Hero Donor Spotlight: The McMurrys
Have you ever considered what it takes to care for a child in foster care?
Hugh and Kelly McMurry have been giving to ABCH monthly for 14 years. It’s wonderful to imagine the impact they have made for children and families—and even more, because of the work we get to do, for the kingdom of God!
THE LEGACY OF GIVING
When asked how they got connected, Kelly says, “Hugh grew up in Concord Baptist Church of Russellville, Alabama, where the Children’s Homes were prayed for and spoken of regularly. His mother, Opal McMurry, discussed and prayed for the children living at the homes while teaching her youth Sunday School class . . . Mrs. McMurry’s love for the Children’s Homes was a natural legacy for us to join in with and support.
What an incredible legacy! Since the McMurrys started giving, Kelly has joined our Board of Trustees through which she’s been able to see a special side of our ministry and serve in an especially important way.
SERVING OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
“Serving as an ABCH board member has been a tremendous blessing,” Kelly says, “This position has afforded me great insight into the everyday workings of ABCH, allowing me to see firsthand its across-the-board commitment to excellent stewardship—from social worker to CEO.”
She goes on to say, “Getting to hear the personal testimonies presented at each meeting has also further confirmed that not only physical, but spiritual needs are being met across our state, as lives have been changed in the care of children from hard places and the affected families. I have yet to attend a board meeting where I have not been moved to tears over what the Lord is doing through this ministry.
She also, for the past three years, has had the opportunity to serve children and families through our annual Camp of Champions. “Getting to meet and talk to foster parents and some of the children in care in this summer-fun setting has also served as further confirmation of the fruits of ABCH ministry in action,” she says.
LIVES CHANGED AND CHAINS BROKEN
We are incredibly blessed to follow the vision of ABCH leaders for more than 125 years to protect, nurture, and restore the lives of children and families. Hugh and Kelly, by volunteering their resources and time, have seen this vision come to life.
“I am continually astounded by the lives that have been changed through the work of this ministry, as the LORD does exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we can ask or imagine. Throughout its history, as the need for foster and Family Care homes has grown, the Lord has opened doors and resources to allow ABCH to meet these needs,” Kelly says, “Because ABCH is meeting needs in the name and true spirit of Jesus, they are providing hope, not just for today, but for eternity. Generational chains are being broken and healing is taking place that will affect lives beyond those to whom they physically minister.”
Those who have been a part of the Hero Partners monthly giving program have given over $240,000 since the program started in 2016. That’s more than 240 weeks—nearly 5 years—of care for a child in Campus Care!
Would you like to join us in this work? If so, the Hero Partners is an easy and great way to start—allowing you to direct your support to local ministries that are most important to you, knowing that 100% of your gift is meeting the most essential needs of those in our care.
This story is one of four quarterly features shared through our Hero Partners e-news. To learn more about supporting our children and families through a recurring monthly gift and receive these stories directly to your inbox, visit our Hero Partners page today!