I thank God for allowing my family to be here.
The people have become my extended family.
They will always be a part of me.
There are daily words of encouragement and praise,
Godly advice and examples.
Coming here was a safe harbor.
I was able to choose a destination for my family
and was guided in mapping a course to achieve my goals.
(Shelly, Single Parent Program)

When you are 13 years old, life can be confusing to say the least.
New rules, new home – the transition was not the easiest one of my life.
But it turned out to be the best decision.
I found love, security, and a sense of belonging that I had never known before.
The Home gave me the moral bearings every child needs in life.
(Patty, Foster Care)

At NMCCH, we never imagined
how much of a change would take place in our lives.
The Home offered me an opportunity
to go to school and get my feet under me,
so I can better the quality of life the kids and I live.
The Home helped me realize I am needed and useful.
Thanks so much to the Home for everything.
(Kim, Single Parent Program)

I thank God every day that my father
was wise enough to place me in a Home like this.
There’s no way I can ever repay the Home
for what they’ve done for me and my family.
They’ve instilled so many morals and so much integrity in me,
it will be hard to not follow it.
You guys have been great! I’m truly grateful for what you’ve done.
(Scott, Residential Group Care 1986-2002)

I wanted to write out a special thank you to you all for all that you have done for me and all these wonderful children. You all made my stay here so great. I truly felt at home! I cannot express the thanks for you all. As I come to the end of my stay here, I realize how much I have accomplished with the help of you all! It meant the world to me. You all are a gift from God!!
I wish you all the best and again, thank you!
(Candice, Christian Child Placement Service)

I never knew God loved me
‘til I came to the Christian Children’s Home.
(Samantha, age 7, Residential Group Care)

Hosts of Christians and dozens of agencies associated with Churches of Christ focus on helping vulnerable families and children. They especially seek to find homes for the unwanted children in our society. Many of these agencies align themselves with Christian Child and Family Services Association, a coalition with a mission to encourage excellence in care of children and families, to train and encourage those involved in such care and to advocate for Christian compassion. This series of articles is dedicated to them

Churches and Christians justify their involvement in childcare in a variety of ways. The large number of vulnerable children represents a substantial need in our communities. Helping children wins wide acclaim from the media and general population. Caring for the vulnerable gives those working in the area a significant sense of making a difference. Some find themselves perpetuating institutions that are dedicated to this task. Perhaps a few take up this cause out of tradition.

But as powerful as these motivations are, Christians should seek fundamental reasons for their work in Scripture. While rationales based on popularity or social pressure or past activity cannot be discounted, the “Christian” in Christian Child and Family Services Association touches not only a powerful motivation, but bases our work in God’s calling and teaching.

The more clearly we understand the biblical thinking behind the care for vulnerable children, the more adequately we keep our focus. Rather than let our practice drive our theology, this series suggests that our theology should prompt our actions.

This three-part series roots Christian childcare in biblical teaching about fathers. It will suggest that we find reason for caring for children when we more clearly understand the theology behind the word father. Other concepts in Scripture also ground the work with vulnerable families, so that this presentation must not be seen as exclusive, but simply as a line of thinking that forms the foundation for what those associated with Christian Childcare and Family Service seek to accomplish.