Parenting and discipleship are terms that cannot be easily differentiated, which is why we use a “teaching model” to raise children at Boys and Girls Country. All teaching has a purpose with a desired outcome. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). This scripture is one of the most widely quoted verses about Christian parenting. The idea behind this verse is that parents have the responsibility to instill Biblical values and principles into the lives of young children. As children become older, the sacred teachings of scripture become the compass of many life-changing decisions. This verse is the foundation of everything we do in caring for children at Boys and Girls Country.
As the leader of Boys and Girls Country, I embrace the high calling of raising our children to become followers of Christ. In my office is a group photo of boys from the early years of Boys Country, long before the merger with Girls Country. The photo is framed with a letter from T. A. Robinson to Jack Brewer, the first executive director.
Mr. Robinson writes, “I would like very much for you to guide the staff in its spiritual activities, which you and I both consider to be the most important effort at Boys Country. I want our children to leave us as strong dedicated Christians, and they could never find a better teacher than you.” These words are a constant reminder that taking care of children at BGC has an eternal purpose!
Discipleship is the process of training believers to become dedicated followers of Christ. Our Teaching
Parents are committed to the ministry of discipleship as they guide our children in their spiritual and academic development. Not only will they grow as believers, but they will grow as students of life.
Erick has lived at Boys and Girls Country for six years. Like many of our students he was behind two grade levels at school and desperately needed the discipline and structure to turn things around. Earlier this year, Erick’s grades plummeted to an average of 50 and below. Some grades were in the 20s and 30s. He credits his Teaching Parents for giving him the guidance and support to get through a very difficult time. According to Erick, “Mr.Cliff and Ms. Jayna really motivated me to do better. They wanted to help me set goals and pursue my dreams. They are very understanding, and I like the way they communicate with me.”
I want to thank you for giving us the chance to help Erick. With the motivation of Mr. Cliff and Ms. Jayna,
he drastically turned things around. All his grades now average 75 and above. Victor Hugo once said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison door.” Your love and support have done more than open a school door. You have given Erick a home where he can thrive and continue to pursue his dreams.