We offer our congratulations to our senior, Dustin Latham.  Dustin, who will graduate from Winfield City High School this month, was recently awarded several scholarships.  The scholarships include:

• Tanner Colby Smith Memorial
• Ron Melton (Eldridge Benefit Team)
• Modern Elite Club
• Booklovers Club
• Smith Foundation (Four year scholarship)

Dustin, a resident of the Home for over 11 years, plans on attending Auburn University this fall with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.  Join us in saying to him, “Well done!”

Our friends and supporters have made this December one to remember.  Thank you for the visits, gifts, and donations.  We have truly felt loved.  May God bless you all with a joyous and peaceful Christmas season as you celebrate the birth of the Savior.  From all of us to you, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

Carlton Lambert, former Director of FWB Children’s Home, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2011.  Brother Lambert and his wife, Betty, were “Mom and Dad” to hundreds of children from 1958 through 1986 as he served as Superintendent/Director.  Funeral arrangements are: Visitation from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, November 11th at Kilgore – Green Funeral Home in Jasper, AL.  The body will lie in state from 1 pm to 2pm on Saturday, November 12th at First Free Will Baptist Church in Jasper, AL , with the funeral service to begin at 2 pm.  Please be in prayer for Mrs. Betty and the Lambert family.

The month of June brought three mission teams, from four different states to our campus. Cavanaugh FWB from Ft. Smith, AR was the first team to visit, followed by New Hope FWB from Dover, FL . The last team was a joint group from Goodsprings FWB in Joelton, TN, and Hazel Dell FWB in Sesser, IL. These teams, ranging in number from 35 to 50 members, were comprised of children, teens, and adults. They arrived with enthusiasm and excitement, ready to work. They brought food, building supplies, paint, plants, and tools to accomplish projects around our property. The projects included landscaping, painting, building, and repairing. Activities for the young people were also part of the schedule. Many of the team members had times of significant interaction with our kids. The effort these teams gave has had a major impact on us here at the Home. They have definitely made a difference!

“Thank you for making us feel so welcome.  We really enjoyed the day.”  These were the words of a former resident at the conclusion of our second annual Homecoming held on the FWBCH campus on April 9th. Nearly one hundred people including former residents and their families, former staff, and present residents and staff gathered for a time of reminiscing and fellowship.  The attendees participated in telling stories, viewing photos, renewing friendships, sharing up-dates, and taking pictures.  Prior to enjoying a delicious lunch, the residents, past and present, posed for a group picture in front of the original stone building.  It was a wonderful sight, seeing people of various ages, all who have been helped by this ministry, walking the grounds on that day.  Next year’s reunion will be held in June and will include activities and a cookout.

The Homecoming event continued with a benefit gospel singing in the Faith Activity Center.  Our featured artist was song writer and comedian, Aaron Wilburn.  Wilburn, a feature on the Gaither Homecoming tour and videos, used his humor to bring laughter and his songs to warm the hearts of those in attendance.  Also, performing was the Capstone Quartet from Tuscaloosa, AL.  Their singing of traditional southern gospel music was Christ exalting. One attendee commented, “The afternoon was a real blessing and encouragement.”  To date the benefit has raised over $3,000.00.  Others have indicated they are sending a gift.  If you or your church would like to give towards the benefit, please send your contribution to FWBCH and earmark it “Benefit.”