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'HEALING HEARTS': Charlie
and Hilma Bagley wear many hats in 18 ministry years
By Janette McConnell
 Since October 30, 1984, Charlie and Hilma Bagley have been vital partners
with Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries. From Troy to
Mobile to Birmingham, this dedicated duo has touched the lives of hundreds
of children and teen-agers.
The Bagleys' first assignment was as houseparents for a boys cottage on the
Troy campus. Hilma recalls, "The cottage had terazzo floors, so the boys had
water fights on Saturdays in the house while they were playing and doing
their chores." She and Charlie came from large families so they knew how to
balance work and play with up to eight boys at one time.
When Stephen Pope came to the Troy campus in the early 1980s, Charlie and
Hilma helped him to face the bitterness he felt about his family upbringing
and having to leave his aunt.
"Mrs. Bagley spoiled me rotten," recalled Stephen, now a veterinarian in
Atlanta, Georgia. "Mr. Bagley would give me the chores that would earn me
the most money. He and Mrs. Bagley still treat me as if I am their birth
son."
Stephen grew attached to a cat named Sam while he lived with the Bagleys at
Troy. One time, he was injured during a softball game and when he returned
to the "The Home" from the hospital, Charlie sneaked Sam into Stephen's room
to cuddle with him in bed.
In 1985, the Bagleys went to Mobile to open the first maternity home owned
and operated by the Children's Homes. Over four years, they ministered to 61
pregnant girls.
Charlie and Hilma returned to Troy later to as houseparents for boys.
Additionally, Hilma took over planning and cooking meals on campus and
Charlie worked in the administrative office.
 Despite Charlie's health problems with cancer, Hilma has never missed a
beat. For nine years, she has provided confidential help to young women,
teen-aged girls, their boyfriends, and family members who called the Crisis
Pregnancy HelpLine. As Charlie's health has permitted, he and Hilma have
also served in various capacities in Birmingham at the central
administrative offices of the Children's Homes.
"They have always been willing to do whatever tasks were unfulfilled and
whatever needed to be done with servant's hearts," said Executive Director
Paul Miller. "The fact that former residents are still in contact with them
is a testimony to the depth and commitment of Charlie and Hilma's love for
these children." |
