith, Family, and Future of vulnerable children and families through Christian services that emphasize ministry and healing.

VISION

To become a national leader in Christian ministries of healing for vulnerable children and families.

The Connie Maxwell Magazine is sent to alumni, donors and friends of the ministry. Send address changes or cancellation requests to Jill Bryant at jillbryant@conniemaxwell.com or call 864-942-1427.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

(864) 942-1400 or (800) 868-2624

In this Issue

14 Featured Story: “Don’t Forget About Connie Maxwell” | Volunteer Renovation Teams

Commit to 10-Year Ministry at Connie Maxwell

ConnieMaxwell.com

4 Mooving Forward Long-time friends use their passions to come together and help children

6

9 10 12 16 18 19

More of Him, Less of Me | Steve Shiflet Awarded the Annual “Will You Come to Me in My Dreams” Endowment Award

Highlights from our Homes

Serving the Church | Philip Turner joins as Director of Church Engagement

Learning to Lead | Connie Maxwell Plays

Key Role in South Carolina’s Certified Public Manager Program

Connie Maxwell in the Low Country Connie Maxwell begins expansion efforts to Charleston and surrounding counties

A Coordinated Blessing | Connie Maxwell and the South Carolina Baptist Convention Bless a Foster Family

Honors and Memorials

Dear Connie Maxwell Dreamers,

In 1924, A.T. Jamison penned these words that I believe are applicable today,

“The beginning was in the days of small things and it may be, who knows, that even the accomplishments of the present are small compared to the great future that lies ahead.”

While writing this letter, I prayerfully reflected on these unapologetic words of “holy ambition” and began to see, right now, in our midst, the high and far-reaching vision that Dr. Jamison kept nurtured in his heart and mind is coming into view. The seeds that were planted and rooted in the cradle of our history are now wildly and colorfully blooming for the dreams of children and families.

As you fumble through the pages of this edition of The Connie Maxwell, the Spirit of these stories and pictures are revealing that bright and shining future. A Campaign: For the Dreams of Children has been launched and we now anticipate moving forward to fund our Decade of Dreams initiatives while pausing to celebrate all the many wonderful things happening right now.

These exciting accomplishments include Cottage and Family Care apartment renovations, the beginning stages of the amphitheater on Maxwell Farms, dedicated saints like Steve Shiflet and Jason Shope who are spotlighted, and a long enduring partnership with SC Baptist Convention which promises to strengthen Foster Care across the state, and most of all, with great joy, we watched several of our children surrender their lives to Christ. Indeed, it is an exciting time at Connie Maxwell!!

Recently, my colleague Eric Taylor shared a Bible verse that uplifted and encouraged our leadership team. It was Isaiah 60:22,

“The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”

As always, we want to thank each of you for your prayers and support for our children and families. Because of YOU, our future looks brighter and more promising than ever before!!

For the Dreams of Children,

William D. Nicholson II, Ph.D. President

MOO

forwardving

Long-time friends use their passions to come together and help children

Helping children from difficult backgrounds and tending to a herd of cattle usually don’t belong in the same story, but through a group of long-time friends who wanted to positively impact lives, these two things have come together.

Brad Martin, Director of Maxwell Farms, and his three high school friends, Jody Watt, Barry White, and Mark Duffel, grew up together while showing cattle in the 4-H program. Showing cattle is more than just traveling around with your cows; it’s a very intense and involved lifestyle that requires meticulous care of your herd and scrupulous attention to detail. Martin and his friends learned attentiveness, care of animals, hard work, and good sportsmanship- values that have gone with them past their childhood and have proven valuable in their adult lives.

In 2017, Martin wanted to give the children at Connie Maxwell the same opportunities that he and his friends had while in school. But there was a problem: showing cattle requires specific breeds and strains of animals and a storehouse of proper equipment to do it well.

Despite having gone separate ways after graduation and 30 years passing, Martin contacted his friends to see if they could help. Martin reached to Jody Watt first since he was still showing his own cattle. After sharing his vision, Martin asked Watt if he could help. Watt excitedly agreed to help. Watt was able to donate cattle and equipment which jump-started the program.

After getting the program started, Martin then reached out to Barry White. Martin saw that White was still involved in showing and had a specific breed called Shorthorn Cattle.

“With a deep red coat, patches of white, Shorthorns are beautiful animals, and I knew they’d be an

incredible addition to Maxwell Farms’ herd,” said Martin.

Once again, when Martin shared his dream of giving the children at Connie Maxwell the same experiences they had while growing up, White was eager to use his skills and resources to help.

Because of the generosity of these friends, Connie Maxwell and Maxwell Farms now have a thriving show cattle program that our students have been able to participate in over the years, winning prizes, and establishing Connie Maxwell as a reputable name in the show cattle business.

White donated all his registered cows and their calves, as well as genetic material and show equipment. “If he had it, and we needed it, Barry donated it,” said Martin about his friend’s generosity.

As the cattle program was underway, the farm needed a team of horses to pull wagons. Horsedrawn wagon rides have become a staple of Connie Maxwell, especially at our annual Christmas and Corn Maze events. Martin sought out the help of yet another friend, Mark Duffel.

Duffel was able to connect us with the kinds of horses we needed. We were able to acquire two beautiful Belgian draft horses.

After working with Martin and hearing more about the programs the farm is offering the children, Duffel wanted to contribute as well since he also was involved with show cows. He was able to donate several units of genetic material for use in breeding and additional equipment to be used in shows, further propelling the value of the herd and professionalism of the program.

Through this program, our children at Connie Maxwell are learning the values and lessons that only caring for animals and competition can teach you, just like Martin and his friends experienced 30 years ago.

Reflecting on this incredible story, Martin says, “30 years later, we come back together, wanting to help people with what we’re passionate about, which is farming, agriculture, horses, and cows.”

There’s a lot of ways to help children in need, and some of those ways are grazing out in a pasture right now. Whether it’s an investment of time, resources, funds, skills, or cows, anyone can step in and use what they have to help the children served by Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries.

Want to see how you can partner with us and change lives for the better? Contact Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Engagement at (864) 878-2019 or jboyd@conniemaxwell.com or visit conniemaxwell.com.

More of Him, Less of me

In a world where so many things are temporary, longevity is scarce; appliances, products, and jobs are intended only to last a few years and then be gone. This makes long-standing steadfastness all the more valuable, and this quality, though rare, shines bright in people like Steve Shiflet, Executive Vice President at Connie Maxwell, who has been serving this ministry for more than 38 years.

Shiflet, the recipient of this year’s “Will You Come to Me in My Dreams” Endowment Award, has decades of faithful service to the Lord and the children we serve behind him. Connie Maxwell and many children and families are now changed for the better because of his work.

Reflecting on this, President Danny Nicholson says, “The ‘Will You Come to Me in My Dreams’ Endowment Award is very personal to Debra and me. When we came in 2017, we established an endowment fund to honor the ‘holy moment’ when God called us to this tender ministry and to honor and remember our parents. We could not be more thrilled for Steve Shiflet to be chosen to represent this award and for Connie Maxwell as a whole. He is what Connie Maxwell is all about!”

Thinking back on his path to Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM), Shiflet credits God with

crafting a course uniquely tailored to his gifts and desires. He says he “had no idea” what he wanted to do growing up, but he discovered a love for serving children, especially those from hard places, through a children’s program at his church. As his church sought to bring in vulnerable children and share the love of Christ with them, Shiflet became a Sunday school teacher, where he quickly developed a passion for seeing children heal and grow as they experienced the love and care of the Lord and His people. At the same time, Shiflet took an accounting class in high school and found he also had another passion- the rational, sensible nature of math and numbers, which led him to complete an accounting degree in college.

He never dreamed that God would one day fulfill both a love for serving children and a passion for accounting in one role, but in 1983, he saw a job opening for CMCM. Shiflet applied, was accepted to the job, and soon began a career that would last a lifetime. While he loved the accounting work, Shiflet also wanted to start forming relationships with the children who called Connie Maxwell home.

Shiflet recalled how he was single when he began working at CMCM, and this afforded him extra time beyond work hours to invest in the children and the ministry work. For a time, Shiflet also worked parttime at the gym – in addition to working full-time as

Steve Shiflet Awarded the Annual “Will You Come to Me in My Dreams” Endowment Award

an accountant – so he could devote himself more to direct contact care for the children. He also began attending Connie Maxwell Baptist Church, effectively rooting his entire life at CMCM.

Shiflet recalls some people jokingly saying that since he spent all his time at CMCM as a single man, he wasn’t ever going to find a wife, but little did they know that God had a plan for that too.

After working for a time, Shiflet began dating an alumnus of CMCM, and Steve and Renee Shiflet were married on March 30, 1991.They became cottage parents in 1996, and together, Steve and Renee both poured their lives out for the children at CMCM. It was also in 1996 that their son Christopher was born, and later on, the Shiflets would become licensed foster parents and adopted two daughters.

Thinking back over his years here, Shiflet speaks most often of how God has providentially led and provided for CMCM and how it has been evident that the Lord has blessed the work of this ministry. He mentions past presidents as evidence that God provides what CMCM needs at precisely the right time, from the business and relational know-how of Ben Davis to the energy and forward thinking of current President Danny Nicholson.

“God provides that person, for that position, that we need for that time in the life of CMCM,” Shiflet remarks; “even looking back in history, God moved in the saints that built Connie Maxwell, doing the right thing at the right time.” He also shared how CMCM has remained remarkably consistent with its mission

of serving children, seeing them heal, and directing them toward Jesus.

Despite many opportunities to sway from its original purpose over 130 years of existence, Shiflet is proud to be among those who have helped CMCM remain and thrive in serving children and giving them a place to grow and know the Lord. Now looking forward, Shiflet is excited to see the direction the ministry is going: while anchoring in the past and remaining true to its mission, CMCM is embarking on new roads as it seeks to help children heal from past wounds and trauma in even more profound ways, using the latest science, research, and psychological healing models to implement programs and practices that lead children in healing at the deepest possible levels.

As Shiflet now approaches retirement, he knows that CMCM is in good hands and going in a beautiful direction, still reliant on the provision and protection of God and committed to being a leader in providing world-class care to vulnerable children from hard places.

When asked what he thinks of spending his entire career in one place, Shiflet clarifies that he wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s not just a job. It’s so much more,” he says. He feels deeply contented knowing God orchestrated his life and work here. Shiflet talks of how there were children he and Renee served in the cottage who still call him “Daddy Steve.” Reflecting on this, he says, “It doesn’t get any better than thatto know you had an effect on a child’s life.”

Shiflet also points to his wife Renee as a steady fixture over his time at CMCM, who became a nurse after her

time as a cottage parent. But even in another career, her heart was still with the work of the ministry, and Shiflet recalls how she was at every event, always supporting him and right there beside him the whole time as he continued his work at CMCM.

Unfortunately, in 2017, Renee was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after a three-year battle. Yet still, Shiflet points to how God moved and used the passing of his beloved wife to spur him on in the work God has called him to do. He experienced deep community and support from fellow employees and his intimacy with the Lord grew beyond what he had ever known as he prayed for his wife’s healing.

Even though God did not give Renee earthly healing, Shiflet says, “He provided heavenly healing… she’ll never get sick again… she gained it all.” Shiflet says that he became more compassionate, prayerful, and empathetic because of God’s faithfulness shown to him through Renee and her battle with cancer as the Church and God himself drew near to comfort his grief. Because of this, even in her passing, Renee was still helping him be a better man and serve the Lord more faithfully.

Thinking about what’s next, Shiflet wants to pour into others, passing on what he has learned and watching those coming after him “take it and run.” Shiflet is also planning on sticking around when he retires, doing volunteer work with organizing and digitizing the many paper files accumulated over 130 years of existence, hopefully making an accurate, easily accessible digital historical record of CMCM’s history.

Beyond this, Shiflet states that he wants to continue becoming more like Jesus and living by the principle of “More of Him, and less of me.”

highlights from our homes

Several of our staff joined forces to introduce our children to deer hunting. Some hunts were successful, and others not so much, but everyone had a great time and came out of the woods happy to have learned a new skill!

Hannah, Jada, Reese, and Jayden made the monumental decision to be baptized after accepting Jesus as their Savior!

Chance was able to graduate high school early and we are so proud of him. We are excited to see what God does in his life and know God has big plans for him! We love you, Chance!

Jessica, a single mom in our Family Care Program, made a profession of faith and was baptized! She is growing so much in her faith, serving in her church, and growing in her career as she becomes more like Jesus. And it’s not only about her; her boys are getting to witness this transformation in their mom as they grow up and heal alongside her.

Staff, friends, and family all gathered in Connie Maxwell Baptist Church for a night of Christmas songs, worship, and fellowship led by Rebecca St. James and Josh Nichols. It was a special time of thanking the Lord for the miraculous ways He has blessed our ministry and remembering what the Christmas season is all about!

SERVING THE CHURCH

Philip Turner joins as Director of Church Engagement

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM) is excited to announce the appointment of Philip Turner, current Pastor of Discipleship at First Baptist Church of Columbia, S.C., as the new Director for Church Engagement. He will begin his new duties at CMCM in March 2023.

Turner has a wealth of experience, having served nearly 25 years in church ministry across South Carolina. Currently, he serves as the Pastor of Discipleship at First Baptist Church of Columbia, S.C., since 2014 and previously was the Middle School Minister for four years. Before those roles, Turner served as the Lead Pastor at First Baptist

Church of Wagener, S.C., the Student Pastor at Catalyst Church and Hampton Heights Baptist Church and worked as a student intern at Edwards Road Baptist Church, all in Greenville, S.C.

Dr. Danny Nicholson, President of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, believes Turner’s arrival is critical to achieving CMCM’s bold and ambitious 10-year strategic plan, A Decade of Dreams. “We are beyond excited to have Philip join the Connie Maxwell family! He will play a valuable role in helping us accomplish a broad spectrum of engagement to our South Carolina churches”.

Turner currently serves on the Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries Board of Trustees after joining the board in 2019. “Like many, I grew up seeing the Connie Maxwell calendar on my grandmother’s kitchen cabinet and serving on campus while on a mission trip in high school,” Turner shared.

Dr. Nicholson connected with Turner while speaking at FBC Columbia in 2019. Turner reminisced about his time with Danny stating, “I was able to learn what God was doing on campus and his vision for the future of CMCM. We laughed and cried as he shared testimonies and stories of the children and families they were serving. A few weeks later, Danny called and asked if I would be interested in serving on the board.”

Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Engagement, believes Turner’s new role helps build upon the 130-year history of church support. “From prayer warriors and volunteer groups to financial support, South Carolina Baptists have always been leaders in helping children and families receiving care at Connie Maxwell,” Boyd said. “We aim to build on this foundation. We want to equip and engage churches with meaningful opportunities to serve vulnerable children in their community and across the Palmetto State.” Boyd continued, “Every church - regardless of size, style, or location - can make an impact, and Philip is an ideal candidate to lead this important initiative!”

Turner stated, “In this role, I’m excited to start meeting with pastors and church leaders and share all that CMCM is doing. I want to develop a plan to help them in their foster care ministry initiatives and highlight the other challenges we face at CMCM.”

Being on the board has been a joyful experience for Turner. “Every time I leave the CMCM campus following a board meeting, I am fired up about what the Lord is doing. I would call my wife and tell her all about it”, Turner said. He went on to share, “After being in the same room with Danny and seeing the clear vision of where he wants CMCM to go, it’s clear he will honor the Lord and CMCM’s history as he seeks to fulfill the ministry’s vision and help the dreams of children and families come true.”

A native of Florence, S.C., Turner is a two-time graduate of North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C. He received his Bachelor of Christian Studies in 2004 and Master of Christian Ministry in 2014. He was ordained in 2008. Turner is in the final stages of his doctoral studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Turner is married to Emily Ann Winburn Turner. They have three kids, Manning, Wyatt, and Sally and reside in Lexington.

“Every time I leave the CMCM campus following a board meeting, I am fired up about what the Lord is doing.”

LEARNING TO LEAD

Connie Maxwell Plays Key Role in South Carolina’s Certified Public Manager Program

Many qualities come to mind when thinking of what makes a great leader. Decision-making skills, the ability to communicate, and the art of making complex problems solvable with strategic solutions, all while coordinating multiple people of varying competence levels, are must-haves when defining a leader. However, these beg the question; how does one acquire these traits if one desires to lead others one day?

South Carolina’s State Government formed the Certified Public Manager program (CPM) to answer that question. Designed for state government employees seeking leadership positions, the CPM program is an 18-month intensive that takes participants through various courses and experiences designed to develop leadership skills, help them learn human behavior, and navigate complex group dynamics.

Every year, the different departments in the state government have a chance to select a limited number of participants that they believe have leadership potential. Between all state departments, 60 to 65 candidates are chosen to participate in the program. The program will include lots of discussion and coursework, but talking about leadership can only go so far. Potential leaders need to touch and feel what it’s like having to lead other people, and that’s where Connie Maxwell comes in.

Each year, the CPM program turns over all participants to Connie Maxwell for a day and a half of hands-on team-building exercises. Heading up this time of training is Tim Duncan, Connie Maxwell’s Vice President for Programs and Services, who is passionate about seeing these participants experience situations where leadership skills must be developed and implemented. Participants spend a lot of time on campus at Maxwell Farms, where they go through the Ropes Course, a network of complex obstacles where participants must combine several skills to navigate them effectively. Here, they divide into teams, and each unit has no choice but to maintain strong communication and personal

skills as they must work together to figure out the obstacles. Duncan explains, “It’s not about giving someone a task. It’s how you give them the task, show appreciation, and give guidance throughout the process.”

This is undoubtedly the case at the Ropes Course. Team leaders can’t just shout commands of what they think is best; they have to identify who is good at what, divide their team accordingly, and bring all the team together to navigate the course. Ultimately, every participant comes out with more practical leadership skills than they went in with. For hosting the State CPM program participants and dedicating time and resources to this day and

a half of training, Connie Maxwell does not ask for monetary payment. Instead, two Connie Maxwell employees are given a scholarship each year to complete the program and receive this nationally recognized certification. Furthermore, this program allows Connie Maxwell to bring awareness and develop relationships with future leaders at all levels of South Carolina’s state government. In all, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries is proud to support the development of leaders in South Carolina’s State Government, all while also ensuring that our own leaders are advanced in their skills and our government officials are made personally aware of the high level of care and ministry that we provide to vulnerable children.

Volunteer Renovation Teams Commit to 10-Year Ministry at Connie Maxwell

Jason Shope loves Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries. He was first introduced to what God was doing in the lives of children and families at the Greenwood campus by his pastor, who invited him to be a part of a cottage renovation project. The team’s goal was to honor a church member’s last request“don’t forget about Connie Maxwell,” a place where she had lived for a time as a child.

Jason owns an automotive repair shop in Rock Hill but has a background in construction, so his giftedness was a perfect fit for the Robert Black Cottage renovation project. Covid delayed the team’s work, but that afforded Jason the opportunity to process the needs, enlist tradesmen and volunteers, and coordinate their housing. During a whirlwind week last summer, the 60-member team worked from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. to complete the renovation that included installing new fixtures, flooring, interior painting, and resurfacing tubs and sinks.

“It was unbelievable what we did in six days,” Jason recalls. “The day I left from assessing the cottage I had no idea how many people would come and help me do this. I just knew there was a need and I was going to meet it.”

As a result of that experience, Jason’s sense of determination to meet needs at Connie Maxwell turned into a ministry calling. As he tells it, “God was talking to me that week. I have done many missions projects in different houses and churches, but never before has He pricked me the way that He did then. I couldn’t fall asleep at night because I was sensing God’s calling that Connie Maxwell was where He wanted me to be.”

A self-described “dreamer,” Jason says that in the weeks following the Robert Black renovation, Connie Maxwell remained on his mind. He met with President Danny Nicholson and proposed a vision that he and his church, Carolinas Cornerstone Church in Fort Mill, would coordinate short term volunteer teams to continue the renovation work around the Greenwood campus for the next 10 years to take what Connie

Maxwell has and “just make it better.” The idea is to include as many churches as possible and volunteers of all ages – “as young as five and as old as 85,” Jason says.

The next project is the Dunbarton Building which, when complete, will house future volunteer teams. Jason is coordinating monthly crews of about 1015 people who are preparing Dunbarton ahead of a larger renovation team that’s slated to complete the building over the course of a week in July 2023. Adequate volunteer housing is a key element at this stage of the long-term renovation campaign so, in addition to Dunbarton, teams are also preparing several campus campsites.

“If you can get people to commit to giving a week of their time to serve, there must be places to stay and ways to feed the teams,” Jason explains, adding that last summer many volunteers paid for hotel rooms or campsites at Greenwood State Park, where his own family stayed during that project.

Team recruitment is another focus Jason has going forward, and churches as far away as Tennessee have already expressed interest in serving. “Who’s to say that in a few years we couldn’t have churches committed to come to Connie Maxwell for these projects every week during the summer months,” Jason dreams for the future. “Once Greenwood is up to par, we could go to other locations. A lot of things can be done once people are on board. The sky’s the limit.”

For his part, Dr. Nicholson recently told Board of Trustees members that Connie Maxwell isn’t “making progress unless we’re ministering to people. Jason’s

“Don’t forget about Connie Maxwell.”

“To know a child will walk into a clean, fresh house when they arrive at Connie Maxwell... nothing else matters at that point...”

story is a testimony of how God is working in people’s lives to do what needs to be done. It’s inspiring to me.”

Jason insists he’s “just one person, we all have a piece. It takes the entire crowd. But to know a child will walk into a clean, fresh house when they arrive at Connie Maxwell, and give them the confidence that they will be taken care of there – nothing else matters at that point,” Jason says.

Prior to the first cottage project, Jason didn’t know anything about Connie Maxwell, its history, or facilities. He was just obedient to the call God placed in his life to go and serve. Now he is excited to see how future projects will come together because “we know someone who can make it all happen – and it’s absolutely amazing.”

If your church or civic group is interested in volunteering on campus, contact Jules Thompson, Director of Volunteer Services at jthompson@conniemaxwell.com or visit conniemaxwell.com/volunteer.

Shope shared with the Board of Trustees in Feb. 2023. He brought the room to tears while he spoke about how God led him to Connie Maxwell and his experience.

The team with Carolinas Cornerstone were able to finish the renovation of the Robert Black Cottage in just one week!

During a whirlwind week, the 60-member team worked from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. to complete the renovation.

Connie Maxwell in the Low Country

Connie Maxwell begins expansion efforts to Charleston and surrounding counties

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries is best known for our residential care, but did you know we train, license, equip, and support foster families? South Carolina currently has 3,861 children in foster care, and each one needs a safe, loving home. Connie Maxwell is dedicated to seeing that happen, so we partner with families across the state who are willing to open their doors to vulnerable and hurting children to give them an environment where they can thrive.

CMCM has been serving the upstate and midlands in South Carolina for many years. In the fall of 2022, CMCM increased their foster care staff in order to expand the coverage area to license foster parents in the low country.

Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Engagment is excited about the church-centric approach CMCM is taking in Foster Care. “We know that being a foster parent can be filled with highs and lows. Beyond training and licensing families, CMCM works to equip and educate churches on the important role they have in supporting foster parents.” stated Boyd.

“Connie Maxwell has been a huge support for us in this journey; I’m not sure we would have been able to go as long as we have and continue in this journey without their support. CMCM made the licensing process much smoother than what I thought it was going to be. They have given us a lot of encouragement and counsel, giving us tips and encouragement and helping us navigate the relationship with DSS.”

David

Pastor

Children enter foster care for a multitude of different reasons. Regardless of anything else that has happened to these children in their homes, just entering foster care is a traumatic event.

The intent of foster care is to temporarily nuture children in a healthy and stable environment when they cannot remain safely in their family home. The goal of foster care is reunification with the birth family.

Often children will return home once the problems that caused them to come into foster care have been resolved and it is clear that their parents are able to look after them safely. Others may stay in long-term foster care, some may be adopted, and others will move on to live independently.

Bennett, Foster Parent

of Missions and Ministry Lake Murray Baptist Church

Did you know?

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 3,861 KIDS IN NEED OF FOSTER HOMES IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

WHATEVER REASON THEY COME INTO CARE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE LOVED & CARED FOR WHILE THEY ARE WITH A FOSTER FAMILY.

OUR TEAM PROVIDES LICENSING, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT FOR FOSTER FAMILIES ACROSS SC.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, contact Paula Reed, Director of Foster Care at (864) 942-1493 or preed@conniemaxwell.com. If you would like Connie Maxwell to speak at your church, contact Jay Boyd, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Engagement at (864) 878-2019 or jboyd@conniemaxwell.com.

Current Connie Maxwell Foster Care Coverage Area

A Coordinated Blessing NEW RELEASE

When Chief Strategy Officer for South Carolina Baptist Convention, Lee Clamp approached Connie Maxwell about an anonymous donor who wanted to “bless a foster family of a special need’s child” with a weekend getaway, we were excited to surprise one of Connie Maxwell’s Foster families!

Paula Reed, Director of Foster Care and our foster care team identified the Pete family as the perfect choice to be blessed by this meaningful gift. Dane and Danielle Pete live in Greenville and were able to take a weekend trip to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.

Thankful, Reed said, “We appreciate the generosity of our donors and how they make an impact on our families and children. We know foster parenting is hard. It’s hard on a foster child, it’s hard on a biological child, and it’s hard on the parents. We believe a well-supported foster family can maintain a foster placement longer, often eliminating a need for subsequent placements. Giving a family some quality time alone allows them to refresh and reconnect so they can continue the Biblical work of foster care.”

Connie Maxwell is very thankful for our partnership with the SCBC. “We believe that every life is valuable, especially those in foster care and those that need to be adopted. SC Baptist churches want to fill the gap for foster families. We were excited to partner with Connie Maxwell through a donor to provide a well-deserved time of respite for one of those families and hope this helps recharge them for future impact,” said Clamp.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or learning more about how you can help our families, contact Paula Reed, Director of Foster Care at (864) 942-1493 or preed@conniemaxwell.com.

BEST FRIENDS

Best Friends, written by Doug Kauffmann and illustrated by Cherry Smith, is a tender story of two brothers, one nineteen years old and the other nine, who spend an afternoon at the beach before the older brother prepares to say goodbye and head back to college.

BY DOUG KAUFFMANN

The brothers do all their favorite things: eat Kentucky Fried Chicken, drink Cokes, build a sand castle, and toss a football. Later, in the quiet of the day, they have a brothers-only conversation about the love of Jesus. They are best friends, and neither wants the day to end.

The book’s proceeds continue that legacy of love by

Connie Maxwell and the SCBC Bless a Foster Family

October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022

The following section celebrates everyone who has made a gift honoring or memorializing someone special in their life during the past fiscal year. Specifically, the listing reflects gifts made between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022.

We are blessed by the financial support received and we believe it sends a strong message that our donors can see about how God is continuing to work through Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries!

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us change the lives of children and families in Jesus’ name. As we begin A Decade of Dreams, we will depend on your support even more.

If you see any errors or omissions, please forgive us and let us know so we may correct our mistake. Again, we cherish your friendship and thank you for your support of our ministry.

Inquiries about gifts should be sent to jillbryant@conniemaxwell.com or by calling (864) 942-1427.

64th Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Maness

Dr. and Mrs. John Adams

Mr. and Mrs. William Hughes

Mrs. Rayne Adams

Mr. Eugene Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Aiken

Rev. Jerry Aiken

Mrs. Patti Alexander

Mrs. Pat Bishop

Mr. Wade S. Ammons and Family

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. Gary Anderson

Mrs. Barbara Husman

Mrs. Susan Ardis

Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Lester

Ms. Bonnie Assef

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Atkinson

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Beckham

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cauley

Mrs. Audrey Gaskins

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Mixon

Dr. and Mrs. Danny Nicholson

Mr. Robert G. Shuler

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Taylor

Ms. Nancy Tyner

Mrs. Nancy Baer

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Mrs. Martha Bagby

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Gilreath

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gilreath

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kendrick

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bailey

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Wampole

Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Black

Mrs. Mary Ergle

Mrs. Janice Black

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Mr. and Mrs. David Blakeney

Ms. Elizabeth Blakeney

Mrs. Teeny Blakeney

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Ms. Elizabeth Blakeney

Mr. and Mrs. David Blakeney

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Blalock

Virginia Faye Beam

Rev. Craigan Blankenship

Mr. and Mrs. Whitey Mackey

Mrs.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Boseman, Jr.

Ms. Nancy Tyner

Mr. and Mrs. Ben W. Bowman

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boyd

Mr. Carroll Hester, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Bozard

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ott

Gladys and David Bragg

Mrs. Laura Beach

Mr. and Mrs. Don Brandon

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Goodyear

Ashley and Anna Branham

Rev. David Brannen

Eric and Kimberly Branham

Rev. David Brannen

Mrs. Judy Wilson

Mrs. Elizabeth Britt

Ms. Nancy Tyner

Mrs. Martha Ann Broach

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Michelle, Bud and C. J. Brown

Mrs. Laura Beach

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Ms. Louise Kaminer

Mrs. Lib Brown

Mr. and Mrs. John Bumgarner

Mrs. Pat Bishop

Mr. and Mrs. Joe N. Ferry

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Foster

Jerrel and Linda Goldman

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Peace

Mr. and Mrs. B.M. Cave

Shirley and Floyd Hanna

Red Bank Bapt. Church Hamp

Caughman SS Class

Mr. Raymond Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Dr. and Mrs. Jose Chavez

Mr. Scott James and Mrs. Aileen

Sunshine

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Chesser

Mrs. Mary Ergle

Children

Mrs. Barbara Cole

Mrs. Gail Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Ms. Brooke Clark

Mrs. Margaret Lee

Mrs. Billy Clemmons

Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Lester

Mr. Nathan Clyburn

Ginger and Jackie Floyd

Will and Julianna Clyburn

Ginger and Jackie Floyd

Mrs. Nancy Coates

Dr. and Mrs. Ben H. Davis

Mrs. Carole Cole

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Cole

Mrs. Phyllis Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Anderson

Ms. Jeanie H. Collins

Mr. Michael Boliver

Mr. Marion Hanna

Pat Collins

Rev. Jerry Aiken

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Compton

Miss Rebecca Ortiz

Mr. John Kenneth Cox

Ms. Toni Cragan

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Campbell and Kennedy Crawford

Mr. Will Crawford

Mrs. Shirley Crawford

Mr. Will Crawford

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Crider

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ott

Mr. Jack Crider

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ott

Mr. and Mrs. Geraldo Cruzado

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Ms. Bonnie Cunningham

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Dana B.

Mr. and Mrs. David Webb

Beka and Sarah Darrah

Rev. and Mrs. Curtis Marshall

Rev. and Mrs. Brian Darrah

Rev. and Mrs. Curtis Marshall

Ms. Linda Michele Davis and Family

Mrs. Sue Lee

Dr. and Mrs. Ben H. Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Dreugh Batson

Dr. and Mrs. Jim Mahaffey

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Tackett

Mr. and Mrs. Gwinn Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Neil Eichelberger

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Davis

Lynn Marsh

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Neil Eichelberger

Miss Nataleigh Grace Deal

Mrs. Patricia Ford

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Deason

Mr. Charles Hurst

Ms. Jennifer Dillon

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Cothell Dodson

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Holmquist

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Balmer

Mr. Scott James and Mrs. Aileen

Sunshine

Jamie Barfield

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Mr. Ed Barnhart

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. Damon Barnhill

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Rivers

Mrs. Juanita Bartley

Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Bathe

Mrs. Patricia Ford

Debbie and Don Bazemore

Mrs. Laura Beach

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Mr. and Mrs. Geraldo Cruzado

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hurley

Ms. Teresa Gardner

Mr. and Mrs. John Redfern

Ms. Linda Sloan

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bedingfield

Ms. Cathy Jollie

Ms. Margaret Berry

Ms. Megan Flowers

Beulah Baptist Church

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Readett

Mrs. Frances Binnicker

Mr. and Mrs. J. Griffin Miller

Mr. Gene Bishop

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Avants

Mr. Michael Avants

Ms. Patricia Desjardins

Mrs. Jo Ann Pike

Mrs. Evelyn Keck

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Moody

Ms. Ann White

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bryant

Mrs. Pat Bishop

Mr. Scott James

Mrs. Aileen Sunshine

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moore

Ms. Caroline Bryson

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Mr. and Mrs. John Bumgarner

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Mr. Robert Burgess

Ms. Alison Burgess

Mrs. Kay Burkett

Mr. and Mrs. David Beals

Mr. and Mrs. Thurmond Burnett

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Murrell

Mr. John W. Burris Sr.

Mr. John William Burris

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Callahan

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Campbell

Mrs. Libby McElduff

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mrs. Mae Capel

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Carter

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shealy

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cato

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Knight

Mr. Roscoe Caughman

Mr. and Mrs. Earle Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cauley

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries

Mr. and Mrs. John Pullen

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries Advancement Team

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Atkinson

Mr. and Mrs. Randy McManus

Connie Maxwell Staff and Children

Mrs. Patricia Ford

Sue and DeWayne Johnston

Mr. and Mrs. Riley McLane

Dr. and Mrs. William C. Sawyer

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Conroy

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mrs. Melbaline Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Crandell

Mrs. Sarah Corbin

Walt and Lynn Corbin

Ms. Beth Cottingham

Mrs. Vivian Catoe

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coward, Jr.

Ms. Judith Thompson

Ms. Aggie Cox Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Fillippeli

Greenville Tractor Company, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Woods

1st Lt. Jason Carroll Cox

Mr. John Kenneth Cox

Capt. John William Cox

Mr. John Kenneth Cox

Charlotte Carson Cox

Mr. and Mrs. J. Kenneth Cox

John Carroll Cox

Mr. John Kenneth Cox

Karen W. Cox RN

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Salley

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dominick

Mr. and Mrs. Mel Labree

Ms. Frances Drew

Mrs. Peaches Thomas

Chad and Ann Driggers

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Chris Driggers and Kelly Stafford

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Kevin and Becky Driggers

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Driggers

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Roberson

Mr. and Mrs. Kenzie Driggers III

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Miss Jordan Dukes

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. William Mark Dukes

Mr. and Mrs. Furman Oliver

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes IV

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Mr. William Mark Dukes

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Dukes III

Hon. Jeff Duncan

Mrs. Charles Johnson

Mr. Darrell Dunning

Ms. Marilyn Martin

Ms. Alice Dupont

Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Lester

Ms. Esther E. Dupont

Ms. Linda M. Kiser

Miss Marie A. Eddy

Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Eddy, Sr.

Ms. Inga Moore

Mr. Hugh Westbury

Mr. Scott James and Mrs. Aileen

Sunshine

Esther D. West

Mrs. Jimmie B. Stewart

Greg West

Ms. Donna West

Mary Vause West

Rep. and Mrs. Mark Willis

Mr. Tony Whatley

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Bledsoe

Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Miller

Dr. Douglas Wayne Whetsell Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Eddie Whitaker

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Woods

Carrie Lee White

Zell Skinner

Mr. Bill Whitfield

Mrs. Carol Whitfield

Jack Whittington

Mr. and Mrs. John Pullen

Mr. B. T. Whitt

Ms. Debbie McDowell

Rev. and Mrs. Lloyd Whyte

Mr. Richard L. Whyte

Terrell Wiggins III

‘In Memory of’ for ‘Terrell

Wiggins, III’

Hugh (Buck) Wilder

Mrs. Reita Cobb

MEMORIAL GIFTS

October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022

Frankie M. Wilensky

Ms. Kelley Smith

Mr. Don Wilkerson

Mr. Charles Floyd

Ruth Wilkerson

Mr. Charles Floyd

Mrs. Leona Pope Wilkes

Mr. and Mrs. Edsel Williams

Dee Anne Willard

Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Bozard David Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Lambert

Eugene A. (Gene) Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Hon. James Carlyle Williams Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Davis

J. Frank and Julia Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Amick

Lewis and Bernice Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Austin Levine

Lucile Williams

Mrs. Lynn Oates

Lucius Leroy Williams

Mrs. Laura Beach

Mary Emma Collier Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Mr. Homer Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Miller

Mr. Robert Williams

Rev. and Mrs. Melvin Brown

Dr. and Mrs. Jay Collins

Rev. Dan Compton

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Foster

Mrs. Jo Ann Holley

Rev. and Mrs. Miller Murphy

Mrs. Frankie Reynolds

Mr. Steve Shiflet

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Witt

Mr. Terry Williams

Rev. and Mrs. Curtis Marshall

Rodell Williams

Ms. Terry Hallman

Carol Diane Smoak Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Donald George (Don) Wilson

Mr. Rufus Morgan

Geneva Brock Wilson

Mrs. Jerri Falk

Debra Wimberly

Mrs. Lynette Weeks Mincey

Sally Wimberly

Mrs. Lynette Weeks Mincey

Mr. and Mrs. John Perkins

Mr. Jim Windham

Mr. Scott James and Mrs. Aileen

Sunshine

Bobby Wines

Ms. Tressa G. Howle

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Wines

Dr. Ted Wingard

Mrs. Virginia Faye Beam

Mrs. Helen Wise

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gilpin

Richard Wood

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baldwin

Ms. Barbara Bradham

Ozbolt & Register Timber Co.,

Inc.

Ms. Hope Warren

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie White

Shane Wood

Mr. Charles Floyd

Mrs. Ruby Wooten

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Bledsoe

Rachel Elizabeth Hutto Wooten

Mr. and Mrs. Wade K. McAlhany

Howard Worsencroft

Mrs. Barbara Powell

Barbara Major Wright

Ms. Zelma G. Finley

Berlin Wright

Ms. Nancy Dolores D. Wright

Mrs. Gloria Wyatt

Ms. Carolyn P. Lowe

Twila Yoder

Ms. Carol Taylor

Cecil Yonce Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John Morgan

Marcie Yother

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Wilkins, Jr.

Ann Young

Mrs. Barbara Salter

Nellie Young

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Dyson

Nina Mae Young

Phil and Janice Pickett

Dollie Younts

Mr. Joseph Younts

Mr. Forrest Younts

Mr. Joseph Younts

Mr. Melvin Younts

Mr. Joseph Younts

Mrs. Marie Younts

Mr. Joseph Younts

Gibbs Argo (Bert) Zeigler

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Mrs. Barbara Powell

Joann Ray Zeigler

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Davis

Mr. and Mrs. John Olson III

Mary Louise Zeigler

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Carroll

Ben T. Zelenka

Mr. and Mrs. John Morgan

ESTATE, FOUNDATION, SCHOLARSHIP, AND TRUST GIFTS

October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022

Estate Gifts

Martha Nell Bouknight Estate

Myrtice Boazman Estate

Foundation Gifts

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.

Thomason Foundation

Aiken East Camp Auxilary

Hipp Charitable Foundation

Malloy Foundation

Thrivent Charitable Foundation

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Inc

Scholarship Gifts

Ada Falconiero Scholarship Fund

Cecil & Frances Sandifer Scholarship

Clifton and Shirley Cribb Scholarship Fund

Connie Maxwell Student Transitional Fund

THANK YOU

D. Leslie Tindal Scholarship Fund

Earle & Lisa Readett He is Worthy Endowment Fund

Ed Corbin Educational Fund

Edgar H. & Lula O. Parkman Scholarship Fund

Hal Bland & Billie Kelly Putman Scholarship Fund

Howard Kauffmann Fund

Hurry Family Fund

James and Helen Hughes Memorial Fund

Johnny Muller Scholarship Fund

Miller and Kathy Murphy Mission Trip Fund

Rusty Nickles Outdoor Fund

Shealy Roberts Memorial Fund

Taylor Family Endowment Fund

Trust Gifts

Estelle Wright Trust

Eldred & Sarah Wooten Prince Foundation Trust

Connie Maxwell Christmas December

7-9, 2023

The Connie Maxwell Christmas celebration has become a popular tradition in Greenwood, SC, and beyond for over twenty years. With beautiful lights adorning our campus, Connie Maxwell is the perfect place for families and friends to gather and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In December 2023, our ministry will celebrate twenty two years of hosting the Connie Maxwell Christmas Celebration. Thousands gather to experience the story of Jesus’s birth through a live nativity. Visitors get to travel by horse drawn wagons to view our campus which shines bright with beautiful Christmas lights. The most joyful volunteers and staff serve hot chocolate. In addition, visitors get to enjoy a petting zoo full of animals that our children have the opportunity to love daily.

Save the date to join us for our 2023 celebration on December 7 9. Follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more information as we get closer to the event!

BECOME A MAXWELL IMAGINEER

max-well im-ag-i-neer: A person who helps children and families pursue their DREAMS and IMAGINE a brighter future.

The children who come to Connie Maxwell are in the most painful and confusing times of their lives, harming their ability to dream and believe that a bright future is possible, and all this through no fault of their own. Your monthly support helps children pursue their dreams and imagine a brighter future! You can direct your support to the ministry and location of choice, while meeting the most critical needs our children will experience.

HOW TO JOIN

Becoming a Maxwell Imagineer is easy! There are 2 ways you can join now:

l Scan the QR code to visit conniemaxwell.com/imagineer or

l You can also call (864) 942-1400 and let us know you are ready to join!

All Maxwell Imagineers recieve this exclusive t-shirt!