Rest in the Lord

We continue to share devotions from various Trinity mission partners and church members as we prepare for our annual mission celebration.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28

Every child, youth or family who comes through the doors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is carrying a burden. Every child has suffered abuse, every family is experiencing hard times. We are a safe haven for them and, through the help of United Methodist church members and through Christ, we able to give them rest. Sometimes, this rest is in a very real form – a warm bed, good meal, safe home – and sometimes rest comes in less tangible ways, such as experiencing God’s forgiveness and knowing that God’s love is always with them.

It isn’t just our clients who carry burdens. Our staff, volunteers, people who donate, church members who I speak to, and really every one of us is weary and burdened. We all have an opportunity every day to show God’s graciousness to other people, and we all can turn to God, lay down our own burdens and rest in His love.

Alina Crews, Assistant Director of Public Relations & Development
The United Methodist Children’s Home

Prayer Request
(beginning of Psalm 23 re-written by a young woman at the Children’s Home)

“Right now I am going through a rough, rough time.
And sometimes I think He isn’t there.
But those times I think God isn’t there, that’s when He is the most powerful.”
Peaceful Lord, thank you for being with us and for giving us rest from our burdens. Help us to show your love and mercy to others.
Amen.

Pray for the diverse ministries of the UMCH and of our Augusta office which is led by Trinity member Thurman Norville.

UM Children's Home Mission and Ministry Update
The United Methodist Children’s Home is a connectional ministry partner of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church – we are YOUR ministry. Our mission is to provide redemptive, healing services that bring meaningful change to the lives of children and families. Grounded by scripture and the tradition of the church, we seek to bring the wholeness of God’s love to persons through Christ. We fulfill this mission at our five locations throughout north Georgia, including our office in Augusta.

The United Methodist Children’s Home has been serving children and families in crisis since opening in 1871. Originally founded as an orphanage, the Home has expanded services over the years to meet the changing needs of families in north Georgia.

The Augusta office of the Children’s Home works to make every home a safe haven for children by keeping families together and healthy. Through individual and family counseling, parenting skills classes and emergency financial assistance, the Augusta office helps many families get through crises and become healthy homes for their children.

There are more families who need emergency financial assistance than we have ever seen before. In 2009 the Augusta office provided financial assistance to 191 families and touched the lives of 435 children. Already this year, in just the first 10 months of 2010, we have served 29 more families and 47 more children than in all of 2009, and seen an 11% increase in the number of calls versus the same time period of 2009!