My first day at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home is one I’ll always remember. My brothers, sister, and chocolate milk.
We couldn’t remember having such a wonderful meal, especially in the middle of the day. My parents were not your typical parents, and sent us there. Our mother died three years later.
I can now see God’s hand won’t hurt you is a gift from God.
Christmas at the Children’s Home could have been a very lonely and I will never forget them for that.
The Children’s Homes is where I learned about Christ. We had never been to church, so this was all new to us. I learned that there was a Father who loved me, wouldn’t hurt me and one that I have passed down to my children.
Because of the Children’s Homes, my children have grown up never knowing abuse, hunger, or loneliness. They love the Lord and my son is a teacher at a middle school.
I have been married 34 years to a wonderful man and teaching me about Christ, my life would have been very different.
Your gift, whatever it might be, makes a huge difference in the life of a child. Believe me, I know firsthand won’t have Christmas without someone like you making it happen. People like you can make a difference in the life of a child. That’s what God calls us all to do, make a difference, one life at a time.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. I also want to say thank you to all those who supported the Children’s Homes when I was a child. I am alive and blessed beyond all measure, because you cared. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Cathy Tidwell
Former Resident of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes
Lakeland Campus