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This time of the year provides the perfect opportunity to stop long enough to consider the many ways we’ve been blessed both individually and as a nation. However, rather than our hearts being turned to God and His goodness, its true meaning can quickly get lost in good food, big games, a nap on the sofa or preparation for the big shopping day that follows.

With so much to be thankful for it almost seems wrong to single out just one day for “thanksgiving.” Yet, because of full schedules and busy lives, perhaps it really is needed after all. It does remind us to express the gratitude that we feel but too often goes unspoken. At Calvary we never want to be guilty of failing to tell you how very much your kindness and faithful support mean to us. 

Our gratitude isn’t just for the gifts you give but for the encouragement you provide. We frequently receive notes of encouragement and support for the children and staff. The thoughtfulness behind this is even greater evidence of your kindness and a welcome reminder of how blessed we are because of you. 

Through the grace of God and your support we have seen our children graduate from high school, college and one graduating from basic training in the US Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC. This is not only a great blessing to us but also a wonderful example to the younger children who follow them. This is tremendous evidence of your compassion and the help of a loving God over the past fifty-two years that we have been able to offer them a safe, loving home.

A simple “thank you” can never fully express the depth from which it is spoken. God has blessed us by allowing us to be a part of your Thanksgiving. It is also a much-needed message of encouragement to some children who have had to face some very difficult times. They can see there is an abundance of good in their life if they will look for it. We remind them the Lord is there to pick them up when feeling alone or uncared for (Psalm 27:10) – and through you they see the truth of His Word.

Thank you for showing our children the true purpose of Thanksgiving – being thankful for blessings, even though some of them may not look like a blessing initially! We are reminded to give thanks in all things. It is a lesson we teach and one we seek to model. We are grateful for your giving us another reason.

James came to Calvary when he was twelve years old with enough family challenges to sink even a mighty ship. By God’s grace and the help of some marvelous friends, he matured and thrived as part of the Calvary family.

James graduated from Hillgrove High School in May of this year. Three months later, he joined the United States Marine Corps. James is musically inclined and often sat at the piano in his cottage to play and sing. We miss James and his joy echoing down our hallways. We are truly thankful the Lord shared him with us for a season. You were a vital part of his life and we hope you are as proud of him as we are!

He wrote from boot camp to express his sincere need for a burger. He also expressed concerns his Drill Sergeant may have “anger management issues”.

James returned home to Calvary for a few days after graduating from basic training on Parris Island, November 16^th 2018. His desire was to spend time with his “Calvary Family” before reporting to his next duty station. Calvary is his home and family. Thank you for helping provide a safe, caring home for this remarkable young man. We couldn’t do it without the love and support of friends like you!

We are excited to have three of our students graduate this year.  Edwin and James graduated from high school and Nick received his Associate’s Degree from Georgia Highlands College.  James will be leaving for the United States Marine Corps in August.  We are very proud of all three of these young men who have been with us for several years.  They’ve reached this milestone and it has been a joy to have them as part of the Calvary family.

Edwin McKenzie graduated from Hillgrove Highschool this May.  Edwin has been a beloved resident of our children’s home for more than ten years.  When thanking our many supporters, we often say it takes a multitude of caring hearts to shoulder the precious load of a child’s life whose parents are not able to care for them.  Edwin is a picture of all that those caring hearts have accomplished.  Edwin is a gracious and compassionate young man who is gifted athletically.  We have loved watching him catch those touchdown passes, hit those home runs and guard that basketball rim. His coaches, sponsors, teachers and our staff all share in our pride as we watch this young man grow.

Edwin is going to attend Chattahoochee Technical College in the Fall. He is unsure of his career pursuits at this time but is certain he wants to do his best and find what the Lord created him for.  We love you Edwin and are so proud that you are a part of our family!

We are extremely proud of the strength of character shown in these young lives. They have demonstrated a love for God, others, their country, a respect for authority and the willingness to give to those in need. For their example, we stand in admiration and applaud!

(Hillgrove High) KENNY is a 17-year-old senior who is athletic and charming. He plays football, basketball and is on Hillgrove’s track team. Kenny is the only child in Calvary’s history to throw a touchdown pass to another one of our residents in a high school game. He has given us a multitude of proud moments like that one and is eager to chase after the dreams God has given him. By God’s grace, he is college bound and has a very strong inner drive. From the moment he walked on our campus at twelve years old, he pushed himself to excel in his studies and athletics. It has been our privilege to watch him grow and be a part of his adventures!

A perfect example of your impact is in the life of Jennifer. She came to this new place called Calvary when she was three years old. Almost seventeen years later, she received her degree from Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, FL. Later that same year, I had the privilege (along with Brian Busby, our Campus Director, who walked her down the aisle) of performing her wedding ceremony to a wonderful young Christian man. Because of your help, she was able to complete her education without having to incur a mountain of student loans. Our goal is for them to be able to begin their new life in an adult world without indebtedness. That is second only to their having a personal relationship with the Lord.