Who will take care of your child if you die?

By: Barry G. Allen- President & CEO

As a parent you may find this question a difficult one to answer. I trust, however, you will agree it is a crucial question you must answer – and – the sooner the better. Not to answer this question leaves the fate of your “orphaned” child entirely up to a stranger, namely, a judge. Therefore, naming a guardian for minor children in a will is one of the most important stewardship actions a parent should perform.

Remember, a guardian isn’t forever. If you decide to change the guardian you can always make that change either with a codicil to your will or a new will. For example, if your child or children are young, their grandparents may be the best choice; however, when they become teenagers, grandparents may no longer be the wisest choice. The person or persons you choose do not have to be blood relatives; it should be someone you feel would be the best surrogate parent.

Geography, religion, education, family size, financial resources and lifestyle are also important factors in choosing a guardian. You might decide an aunt, your sister, is the clear choice, but she lives quite a distance away in another state. As a result, your children could be uprooted from their community, church and school at a time in their lives when they most need those relationships.

After considering all of the relevant factors, you may conclude you still have not identified the “perfect” candidate, and therefore, you continue to delay the decision. Perhaps in such cases an imperfect choice would be better than no choice at all.

And, finally, I recommend you talk in advance to the one you choose, and secure his or her consent before naming them. Although the law does not require it, it’s the prudent thing to do. Even though the overwhelming majority of guardians named in wills never have to fulfill the duty because most minors reach age 18 with at least one parent alive, it’s wise stewardship to name one. So, parents, don’t wait! And, grandparents, make sure your children have taken care of this for the sake of your grandchildren.

Kentucky’s Abused Children Deserve Our Care

By: Barry G. Allen- President and CEO

Recently a friend showed me a souvenir of the 24th anniversary of the organization of the Louisville Baptist Orphan’s Home held on June 30, 1893. It included a letter from Mary Hollingsworth, superintendant since its 1869 beginning. It stated “A year ago we had fifty-eight children dependent upon our charity; today we have eighty-two children to care for, and children are coming almost daily. This means additional burdens for us as a people, and we must do this noble work God has placed in our care, for to Him we are indebted for all that we have, and we must help these dear children by giving liberally of our substance. Our work is increasing each day, and of course our expenses of necessity will increase. We appeal to the friends of our Home everywhere, to give liberally for the support of the Home, as we need that help now.”

Just last week I received a communication from Dr. Bill Smithwick, President/CEO of Sunrise Children’s Services, successor of the Louisville Baptist Orphan’s Home, with some startling statistics about children today. Did you realize thousands of Kentucky children go to bed each night and wake up in homes where proper love and concern are absent, where physical, sexual and emotional abuse is common, and where the hope for a brighter tomorrow grows dimmer with each passing day? There have been more than 15,000 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect, and Kentucky led the nation last year in the rate of child abuse and neglect deaths.

Since 1869 we Kentucky Baptists have been caring for children through this vital ministry. Last year more than 2,000 turned to Sunrise for help. Although the types of care required have changed since Superintendant Hollingsworth appealed in 1893 for financial support, the necessity of “giving liberally of our substance” has not changed. Please join my wife and me and make a liberal contribution to the Thanksgiving Children’s Offering on which this ministry depends. Make an impact for Christ’s sake and for the sake of these children.