Waco campus resident's West tribute

Rachael, a Waco campus resident, was inspired to draw this picture after learning of the explosion in West, Texas. The following is how she describes her drawing:

“I was doing research for a final project and came across information on how large the crater was that was left by the explosion in West. I thought how cool it would be if I could make a memorial and came up with this drawing. The flags represent those who lost their lives. In the middle, there is a cross with a fire hose wrapped around it and at the bottom are the names of those who died. “ 

Methodist Children’s Home has donated sundry items and offered housing to families in the initial crisis. Our youth and staff from both the Waco and Boys Ranch campuses have also been volunteering. They have spent time working in the warehouse at Texas State Technical College sorting and receiving donations as well as donation sites through Samaritan’s Purse, Salvation Army and local churches.   

Training in Albuquerque

MCH Family Outreach staff recently traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to participate in Nurturing Parenting Training for trainers. The Nurturing Parenting program is utilized to offer parent education in communities throughout Texas and New Mexico. Staff who attended the training session will be able to take back what they have learned in order to educate families served through their own outreach offices. The New Mexico Outreach Office helped to plan and host the three-day training, and Theresa Wilson, Abilene Outreach Director, facilitated the training.

Pictured are (left to right) top row: Shannon Dunn - Waco, Camille Willis - Dallas, Crystal Salinas – San Antonio, Terry Gonzalez – El Paso, Theresa Wilson – Abilene;  bottom row: Michelle Gunter – Corpus Christi, Kendra Scott – Waco.   

Kids Fest in Tyler

Staff from Tyler MCH Family Outreach participated in the annual Smith County Kids Fest at Broadway Square Mall on Saturday, April 6. 

Kids Fest is held each year to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention month. During the event, information booths are available for programs and activities focused on keeping children safe in their homes and community. An estimated 1,000 children and their families played games, won prizes, and learned about various community resources, including MCH foster care and family preservation programs. 

Pictured in the photo are (left to right) Suzy King, Philana Hollingsworth, Holli Collins, Traci Wagner, Tasha Hickman, and Jessica Johnson.

ReCreation Weekend

MCH students celebrated their faith during ReCreation Weekend March 22-24 hosted by Spiritual Development.  Students had the opportunity to attend a scavenger hunt, worship services, concerts and listen to a guest preacher during the weekend.

“ReCreation weekend always seems to have a different purpose each year we hold it,” said Kim Clark, Director of Spiritual Development. “This year, I was excited for our students to witness and understand that following Jesus doesn’t have to look one particular way or sound one particular way. God has created each of us with a particular set of gifts and personality. We can and should use those to glorify God. Our faith can be genuine and look very different from our neighbor who also has a genuine faith.”

The guest preacher on Sunday night was Marselo Lozano. Students also heard music from Bus Seven, Femi and AHMADD as well as from former student Calvin Richardson and guest speaker Mike Frazier. 

Frazier is an author and musician from Surviving the Storm Ministries. He has toured with R. Kelly and Stevie Wonder and is currently the musical director for Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns.” He is a survivor of a flood that killed his entire family and has struggled with depression and suicide attempts.

“He is a great example of how God can work in and through situations in our lives to bring us closer to him,” Clark said. 

Career Information Fair 2013

The Career Information Fair started four years ago as a way for MCH students to see the educational opportunities in the Waco area and explore career possibilities. Colleges that attend are McLennan Community College, Baylor University and Texas State Technical College. 

Texas State Technical College brings several hands-on activities such as a welding exhibit, drafting, a design exhibit, and a plumbing exhibit which allows students to get an idea of the types of labs they will experience if they choose to attend TSTC. Community members also participate such as Waco Police Department, Waco Fire Department, local veterinarians, interior designers and graphic designers. Every year, there are around 20 vendors who come and bring their knowledge of careers and education to the students. All high school students attend in 30-minute intervals.

Michael inducted into National Honor Society

Michael, a Waco resident in the independent living program, received academic recognition this month at McLennan Community College. On March 6, he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two year colleges. He made a 3.75 grade point average for his second semester at MCC with a total grade point average of 3.7.

Michael currently has a dual major of creative writing and criminal justice. He hopes to attend a four-year school in New York after receiving his associate’s degree. He feels maintaining a high grade point average will help him build a successful future.

“You can’t get very far without good grades. Even after college, it will show your employer that you show initiative if you keep your grades up,” he said.

Congratulations Michael!

Outdoor Edge Ministry at Boys Ranch 2013

Outdoor Edge Ministry was hosted by the Boys Ranch February 23-24. This group of sportsmen spent the day sharing Christian testimonies and using their skills and knowledge to offer opportunities for our youth. 

These opportunities included target shooting for archery and 22 rifles. Throughout the day the youth competed as home units. Each youth received a trophy for their participation as well as the Best Home Unit trophy. 

Slator North won the Best Home Unit Award and David won the Overall Best Award. David received a perfect score for the day which had never been done before at this event.

Congratulations to all who participated!