|
home > Homes for Children > North Alabama > News
Harrises confident in their calling as Decatur campus houseparents
By Jamie Tate
 After more than 20 years with Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries, Decatur campus houseparents Jimmie and Martha Harris say they are exactly where they're supposed to be.
In December 1982, God placed the right people in the Harrises' home church to spark interest in their hearts for the Children's Homes. They learned that the ministry was in great need of relief houseparents to stay with the children and youth in group homes while the permanent houseparents took time off.
Believing the position was what God had for them, the Harrises applied and began working with the Children's Homes as volunteers. A year later they became employees in the ministry.
"We don't do this for the money," the Harrises said. "We want to make differences in kids' lives."
Helping to improve lives has been a trademark of Jimmie and Martha's ministry. They first ministered to children and youth as houseparents at the Gardendale group home, then moved to the Decatur campus. Their daughter Heather has experienced the Children's Homes with her parents her whole life.
As houseparents, the Harrises receive children and youth of all ages and all walks of life. Some youngsters come from abusive homes and are rebellious, and others just need constant reassurance of love. In some cases, the Harrises see children and youth returning to home situations not the best for them.
"It's a huge responsibility being a houseparent," Jimmie said. "In a regular job you can punch out after 10 hours. Here, we work 24 hours."
While the responsibility of caring for up to 10 children and youth at one time is great and the stress level often soars, Jimmie and Martha say they cannot imagine their lives without being houseparents.
"The most important thing is when you see children accept Jesus Christ into their lives. It is the greatest change and we've seen the differences," Jimmie said. "Knowing that God has us here and knowing that we are working with a wonderful, Christian staff keep us going each day." |
