My father, Earl D. Mercer, invested twenty-eight years of his
life to the ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home. He worked
with two excellent executive directors, Wade B. East and. John R. Williams,
neither of whom came from the pastorate.
My father, Earl D. Mercer, invested twenty-eight years of his
life to the ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home. He worked
with two excellent executive directors, Wade B. East and. John R. Williams,
neither of whom came from the pastorate.
I was grieved to read the article (February 20) about the search
for a new executive director for the home. Rev. Danny Pitts, trustee, made statements
that were of great concern, saying that it was important to have an executive
director who could direct children spiritually and that having childcare experience
would be one of the least important qualifications. He said, “The kids
need a pastor out there, if you will, someone who can spiritually train them.
It needs to be a spiritual atmosphere.”
Those statements are hurtful to the committed Christian men
and women who have given – and give – their lives to the spiritual
development of the childrens home and to the pastors, youth ministers,
childrens ministers and staff of the five churches in Monroe, that the
children attend. The childrens home employees, some of whom have served
as pastors, serve as cottage parents and, on a daily basis, give spiritual counsel
and encouragement to these children. Other employees main focus and function
are to help in the childrens spiritual development .
My prayer is that the childrens home seeks a man or woman
trained and experienced in child care administration and development, who will
continue the legacy of labor and ministry that has been developed there and,
above all, someone who loves our savior Jesus Christ and seeks his daily guidance.
David Mercer
Monroe