Baptist Family hosted a fine sending-off party for our outgoing Executive Director Bob Gerstmyer. On Saturday, January 7th, more than 100 well-wishers crowded into the agency's meeting rooms to share laughter, memories, and delicious food.

by Bob Gerstmyer, Executive Director

At the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware annual meeting in November, I received a wonderful painting that depicts Jesus dancing with a group of children surrounded by adults who are smiling and clapping. Even Jesus is smiling as he celebrates with the children. The scene is titled "Dance of Grace."

I would call that a fitting gift as I conclude my ministry at Baptist Family and Children's Services. Even the title is a good description of my time here. The work of caring for children who have been abused and neglected is intense and often discouraging. The acts that adults can perpetrate on children still leave me incredulous at times. And our staff members (foster parents and social workers) are left with picking up the pieces. Moreover, the systems we work in are often disorganized, confusing, and frustrating. Frequent staff turnover is another issue that has to be dealt with. Recruitment of foster parents and professional staff is constant. And then you have to deal with the behaviors of the children. It is a never-ending task and you wonder some days how you will make it through the day.

It is only by God's grace that we continue our work. In fact when you see it as a dance of grace, you have hope that God's grace can be found in the chaos we experience daily, and can be delighted in and celebrated each moment. Life in Christ is then sheer joy and love. Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

God freely gives us what we need. That's grace! I pray that the dance of grace will continue at Baptist Family after my departure as each one responds to Jesus' call to "Come unto me and I will give...". God bless.

This week we have been in the process of placing three siblings (ages 4, 5, 6) in one of our approved Safe Families homes. The children's mother suffers from cancer and is not well enough to take care of them. They have been staying with a family friend who can no longer provide for them. I wish you could see these cute, well-behaved, and polite little kids. If you did, you would want to take them home with you. The family that is considering them has resolved all of the issues but one. They do not have a vehicle large enough to accommodate the children along with their six-year-old son. Because of their ages, all of the children would need to be in the back seat(s) in child safety seats and seatbelt restraints.

We want to keep the children together if at all possible. We need your help. We have sent out an alert to the Safe Family's church prayer chain this morning. Now we are asking you if you have a minivan or SUV in good working order that you would be willing to donate or lend for a few months -- let us know asap! Also, you will see that this need is listed under prayer requests. We will appreciate your prayers in this matter. There is some urgency to this appeal because the children will need to be enrolled in school quickly as classes are starting in about two weeks.

If multiple vehicles are donated, we have other families who are in need of transportation as well. This brings me to a related subject. Baptist Family is a regional and field partner of You Share, a nationwide virtual warehouse for folks who have goods and/or services they want to donate. You Share connects families with critical needs to people who can fulfill those needs. It is an opportunity for people to share their resources and develop relationships that will lead to better lives and better communities. You can go to www.youshare.org, register as a neighbor, and list the goods/services you wish to donate. We will be notified so we are aware of the donation. This is not for people who want to get rid of things right away. You would need to hold on to your items until you are contacted that there is a need for them. Check it out and help out families in crisis today.

Safe Families is recruiting volunteers for all levels of the program: host families, mentors, case coaches, resource for materials, etc. Over the last few months, we have received several calls about potential families who would benefit from what Safe Families has to offer.

We have approved 2 host families and have 4 families in the process of being approved. We are continuing to look for volunteers to get involved with this nationwide movement. We would also appreciate your help in spreading the word about this amazing ministry opportunity. Please call Melissa at 800-621-8834, extension 117 or click here to leave her a message.

Baptist Family & Children's Services has been "Breaking the Cycle" of child abuse, neglect, poverty, and domestic violence since 1920. Come and see for yourself how you can be a part of this wonderful ministry!