Changed LivesSaved Lives

Mackenzie Small

By March 29, 2012No Comments

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Mackenzie can easily quote Jeremiah 29:11 from memory. This scripture became her life verse when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior while she was with the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.

“God is merciful and my Heavenly Father,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie came from a terribly abusive environment, which led to feelings of hopelessness. These feelings led her to try to end her life.

“I tried to kill myself three times over the course of a year before coming to the Children’s Homes. I tried cutting myself in order to try to soothe my anger toward my father. I often felt like there was nothing else I could do to soothe the anger except with self-inflictions,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie says that she had an immediate sense of ease when she first came to the Children’s Homes in Tallahassee and knew it was exactly where she needed to be.

“During the first week that I was at the Children’s Homes I learned about God and the amazing things that he does for us. I was surrounded by loving warm-hearted Christians that set a great example for Christian living.”

“I was always able to talk to my house parents. I talked to them about the abuse I suffered from and all the terrible decision that I made during those times.”

“One night during devotions I kept asking questions. We didn’t finish until after eleven o’clock. My house parents patiently answered every question that I had. That night I knew that God was real. Later that week I prayed with my house parents to receive Christ as my Savior.”

“A week later I just felt a very strong urge to serve God through missions and to witness to every person I met. Learning about God became my first priority.”

“I am so thankful. I found hope at the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.”

Mackenzie is now attending the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville where she is studying missions and childhood education.

 

There Are Many Kids Just Like Mackenzie

Mackenzie is an example of just one of the hundreds of orphaned and disadvantaged children that are cared for every year by the Children’s Homes. It is the support of God’s people that makes this ministry to children like Mackenzie possible.

Unfortunately, there are many children just like Mackenzie that desperately need our help. In Florida there are approximately 20,000 children in foster care. Also, consider the heartbreaking fact that every year there are more than 100,000 children in Florida who are victims of documented abuse.

We need your help to continue to care for orphaned and many others just like her.

 

Mackenzie in front of the church she attended when she lived at the Children’s Homes in Tallahassee.

Mackenzie in her cottage at the Children’s Homes’ campus in Tallahassee.

One of Mackenzie's senior pictures.

Another on of Mackenzie's sernior pictures.