H E L P I N G H A N D S H E L P I N G H A N D S
evotionalD
FOLLOW THE LEADER
By Pastor Rigel Robinson
Read Psalm 25:4-10
Growing up as children we used to play a game called “Find the Leader; Leader Change ” We would form a circle and put one person in the center We would choose another person to be the leader, but the individual inside the circle would not know who we chose. The leader would make a signal and the rest of us would do whatever the leader did. The person in the center had to guess who was the leader. Once they figured out who it was, the person in the center would trade places with them and someone else would be chosen as the leader Those around the circle knew who the leader was and how to keep our eyes on them without giving it away
One group knew who to follow; one individual spent the time guessing who we were following The psalmist David did not make his relationship with God a guessing game He wanted to know where he was going and who was leading him Therefore, he made four requests of God concerning his future:
Show Me
He needed to know the right path and the road for [him] to follow The Christian life is not a guessing game God has a plan and a purpose for our lives God has a prescribed road that leads to fulfilling his purpose Through his Holy Spirit, we can know the way to pleasing God and fulfilling his purpose and calling on our lives In John 14 and 16, Jesus mentions three things about the work of the Holy Spirit He will be 1) a presence within us, 2) a guide to us, 3) and he will convict us of our sin.
Lead Me
It is good to know that God wants us in a particular career, or make a specific decision He does not always tell us everything that is involved in his calling because he calls us to journey with him. The psalmist, not wanting to risk taking a fateful detour, asked God to lead him. We may plan our ways but the LORD establishes our steps (Prov. 16:9). Job was right when he said, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NIV). The Lord has gone where
no man has gone before, and will guarantee our success in his plans When he is leading, he will provide the way in the wilderness and the streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19) In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads his dear children along
Remember
The psalmist is not suggesting that God has memory lapses. He who has all knowledge forgets none. Here the psalmist reflects on the times of his possible failures and how he wants God to deal with him - in compassion and unfailing love. In fact, Psalm 27:9 helps us understand the psalmist’s prayer to God to remember compassion and unfailing love
Do not turn your back on me
Do not reject your servant in your anger
Do not leave me now; do not abandon me
O God of my salvation
In times of our failures, he does not abandon us. He turns to us with unfailing love extending his grace and mercy to restore us in fellowship with him. The psalmist repeated his request in verse 7: “Remember me in light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.” God’s steadfast love is always the motive behind discipline (Hebrews 12:6-7). We are blessed to serve a God who corrects us, not according to his anger, but in accordance with his love for us.
Do Not Remember
This is the only negative request, but it fits right in line with the request for God to remember. “Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.” This is a prayer of repentance asking God not to keep records of his wrongdoings. God does not keep records of what he has forgiven (1 John 1:9). Our sins remain as a witness against us only when we do not confess them in repentance (Psalm 66:18). God will remove them from our history that which we remove from before him (Micah 7:19). What mercy cancels and Christ’s blood cleanses, God’s grace no longer considers. Hallelujah!
The psalmist, having found and followed the leader, ends this section with an affirmation and testimony about following God’s leadership. “The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.”
Follow Him!!
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
There is a saying by Celia Thaxter—There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.
I, for one, can say that everyone here at MCHMS is filled with gratitude as we step out from spring into the blazing sun of summer. The last few months have been a whirlwind of positive change, which has been invigorating but also an adjustment. Some of the changes include going to year-round school, implementing new programming ideas, reconnecting with our Methodist churches, onboarding new kids and new staff, and sharing a renewed faith that we are doing God’s work.
Most of all, we’re excited about the list of upcoming activities for the summer ahead. Our staff is working hard to plan a number of fun and educational day trips and activities. While all of these activities will help to build social skills, many also have a therapeutic benefit For instance, something as simple as rock painting can give our youth an opportunity to think about elements they want in their lives which can become a goal setting exercise
We’ll also have lots of opportunities for the kids to be outside and physical, which is good for their bodies and minds. Some of these activities will even teach leadership and team-building skills And for those rare days when it might rain, an afternoon inside the kitchen baking can teach nutrition, safety, and cooking skills necessary for when they become adults.
As always, I thank each and every one of you for the time, treasure, and attention you have given our youth We couldn’t do what we do without you, and we see the results of your support each day in their smiles and individual growth. After all, all they needed was a second chance
Here’s to a relaxed and blessed summer with family and friends.
Gretchen Cook
Thisishowweknowwhatloveis:JesusChristlaid downhislifeforus.Andweoughttolaydownour livesforourbrothersandsisters.Ifanyonehas materialpossessionsandseesabrotherorsisterin need,buthasnopityonthem,howcantheloveof Godbeinthatperson?Dearchildren,letusnotlove withwordsorspeechbutwithactionsandintruth.
Methodist Children’s Homes helps children heal from their hurting through the love of Christ and the exceptional support and care from our staff. -1John3:16-18
JOIN OUR MCH VIRTUAL AUXILLARY
MCH has established a virtual auxiliary to enrich and uplift the lives of our youth. The auxiliary acts as the cornerstone of campus life, providing essential supplies, organizing anticipated celebrations, offering public relations support, assisting with administrative tasks such as envelope stuffing, and/or serving as a financial donor for new foster youth
A dedicated email database is being curated to connect with individuals interested in supporting MCH, enabling targeted messages to be sent to supporters who are eager to make a difference in the lives of these children.
You can scan the QR code or email mchms@mchms.org to join the auxiliary today!
Summer Days
Amazing Grace Award
Eachmonthwerecognizeone staffmemberfortheirwork,and whotheyareasAMAZING individuals!TheAmazingGrace Awardwasnamedafteroneof MethodistChildren’sHomes’ longestservingemployees,Ms. GraceRobinson.Graceworksas anResidentAdvisorandissimply oneofthebest!
Overthepastfewmonthswehave namedseveralindividualswho embodyGrace’sworkethicand wonderfulpersonality.
Thusfar,wehaveawardedfive individualswiththeAmazing GraceAward:TammieHarper, FeliciaHansberry,TyriaFoster, LindaCochran,andChynaBoone. Eachoftheseladiesworksvery hardandwithsomuchkindness andgrace.Weareblessedtohave
themaspartoftheMCHfamily.
Tammieworksinour Administrationbuilding, planningeventsandmaking purchasesonbehalfofMCH.
FeliciaandTyriaworkwiththe youthoncampuseverydayand showtheloveofChristinallthat theydo.
LindaandChynaalsoworkinthe Administrativebuilding!Linda processesourpayrollandcares fortheanimalswholiveatMCH.
Chynaworksinourbilling departmentandmakessurewe arereceivingpaymentsfromstate agencieswithwhomwepartner. Eachstaffmemberispictured belowandplaysavaluableroleat MCH!
Thank you to our amazing staff for all that you do! Keep being amazing at who you are and what you do!
Amazing Grace Award
Felicia Hansberry
lINDA cOCHRAN
tAMMIE hARPER
tYRIA fOSTER
cHyna Boone
Providing a safe home for a child.
Ministering to a child as they heal from their past abuse.
Being an advocate for a child’s education.
Creating lifetime memories.
Showing love to a child who has forgotten what that looks like.
The JOY of knowing you are making a difference!
Be 21 years or older
Must be motivated and committed to work with fragile and traumatized children that have been diagnosed with emotional, mental or physical issues.
Reliable telephone service and transportation. Financial means to support a family. Completed all training requirements. Passed background and fingerprint checks.
If you're interested in providing a home and support for children, please contact our Foster Care Recruiter at mchms@mchms.org or call (601) 853-5000 ext. 1601
Connect
TO OUR FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS FROM OUR PARTNERING CHURCHES,
We at Methodist Children’s Homes are reaching out to you with warmth and gratitude. It's time to rekindle our connection and share the ongoing journey of nurturing and transforming the lives of our youth.
Our common goals are that we strive to provide a safe haven where children and teens can heal from past trauma. Together, we aim to raise strong, independent, and spiritually grounded individuals. Your support has been instrumental in achieving these goals.
WE WILL ALWAYS NEED YOUR SUPPORT
The journey is long, and the needs are many, but with your unwavering support, we can continue to be a beacon of hope. Consider ongoing support through monthly donations, fundraisers, or legacy gifts.
INVITE US TO SPEAK!
We are eager to visit your church! We would love to share inspiring stories, updates, and opportunities for engagement with your congregation.
Allow us to share the heartwarming successes and real-life challenges we face at Methodist Children's Homes. We are ready to travel and speak with your church to deepen our partnership and the Kingdom’s impact.
Together, we can continue to provide a sanctuary of hope and a foundation of faith for our youth. We look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you! WITH
Contact Information: Jordan Faison jfaison@mchms.org
Children's Promise Act
The Mississippi Legislature passed the Children's Promise Tax Credit legislation for individuals and businesses who support organizations that work with Mississippi's foster children.
Methodist Children's Homes is a Qualified Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCCO) and donations to our organization are eligible for this dollar for dollar state tax credits.
The allocation of the tax credit is done through the MS Department of Revenue and is on a first-come, first serve basis. Any amount of donation qualifies for this credit up to $1,200, for individuals giving jointly. Higher rates apply to businesses.
Email Jordan Faison at jfaison@mchms.org if you would like to know more! You can also find more information on our website mchms.org under Ways to Give.
Complete the Tax Credit form (found on main page of our website) and send it to the Dept. of Revenue by email.
In Honor of
(Given 3/1/2024 -6/30/2024)
Betty Jane Chatham
Jim and Helen Orman
Wanda Cooper
Friendship Sunday School Class of Carthage, MS
Mary Lyons
Wanda Reagan
Shirley McMillin
Friendship Sunday School Class of Carthage, MS
In Memory of
(Given 3/1/2024 - 6/30/2024)
Valerie Armshaw
Donna Kay Armshaw
Ellen Austin
Dwight A. Austin, Jr.
Terrence Cobb
Robert Knight
George Leon Compton, Jr.
Abner Young
Maxine Eaton
B.F. and Sue Anderson
Michel Hughes
Bobby and Faye Howell
Terry Lee Hurley
Bradley Freeny
George E. Williams
Dianne Helfrich and Jennifer Moore
Anne and Steve Shirley
Elizabeth Sistrunk
Men of Saucier
Saucier UMC Women in Faith
Mary Ann McCarty
Jerry and Patti Sullivan
John Dixon Moore
Clara Sue and William Pierce
Shelia Puryear
Lamar Puryear
Harold and Pauline Smith
Marcie A. Wilson
Dennis Staer
Dorothy Staer
Mary Estes Sullivan
James and Erin Mason
Nappy Thompson
Eugene J. Buzderewicz
Gene Thornton
Carolyn Hale
Gregg Wilkie Abner Young
Joe Bass and Joe Skinner
Dennis and Sandra Perkins
Aven Burgess and Nola Davis Griffing
Dennis and Sandra Perkins
Walter and Dorothy Lance, Richard and Helen Yordy, and Angela Schrieffer
William and Karen Yordy
CIRCLE OF ANGELS CIRCLE OF ANGELS
CIRCLE OF ANGELS
Angels of Light
Gifts of $1,000 and above each year
Angels of Hope
Gifts of $500 - $999 each year
Angels of Healing
Gifts of $250 - $499 each year
Angels of Love
Gifts of $100 - $249 each year
In June, we launched our NEW donor club: Circle of Angels Members of the club will be recognized in our next newsletter. If you give $100 or more by the next publication, you will be publicly acknowledged and appreciated by Methodist Children’s Homes Also, donors who give $5,000 or more will be permanent members of the club
Become a member now:
Circle of Angels Donor Club Circle of Angels Donor Club
Angels of Love Angels of Healing Angels of Hope Angels of Light
Joe Adams
Walter Allred
B. F. Anderson
Frank Bailey
Bonnie Baldwin
Dean Belk
Cathy Bell
Ann Britt
C. F. Brittenum
Martha Brumfield
John and Betty Cadwallader
Thomas Cain
Norma Caviness
Frank Chiles
Richard Clark
Robert Coker
John and Barbara
Collier
Vicki Conerly
Wilkins and Barbara
Crawford
Thomas Cumberland
Christine
Cunningham
Thomas Daughdrill
Kathy Davis
Hill Denson
Michael Easterling
Douglas Beard
Leslie and Joel Bobo
Willie Bobo
Deborah Bracey
Jay Brantley
Gregory Butler
Shay Caviness
John Mac Curlee
Sherri Davis
Donald Dodd
Lisa Agent
William Ayers
Charles Boggan
Betty Jane Chatham
Joe Cox Jr.
Julian Crawford
Christine D. Fielder
Ken Hodges
Kim Hoover
James McCaleb
Michael Adcock
Donna Kaye Armshaw
Elena Barham
Bruce and Ann Bartling
Deborah Bennett
Rebecca Boswell
Belle Buckley
Eugene Buzderewicz
Gloria Cranford
Marolyn Davison
Kate Eddy Celeste Ellis
Frances McEwen
Gail Fulton Don Garforth
Kirk and Susan Graves
Jane Hanes
Janet Harris
Richard and Lucy Henley
Will Henley II
Joy Ann Hennessey
Thomas Holderer
Linda Hutchison
Bobby M. James
Ann Bryan Jameson
Ben Jones
Devon Loggins
Mary Lowery
Larry Marett
Mary Moore
Rosemary McInnis
Alfred Pace
Lamar Puryear
Claude Raworth
Carrie Smith
Valerie Sullivan
Carol and Clifton
Taylor
Jameson Taylor
Catherine Tramel
Cynthia Ware
Wesley Ware
Robert Warner
W. Dal Williamson
William and Karen
Yordy
Abner Young
Greg Geno
Glenn Harmon
Rickey Haynes
Ross Henley
Frank Hensley
William Earl Hunt
Jared Johnson
Barbara Keenum
Herbert King
Christina Lakey
Mark Lehman
Robert Logan
Bryan Lott
Dana Lyle
James Mason
Michael McMahen (Continued on next page ) (Continued on next page ) (Continued on next page )
Michael McSparrin
Circle of Angels Donor Club Circle of Angels Donor Club
Angels of Love Angels of Healing Angels of Light
Melissa Eatherly
Thomas Evans
Joe Ferguson
Sandra Fowler
Hank and Michele
Franklin
Bradley Freeny
Bill Gray
Heyward and Carolyn Green
Kathy Green
Cecil Grisham
Cecil Harper
Jack Harris
Sherrill Heidelberg
Michael Hicks
Peter Hubbard
Debbie Hughes
Kalena Hunley
Jimmy Huntley
Dorothy C. Jackson
Kim Jones
Dolphus Kelly
Ann King
Danny Knight
Robert Knight
Judy Lacy
John Lancaster
Cynthia Lauderdale
Susan Lauderdale
(Continued on next page )
Osler Moore
Ethel Nunnery
Kathy Nye
Brooks Odom
Joan Pepper
Edith Perry
Frances Savage
Ruby Simpson
Jerry Skipper
Jackie Smith
Lisa Smith
Guy Stephenson
Jerry Sullivan
James Tansey
Allen Terrell
Marc and Ellen Treadway
Marcus Treadway
Carol Walker
Carol Williams
John Wright Jr
Joy Wright
Chuck Meador
Shane and Theresa Ormon
William and Exie Pratt
Juanita Pressley
Elizabeth Sistrunk
Peggy Jane Smith Christian Taylor
Milton and Wendi Steadham
Worth Thomas
J. Murray Underwood
Mark Wakefield
Randall West
Betty Williams
Allen and Charlene
Wood
Elizabeth Young
Allison Youngblood
Steven Zachow
Clayton Leech
Circle of Angels Donor Club Circle of Angels Donor Club
J and K Long Angels of Love
William McMahon
Tessa Minchew
Joe Moore
W. C. Murphy
James Oaks
Charlotte Odom
Jim Ormon
Leslie Ortego
Edwin Parker
Stacy Parvin
Dennis Perkins
Bill and Nora Pierce
Ray Powell
Jan Randle
Karen Redhead
Wanda Regan
Cary and Linda Rickman
Carole Rucker
Jasmine Shipp
Steve Shirley
Cathy Sibley
Betty Skinner
J. D. Stephenson
Leon Stewart
Jean Stout
J. Ken Stringer
George Taquino
Helen Tenhet
Morris Thigpen
Janet Tissue
Todd and Debra Trenchard
Kelly Tucker
Todd Underwood Elizabeth and Duane Tucker
William Waddell
Julian Wiener
Robert Wilkins
Marcie Wilson
Craig York
Dan Young
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805 N Flag Chapel Road
Jackson, MS 39209