Message From The Director July 2020
Many have asked how we are doing in the midst of the Coronavirus. We are all doing well but we are continuing to monitor all the news about the virus.
In the interest of protecting our children, all our residents and out staff, we continue to comply with all the governmental guidelines. Our office continues to be closed to visitors. Most staff are in the office and we are still receiving mail and shipments. Some “loosening up” has occurred in Kentucky, as it has in most states. Many things are back to business, some running at 50% or so.
We have been blessed in many ways during this time.
First, as far as we know, none of our staff or residents have contracted the virus.
Second, God has continued to bless us with wonderfully benevolent and compassionate supporters. If you are one of those — on behalf of the children, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for helping provide for them and for saving them. They cannot provide for themselves. Although we have not made our budgeted income every month during this time, we have been very close. To all who have been able to continue providing for the children here, I especially appreciate your faithfulness and benevolent spirit during this time.
We take comfort in the words of these psalms:
A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, – Psalm 68:5
For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. 13 He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy he will save. – Psalms 72:12-13
The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked. – Psalms 146:9
We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers. Please pray that our children and families remain healthy and that our staff will not only remain healthy, but will continue to serve the children here.
And, of course, we need to all continue to pray for all who have been affected by this virus. Let’s pray that those who are elderly or others who are more vulnerable for some other reason will be protected from sickness and harm. Many have lost their job or do not have someone to help them during these times of isolation. Let’s all pray for them.
One of my favorite verses during difficult times is Habakkuk 3:17-19. It reminds us that, no matter what is happening, God is in control.
Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength – Habakkuk 3:17-19
Some of those in concentration camps during World War II must have wondered if God was still alive. But scribbled on a wall in Cologne, Germany, these words were found:
“I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
And I believe in love, even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God, even when he is silent.”
As we have said before, since 1914, this home has survived two world wars, the flu epidemic of 1918, the Great Depression, and the burning down of every original building on campus. God has continued to provide through it all, for the more than 7,000 children who have made Potter their home. It was our Lord who asked, “Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life?” – Matt. 6:27. We have no worry that this home will continue as long as God wants it to continue.
Now and always, we trust that our help comes from the Almighty who spoke the heavens and earth into existence(Ps. 121:1-2)
And finally, I want you to know you are in our prayers. We have received word from many who are struggling. Till this passes, we will continue putting updates from time to time on our web site as well as our Facebook page.
For the children,
Ralph Brewer
Executive Director