Chapters LOVE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Randy Wright Summer <strong>2009</strong> Publisher/Designer: Dave Gavette Lives can be transformed when the feeling of being part of a family and having a purpose that Publications Team: Chris Brewer Fred Carlson Ken Chesterman Kathy Clawson Alma Gilleo Deb Grandmason Shannon Popkin Sara Sisco Margaret Strawn Scott Teesdale Chapters is a magazine of <strong>Calvary</strong> <strong>Baptist</strong> <strong>Church</strong> 1200 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508 (616) 243-3674 www.cbcgr.org Comments/Suggestions: If you have article suggestions and/or comments regarding “Chapters” please contact Dave Gavette at dgavette@cbcgr.org <strong>Calvary</strong> <strong>Baptist</strong> <strong>Church</strong> exists to represent the reign of God as: Community Servant Messenger When I was approached regarding writing down some of my thoughts for this edition of “Chapters,” I was asked if I could relate my some of my life experience to God’s plan and purpose in the redemption of mankind. Immediately my thoughts turned to my job. For the last ten and one half years I have been working at D.A. Blodgett Services for Children. My official position is that of social work therapist, where I provide counseling and case management services for abused and neglected children in foster care. Prior to this I worked for approximately seven years as a child care worker at Wedgwood Youth and Family Services. My role there was one of providing direct care for abused and neglected youth in a residential setting. One thing I can tell you in working with these children is that the effects of the fall of mankind are real! And they are devastating. These children have seen, heard and experienced things that anyone, let alone someone in their early formative years of life, should never have to experience. As a result of neglect and abuse, these children engage in dysfunctional, and often harmful behaviors. The effects of being Kim, Randy, Chelsea, and Olivia Wright emotionally abused and/or neglected or abandoned by a caregiver leaves deep and often lifelong emotional scars for these children. Despite the best efforts of the professional caseworkers, counselors, and foster parents with whom I have been blessed to work over the years, many of these children never recover from the trauma inflicted upon them. Many are destined to continue the cycle of abuse with their own spouses and children in the future. Along with the inevitable disappointment I have felt due to some of the lifestyle choices the children I have worked with have made, I have also been blessed to see some of them respond to the love and nurturing that has been provided to them by the wonderful foster parents who have taken them into their homes and have made them a part of their families. What a wonderful representation of the transformation that can occur through the redemptive work of our lord Jesus Christ! transcends our individual existence occurs in the life of an individual. Much like the work of our heavenly father on our behalf, many of the foster parents with whom I have interacted, have taken these children in and accepted them as family. Foster parents have given assurance to many children that they have worth, value, belong, and can function well within a family environment. This was something that, for various reasons, they did not receive from their families of origin. Lives can be transformed when the feeling of being part of a family and having a purpose that transcends our individual existence occurs in the life of an individual. Exactly like our heavenly father does for us! I have had the pleasure of attending the Christian wedding of one of my former foster children. I have also had correspondence from former foster children who have served in the military, are working with people with developmental disabilities, and have been successful in the working community and world. And it is all because someone cared enough about these children at one point in their lives to make them feel valued and a part of a family! What are some of the practical applications that we as individuals in this local body of believers can incorporate I propose three: 1. If you were raised in a Christian home, and are still walking closely with the Lord, be thankful for the strong Christian heritage you received from your parents. Although they were not perfect, your parents gave you the best possible gift that money cannot buy. Let them know how grateful you are for this! 2. If you have been the victim of emotional or physical abuse or neglect, and are still experiencing the emotional and behavioral scars that occurred in the process, rest assured there is healing for you in the work and person of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Your traumatic and painful experience was not because a loving and caring God was absent or far removed from you. It was because the individuals who were providing for your care chose to use the free will given to them by God to make decisions that were dysfunctional and destructive to their families and loved ones. Jesus loves you deeply, and wants a relationship with you. In that relationship He can give you a life that is full, joyful, and free of the pain and guilt you have been experiencing and possibly holding onto for too long. In order to come to a place where you are able to receive God’s wonderful offer, you may need to seek the help of a Christian counselor or other professional to help you work through this process. I am telling you the truth, I have seen Christ make a difference in the lives of broken individuals and He can make a difference for you too! 3. If you see yourself as being blessed by God and have been given gifts by Him that have made you sensitive and compassionate to the life situations of those less fortunate, get involved! Several opportunities to show the love of Christ exist within our church and community. Check with Pastor Blocher for ministry opportunities available at <strong>Calvary</strong>. Call Mel Trotter or Guiding Light Mission and ask about volunteer opportunities they may have. The Child Welfare System is also always looking for Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as foster parents to become involved in children’s lives. You can talk to me if you have any questions. Don’t be afraid to get involved in an opportunity to which God is calling you. Begin today to make a difference in the lives of others, and possibly guide them to a saving, life changing relationship with Him. Remember the words of our Lord when He said: “when you do this to the least of these, you have done it unto me”. (Matthew 25:40) 1 2