The Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI) deals in numbers. Lots of numbers. In his report to messengers, BFI Executive Director Doug Morrow went a different direction. “I don’t want to spend a lot of time on the numbers,” Morrow said. “I want to spend some time allowing you to hear and see from two churches and pastors and what they’re doing.”
Tony Banks, pastor of Agape Bible Fellowship in Park Forest shared what the Foundation has done for his church. Through the BFI Loan and Bond Program Banks said, “God has given us twice the building we thought we could get at half what we thought it would cost. We’ve been amazed. Illinois Baptists have invested in the kingdom of God, not just investing in a building, but investing in people.”
Morrow introduced Pastor Nathan Brown of Real Church in Chicago. “There are tons of features our Baptist Foundation has that our churches do not know,” Brown shared. He told messengers and attendees how three families in his church have written wills and health directives with the Foundation’s assistance, and more families are scheduling their own appointments.
In other business:
• BFI tied a previous record awarding $76,750 to 37 students in 2016.
• The Foundation’s first Christian Service Grant was awarded to Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Chicago.
• Messengers approved the 2017 budget of $1,411,918.50 and Board of Trustees officers Ted Zimmerman, president; David Howard, vice president; and Jenny Cox, secretary.
Devore gives final BCHFS report
Twenty-one IBSA Annual Meetings have come and gone since Doug Devore became Executive Director of the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS). It’s been nearly 44 years since he joined the BCHFS staff.
This, the 110th Annual Meeting of IBSA, was Devore’s last to give his agency’s report as executive director. He will retire from the role in January 2017.
Stepping to the podium at Broadview Missionary Baptist, Devore told messengers and visitors about the 98-year-old organization’s key values. “We believe and value that God ordained the family as the foundation of society,” he said. “We believe marriage is between one man and one woman. We believe life begins at the moment of conception. We believe that there no such thing as a life not worthy to be lived. We believe that there’s saving power in the cross.
“As a result of these shared values, success looks the same to all of us. We can celebrate together when families are restored. It’s about people making a difference in the life of others in the name of Jesus.”
The last year has been a good one for BCHFS, Devore said. “We provided care for 1,303 children and adults through Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi; Angels’ Cove maternity center in Mt. Vernon; adoptive homes across the state; outpatient counseling offices in 11 cities; Safe Families for Children services in Christian homes; Cove Connection parenting services in Mt. Vernon; and orphan care in Uganda. Children were placed in safe, caring environments; families were treated with dignity and respect; professional counseling was provided for children and adults; expectant mothers were given medical care and the chance to choose life for their children; children were clothed, fed, and educated; and the gift of salvation was shared with everyone in care.”
In addition, there were nine professions of faith—three in residential care, four in maternity care, and two in the Safe Families for Children program. “Not only does Jesus change that person, but he changes families for generations,” Devore noted.
He was joined on the platform by several members of the BCHFS staff who shared stories of lives changed by BCHFS. The last one to speak was incoming Executive Director Denny Hydrick. “I’m excited about the years to come and the unknown numbers who will come into our paths. We will remain steadfast, will remain immovable in the work of the Lord.”
Later in the meeting, IBSA President Kevin Carrothers recognized the executive directors of all three of IBSA’s agencies for their tenure. Doug Morrow, Baptist Foundation of Illinois, has served five years and Nate Adams, Illinois Baptist State Association, has served 10. In presenting Devore with a proclamation for serving 44 years, Carrothers shared, “When he began as executive director the average number of children served was 120. Now it’s 1,300 children and adults. That’s 18,000 people. Almost $5 million (was) raised through Mother’s Day Offering since he took over. There have been 230 professions of faith.”
In other BCHFS business, messengers approved:
• The 2017 budget of $3,231,334 and capital improvements including renovations to Garrison and Verhines Cottages.
• Board of Trustees officers Eric Bramlet, chair; Jerry Allen, vice chair; and Jana Searles, secretary.