One might think that Thomas would be filled with joy at the news at what the other apostles saw. However, he did NOT believe them. He said, “unless I see in his hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (verse 25)

One week later, when Jesus appeared, He invited Thomas to “Reach here with your finger and see my hands.” Thomas was convinced and proclaimed Jesus as HIS LORD AND HIS GOD.

Part of what this story reveals is that having a personal experience can be helpful in understanding the reality of a situation. This can relate to the work we do at Agape Villages. We can ask, “What is it that would help more people to understand the importance of the work we do and join with us?” We would probably all agree that we become more passionate when something is personal.

This is probably one reason why Jesus gave us what we call the “Golden Rule.” He said in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” This makes things personal, doesn’t it?

Applying this to the children and families we serve at Agape, consider if you were one of them. What if you were a child who was in need of a home? How would you want others to help you?

We so appreciate all of you who believe in what we are doing in caring for the children that cannot care for themselves. Your prayers, your volunteering, your financial support makes our job here at Agape Villages possible. WE NEED ALL OF YOU serving side-by-side for the GOOD that can be accomplished. May God be glorified!

The home he was placed in treated the children badly. He said the only time they treated the children nicely was when the social worker was there. The social worker never asked the children how they were doing (so he said).

In that home, the children were locked in their rooms much of the time. Before the social worker came, they would call and let the home know they were on the way. So the children were let out of their rooms. I told him I was sorry that he was treated so badly. In reality, a CPS investigation should have occurred at the home and possible charges filed.

Unfortunately, there are times when we hear these kind of horror stories and it breaks our hearts. These few stories perpetuate the view some people have that ALL foster homes are like that one. It often coincides with the idea that foster parents are only in this for the money.

However, this is not the case. In fact, it is the farthest from the truth for the vast majority of situations. Foster care at Agape Villages, and at most all private agencies, is a sincere mission of love and service. We engage to make life better for the children and youth. Our foster parents do this work as angels of mercy and work closely with us at all times. Part of this does include unannounced visits by our social workers.

We want to be the agency that you are proud to be part of. We want to please God with the care we give to His children.

Many may know, but I have been a pulpit minister in the Churches of Christ for 46 years now. This explains why I like to write articles for our newsletter which tie into the Christian motivation for our work. This work is, indeed, close to the heart of God. Scriptures speak much about our hearts also! We are challenged to do this work from the heart.

The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter writes to those who are the people of God and encourages His people to see how special they are…a royal priesthood …people belonging to God who have been “called out” of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). We need to see and understand who we are so we can be who we need to be!

The Apostle Paul wants us to see that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10). We see this so we can be about good works!

We continually encourage you to see the opportunities for service through Agape Villages. We are about caring for the children and youth in need of loving foster homes. We keep them safe, meet their needs and help them reach toward a better and brighter future. We help them see how God loves them and cares for them also.

Here’s an important question. “If the ‘called-out’ don’t step up and out to do good, who will?” I believe God wants His people to lead the way in being there to serve children. We are encouraged to do good to all people as we have the opportunity (Galatians 6:10).
Agape Villages is looking for good people with good hearts to take advantage of the opportunities to serve children who need our help. Let us see what we can be!