Hero Partners Spotlight: The Hocutts
“ABCH stands in the gap for children when they otherwise have no hope.” This is from the heart of one of our donors and ministry friends, Joey Hocutt. He and his wife, Jamie, have been married for 19 years and have three daughters—Anna, Claire, and Laura. This family enjoys doing life together and enjoys giving back to others. One of those ways of giving back is through providing monthly support to our children and families as Hero Partners.
SEEING THE IMPACT OF HELPING CHILDREN
Although Joey had been acquainted with our ministry through his church and knew of our annual offering, it was when he started working at The Baptist Foundation of Alabama as a Development Officer in 2013 that he says he began to really learn more about our ministry to children and families. “Not only did I learn about the ministry of ABCH, but I also learned about the people who work there and who are so passionate about what they are doing for the least of these in the name of Christ,” shared Joey.
About five years ago, Joey had the opportunity to visit our Decatur campus and see our ministry up close. He met a lot of people that day and saw that the children in our care had the opportunity to just be kids, whether riding bikes around the campus, swimming in the pool, or completing homework around a large, family dining table. He also saw the care, love, and support our house parents and other members of our staff provided the children.
“I remember coming home and telling my family about what all I had seen that day,” said Joey. “I remember my heart being full because I knew that those children who are under the care of ABCH will at least have a chance. They will have a chance to survive, thrive, and flourish. They will have the opportunity to know Christ. They will have the opportunity to go to college if they desire. This is the literal definition of what the Scriptures call us to do in loving our neighbors as ourselves and caring for these precious souls.”
TAKING THE NEXT STEPS
Throughout the years, Joey had made gifts to support the children in our care at various times, but the more he heard about the Hero Partners, the more the Lord opened his heart to become a consistent supporter through this program. “I realized how simple it would be to start making regular gifts. Although these gifts are not large, when they are added to other gifts, a huge difference can be made and it blesses my heart to be able to play a part in this way,” said Joey.
He continues, “The most impactful part of being a Hero Partner is the fact that I know that the money we give is put toward making the ministry of ABCH the very best it can be. I have heard the wonderful happy ending stories from so many who have been impacted by this ministry, and I know there are children under the care of ABCH right now who will one day be giving a similar testimony. I am spurred on by this reality, and I hope to be a part of it for years to come.”
We are so thankful for the Hocutts and supporters like them who have followed God’s calling to care for children through becoming a Hero Partner. If becoming a Hero Partner may be your next step in caring for children in need, you can learn more by visiting us here.