I'd like to tell you a story about a family we have living on our campus today. You may have read this story in a letter from me that arrived in your mailbox yesterday or should be arriving shortly. This family's story may seem tragic, and in many ways, it is. In 2009, Warren Jefferson's family lost their home after a fire, and they spent several months living in an efficiency lodge. Then earlier this year, Warren Jefferson's wife, Tamara, died suddenly and left him with five children - three still living with Warren. Not only did Warren find himself struggling with the grief of losing his wife, but he was also faced with the reality of providing for his children alone, as well as dealing with their grief after losing their mother.
But the story doesn't stop there. You see, Warren found out about the Children's Home and our Family Housing program. So in April, he and his three youngest children moved into one of our houses. The Jefferson family lives in a furnished home, where they will spend the holidays together as a family. They have food on the table. They are receiving the grief counseling and moral support they need to rebuild their lives. And they are making plans for the next step, including moving into a house in January. This family is being restored as I write this letter. You are the reason that families like the Jeffersons can be restored.
Restoration. When I say that word, you probably think of home restoration. And that's exactly what I mean. UMCH has spent the last 139 years restoring homes. When you give to UMCH, you are a part of this restoration. You are restoring lives, restoring hope and restoring homes, for the Jeffersons and for so many others like them.
You can give a gift today that will restore. You can visit our secure website to make your donation right now. While you're there, you can even set up a recurring monthly gift so you can be a part of restoring lives all throughout 2011.
Restoration. It's happening every day at the Children's Home, thanks to your gifts. Thank you for your gifts and continued support of this restorative ministry. Please visit our website today to make a donation and watch a short video in which we thank you more fully. Thank you for restoring the lives of children and families with God's love.
Praying God's blessings on you during this Christmas season,
Beverly O. Cochran, Jr.
Administrator, United Methodist Children's Home