Commissioners visit Waco

This week marked our annual Commissioners Meeting. The two-day event kicked off with a lively dinner and program in the brand new Boys Ranch Recreation and Activities Center on Tuesday evening.

Several boys from the Ranch shared the story of how their lives have been impacted by life at Methodist Children's Home. In fact, one young man gave us permission to share his comments here on the blog so that you can hear his testimony. Click here to read Chris's inspiring story.

Trey Oakley, vice president of development, welcomed the Commissioners.

Bobby Gilliam, MCH president, addressed the meeting attendees.

Commissioners and Boys Ranch staff and students enjoying the evening.

Jordan, a Boys Ranch resident, shared his story.

Reverend Travis Franklin from Salado brought the Tuesday evening message and encouraged Commissioners to provide light in the darkness for youth in need of guidance and support.

Reverend Franklin, a former MCH chaplain who was with MCH
for 12 years, shared inspiring stories from MCH alumni.

On Wednesday morning, the Commissioners gathered at the Johnson Student Center on the Waco campus and heard reports and stories from a variety of departments across the organization. The highlight of the morning was a special performance by the MCH Charter School choir.

Becca McPherson, director of development,
planned and organized the successful event.

Commissioners and development staff sharing morning fellowship.

Dr. Jack Kyle Daniels, former president of the Home,
held a book signing for his memoir.

MCH student athletes shared about their experiences.

MCH Charter School choir offered several musical selections.

The Meeting concluded with a luncheon in the Community Room where Commissioners were joined by members of the MCH Student Leadership Team.

Methodist Children's Home Commissioners are nominated by MCH development staff or benefactors and serve as liaisons for the Home. Commissioners help raise funds and promote Methodist Children's Home in their churches and communities across Texas and New Mexico.

Did you attend Commissioners? Tell us about your experience in the "Comments" section below!

Discovering His Strengths

The following story was written by Chris, a Ranch resident, and shared at the annual Commissioners Meeting in October of 2009.

I remember when I first stepped into the Ag classroom, the frustration I had at the world and at myself. I wasn’t interested in this, and it seemed like I wasn’t good at anything I tried. I couldn’t weld, I couldn’t cut metal, I couldn’t do anything.

Then one day, Mr. Kuretsch and Mr. Kruse had an idea. They pulled me over and asked me if I would cut out this pattern with the scroll saw. As I presented my finished work, a small smile appeared on Mr. Kuretsch’s face. I went on to build one “fine fishing rod holder.” It seemed like as I added on to it, pieces of my anger, hate and frustration left to be forever embedded in that wood.

When I was finished, my confidence increased and I went on to build many nice and honest woodworkings. I broadened my horizons from plumbing to wiring to fixing dry wall, and I even became a pretty good welder.That is what FFA is all about. People think it is just for certain people, but it is for everyone.

It calls people to broaden their horizons and discover their talents and interests. This year, we integrated the Ranch and campus schools together which has offered these FFA opportunities to others who, like myself, never thought they could do these things. Now they are discovering their own talents and interests.

The Ag program offers a variety of FFA-based classes such as animal sciences, metal fabrication, woodworking and several others. We also show animals such as hogs, goats, steers, heifers and lambs in different fairs and shows. I have been privileged to show my lamb, Potato, in the Heart of Texas Fair this year.

With all these opportunities, everyone has a chance to be able to discover their talents, gain self-confidence, and become someone. I would be a completely different person if it were not for the Ranch and Mr. Kuretsch and Mr. Kruse who didn’t give up on me even when I gave up on myself.

Thanks,
Chris