Dance of Grace
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.
SUCCESSES!
Note: These stories are taken from our monthly "PrayerGram." If you would like to receive the Prayergram by email, please click here and leave us your address. All names have been changed to protect the identities of our kids and families.
Melissa approved two new families for our Safe Families for Children program. One family is from Faith Baptist Church in Glen Burnie and the other is from North Harford Baptist Church. We also welcomed two new CHOSEN families earlier this month --one from Howard County and the other from Baltimore County. We are happy that they are willing to open their homes to children in need.
There is great news to pass along about Ching Lan, for whom you have been praying over the past several months. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in January and started a full time job with benefits this week. Ching Lan is now looking at a more stable future.
Darron took his GED test this week. After he receives the GED, he has a job lined up and ready to go.
Kudos to foster parent Tamara Harris for her willingness to stay up all night during a recent hospitalization with her CHOSEN child.
Prayer Requests
...for a foster child who is having difficulty with the transition back to his biological family and is acting out.
...for a foster teen who has not had contact with his biological family for years and is hesitant to respond after they reached out to him through social media.
...for a woman who lost her husband on Monday; she is feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of his burial as well as the grief of losing him.
...for a foster child who is struggling to stay on task at school.
...for a young man who is seeking a diagnosis for chronic abdominal pain.
...for a foster child who has been experiencing suicidal ideations.
...for a man who will undergo cataract surgery next week.
...for a young mother who is recovering from a severe infection in the brain and going through physical therapy.