Why Jesus?

May 31, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

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Encouraging Word

In John 14:6, Jesus states that He is the only way to God. Not one of many, but the one and only way! What qualifies Him to make such a bold statement? What makes Him so special? How is He unique? Why are Christians so dogmatic in professing this? Well, I’m glad you asked.

1. Jesus came to reveal God. Reveal means to make known; allow something to be seen.

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word…and the Word was God.”
John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory….”
Hebrews 1:3, “and He is…the exact representation of His nature…”
Colossians 1:15, “He is the image of the invisible God…”

Jesus came to show us God!

2. Jesus came to provide forgiveness for our sins. We all need forgiveness, for we all have sinned. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. For all have sinned (Romans 3:23). For the wages (result) of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Only Jesus can forgive our sins.

Matthew 1:21, “…and you shall call Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
John 1:29, “…Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
II Corinthians 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf…”
I John 4:10, “…He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (payment) for our sins.”

Forgiveness for sin can only be found in Jesus!

3. Jesus came to show us how to live. We are to “follow Christ.”

Matthew 16:24, “Then Jesus said to His disciples.…follow Me.”
Hebrews 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of faith…”
I Peter 2:21, “…leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.”
John 13:15, “For I gave an example that you should do as I did to you.”
Romans 8:29, “…He also predestined (us) to become conformed to the image of His Son…”

Remember the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) emphasis? If we follow Christ, He will show us how to live! Why Jesus? Because Jesus is the Messiah! His is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. I pray that you have made Him your Lord and Savior!

-Tony Cooper

Former Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission

April 10, 2023March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, you’re invited to join the American Village for their Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast with special guest Phyllis Hoffman DePiano.

Founder and chairman of the board of Birmingham based Hoffman Media, DePiano is well known in the publishing industry. She describes herself as an entrepreneur at heart. When she was a busy mom of one-year-old twin boys, she decided to start her business. “We’ve seen so many wonderful ways God has worked in blessing our business,” DePiano says. Today Hoffman Media publishes several magazines including Southern Lady, Tea Time, Cooking with Paula Deen, Taste of the South, Southern Home, Bake From Scratch, Cottage Journal, and more. “It’s been our spirit from the beginning that we want God to be glorified through all that we do,” she adds.

Phyllis Hoffman DePiano Photo — One of the many accomplishments of Phyllis Hoffman DePiano’s Hoffman Media is the publication of social media sensation Brenda Gantt’s two cookbooks.

You can hear DePiano share her story of faith and prayer at the American Village’s National Day of Prayer Breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. DePiano plans to share with attendees how prayer has been a foundational pillar throughout each season of her life. “Prayer has always been such a huge part of my life and my faith,” DePiano says. With a rare form of anemia, she has had to have many transfusions and treatments over the years. “Prayer and faith are what you have to get you through things like that,” she shares. Raised in the church from a young age, faith, prayer, and worship have always been foundational in her life. Today, she and her husband attend Dawson Memorial Baptist Church.

DePiano has admired the work of the American Village since its founding in 1999. In fact, DePiano and American Village founder Tom Walker grew up together. “I knew that in some way, when he was young, that he would be in the government in some capacity,” she shares, adding, “When he started the American Village, I thought it was perfect because he’s big on education.” Today, the American Village continues to welcome and teach guests about America’s founding and history in an exceptionally creative way.

Tickets for the National Day of Prayer Breakfast are $30 per person. In addition to a delicious hot breakfast, guests will enjoy a tea tasting from Star-Spangled Tea- a Georgia-based, Veteran-owned company offering regional speciality tea made from naturally-sourced ingredients native to the United States. Pre-reservations are required. To make reservations, email [email protected] or call 205-665-3535 x 1045. Learn more at www.americanvillage.org.

-Melissa Armstrong

April 25, 2023March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

In life you have the opportunity to do whatever you want. But with every action comes consequences that may not always affect you personally but can affect the ones you’re surrounded by.

Brady Earl at Big Oak Ranch — Brady Earl during his time at Big Oak Ranch.

When I was 10 years old, my mother got sick and had to move into a nursing home, leaving my dad to raise my sister and I by himself. By the time I turned 11, my father’s anger and depression had taken him over. I was mentally and physically abused every day. I was told that I was nothing but a loser and that I would never be anything in life. As time went on, I grew angry and started to act out in ways children should not behave. I started smoking cigarettes, roaming the streets, and stealing from grocery stores just to eat. By age 12, I had to start working. I cut grass and raked leaves to earn money to pay our power bill so that my sister and I would have heat to make it through the winter. At age 13, I found myself in an extremely dark place, contemplating suicide and believing that I was a loser and couldn’t do anything!

My life changed forever when I was 14. I was given a chance to live the life I hadn’t had, a life all children should have the opportunity to live. In that moment, I met the greatest people in the world – the staff at Big Oak Ranch! During my time at Big Oak Ranch, I learned so much! I learned how it was to feel like most other children my age felt, to feel a part of something real. I was given the best set of parents a child could ask for to help me along my journey, step by step. They helped me realize that I could turn my can’ts into cans, and how that would push me to go the extra mile and be able to do anything I put my mind to. That not only was I not the loser I had been told so many times up to this point in life that I was – but losing was nowhere in my future! Big Oak Ranch molded me into becoming the man I am today! To being the best husband to my wife, by letting God be the center of our marriage. To being the best father to our twin boys and our daughter, by showing me unconditional love and having so many positive influences in my life!

-Brady Earl

April 25, 2023February 28, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Hallie Highfield McCrory Casey McCrory Bryce Pumpkin Patch October 2021

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20

Certain things stand out to me when I think about my childhood. I remember drugs being in my parents’ home. I remember missing a lot of school. My family seemed to be in court a lot. I didn’t really see my dad much. I remember a phone call my mom had one day. At the time, I wasn’t sure who she was talking to or who she was talking about, but I remember her saying, “I can’t deal with them anymore.” It wasn’t long before my brother and I were taken to an extended family member, and we never lived with our parents again. This path eventually brought me to Big Oak Ranch.

Seen here is Hallie in 7th grade during her time at Big Oak Ranch.

During my first week at the Ranch, I met with Mr. John and Mrs. Mary. At first, I thought Mr. John was scary, but I soon realized he was just really tall and had a deep voice. He told me the Four Promises [We love you. We will never lie to you. We will stick with you. There are boundaries.], and I still remember them to this day. I also remember thinking, “That is what everybody says.” But the longer I was there, I realized these people really stick with and keep those Four Promises. I saw something different in my houseparents. They didn’t fight like the other adults in my life. Mom would get us all together in a circle and pray with us. We had fun family outings. But I had a bad attitude. At the time, at that younger age, I couldn’t see the good. This affected my time at the Ranch and looking back I regret that so much. When I lived at the Ranch, I thought they were just there to do whatever children needed for that particular day and time. After I left, I didn’t think anyone at Big Oak still cared about me.

Hallie with husband kids and parents — Hallie and her family celebrating the Christmas season with Mom and Dad Thomas.

In 2019, I married my best friend, Casey. We have two wonderful boys – Cooper and Bryce. Five years ago, I was able to reconnect with my houseparents, and their actions showed that they did still love and care about me. Now my husband and I love to visit our family at the Ranch. Everybody who serves at Big Oak is making a difference and helping change children’s lives, even when they are hard to deal with like I was. I see younger girls, living with my houseparents, and it makes me happy. They are my house sisters, and I know they are safe, they are getting what they need, and they are loved – just like me!

-Hallie McCrory

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

June 13, 2023January 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Raising children from difficult circumstances and equipping them for generational change is not an endeavor that often provides instant gratification. Perseverance is key. Faith is vital.

Brittany Whiles Davis with son Zaiden — Brittany Davis is seen here with her son Zaiden who recently gave his life to Christ.

Brittany joined the Big Oak Ranch family in 2006 and day in, day out her houseparents emptied themselves so that she would know the fullness of Christ. Every opportunity given to her, ministered to her in ways she didn’t even realize then. Every relationship formed would weave the tapestry of forever family. Brittany’s time with us was shorter than most, and as heavy as our hearts were to see her leave Big Oak, we remained connected. What we plant together, God will bring forth in due time. Brittany’s story testifies to that truth.

“As a former resident of Big Oak Girls’ Ranch my stay was not a very long one, but the values and direction that were given to me are lifelong. I carry on in my children the same Christ-centered teaching that I received at the Ranch. In our home, we have never skirted around the truth nor jumped around the tough questions. We have always allowed our children to speak freely in love and question often to help lead them to the truth. Recently, my oldest child, 7-year-old Zaiden, imaginatively described an asteroid falling from the sky and ending the world. Zaiden has the tendency to take me up on my openness to explore challenging questions. I responded to him with, ‘Well, at least I know where I’m going, because Jesus is in my heart.’ This led to a quick change of tone and deeper conversation when Zaiden asked me, ‘How do I get Jesus in my heart?’ Sound the trumpets and jump for joy! This was such a meaningful moment I had waited for.

I called my sister Melissa, who is also a former resident of the Girls’ Ranch who remained there until she graduated college. Melissa came alongside me to lead Zaiden in the most important decision he will ever make – complete acceptance of the Gospel. That is breaking the cycle. That is a life changed. That is love. Thank you for planting seeds and pouring into children, trusting that God would bring forth fruit. You are making an eternal difference.” – Brittany

To learn more about Big Oak Ranch, visit www.bigoak.org.

-Big Oak Ranch

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

April 25, 2023December 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

I grew up in a rural part of Etowah County. My family was extremely poor, often going for extended amounts of time without running water or electricity. I lived with my mother, stepfather and several siblings, and emotional and physical abuse were always present in the home. My biological father, who was rarely present, altogether stopped visiting me when I was in the third grade.

Hank Wells School Picture — Seen here is Hank’s school photo.

In March of 1993, I was thrown out of my house. I walked to a friend’s home where I was welcomed to stay during the snowstorm and then for the next several weeks. I attended church with them one Sunday which happened to be the same church where Joe and Sherry Fain attended, a couple preparing to be houseparents at Big Oak Ranch. The Fains saw the need I had for a home. They spoke with John Croyle and Big Oak Ranch social workers, and it wasn’t long before I was on the winding country road that led me to the entrance of the Boys’ Ranch. I was met by people who listened to me with genuine concern. Their actions, character and words told me that I mattered. At 17 years old, I entered the Perkins Home and was the Fains’ first child at Big Oak. The Ranch helped me get my first job at Jester Door and Trim. My boss, Wes Ingram, and his wife, Virginia, ended up becoming my Resource Family for the Ranch. Pop Fain and Wes prayed with and for me- they were the first men to ever show me what a relationship with Christ is supposed to look like. The first time I had ever felt the love of Christ in my life came from my houseparents and resource parents. They faithfully invested in my daily life, expecting nothing in return from me, yet waiting in full expectation for the Lord to work in my life in His timing.

In high school, I met a girl named Leslie who worked at a local grocery store and soon started dating. After going our separate ways in early adulthood, the Lord brought us back together. The Lord has been sovereign over my every step. The Ranch gave me a foundation, while my houseparents and resource family invested in me daily. When I reconnected with Leslie, it all came full circle as I finally realized my desperate need for a personal relationship with Christ and received Him as Savior. We get to share the Gospel all across the world – from Uganda to Peru to local missions. My prayer is that God would use me- my story- to help others who have faced the same hardships.

-Hank Wells

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

April 7, 2023October 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Leavy Riddlespur school photo — Leavy arrived at Big Oak Ranch when he was a child and continues to pour into other children at the Ranch today.

Before arriving at Big Oak, the circumstances that surrounded Leavy Riddlespur were grim. Nothing was constant as he had to see, hear and experience many things no child should ever have to. At the age of 10, Leavy lost his biological mother to cancer. After his mother passed, he was removed from the home of his father and placed at Big Oak Ranch.

Like many children who first come to Big Oak, the light in his eyes had been dimmed. But, when he came to Big Oak, Leavy was quickly able to receive the structure and love, the stability and constant assurance that he would be taken care of. Leavy still remembers his very first Christmas at Big Oak, the Christmas that opened his eyes to the hope that was set before him. “During my very first Christmas, it snowed on Christmas Day. My favorite Big Oak Christmas was that first one- full of the gifts of getting to know my new family and playing football in the snow,” Leavy says, adding, “From that day on, I knew there would always be something for me on Christmas. I knew I could always trust my houseparents and those taking care of me.” Christmas would never look the same for Leavy, now that his home was at the Ranch. Nor would his life, as he began to experience the Light of the World. Today, when you show Leavy his original placement photo, his eyes light up. When you talk of his Ranch siblings and his role as older brother still, his eyes light up. When he comes home to the Ranch to spend weekend visits and holidays with his Ranch family, his eyes light up. As he pours into the children who currently call Big Oak home, his eyes light up. As he and his wife raise their son to know the true Hope of Christmas, his eyes light up.

At Big Oak, the Light of the World brings light to the eyes of children who have been hurt. The dim past of each child is met with the Light of a God who redeems, who reworks and who restores all evil with good. This year, the children who call Big Oak home will experience Christmas just as Leavy once did. They will open and receive the gifts of family, of belonging, of unconditional and unreserved love. They will be forever molded and transformed through the days of joyfully celebrating the birth of Christ. Learn more about Big Oak Ranch at www.bigoak.org.

-Brodie Croyle

President & CEO of Big Oak Ranch

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

September 9, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

Premier Event for Women of destiny! Get ready to soar like never before. Join us for an incredible day of Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration galore. Hear from a powerful panel of Miss Overcomers as they share life transforming Biblical strategies to help you Reclaim Courage, Affirm your Calling and Walk Strong in the Miss Overcomer lifestyle you were born to enjoy! Don’t miss this Divine Moment tailor made just for you. You’ve been Chosen for the Miss Overcomer Gathering! Cost is Free but seating is limited. Click here to register.

August 8, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

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Are you purpose-driven and interested in startups, small businesses, side hustles, and entrepreneurship? Don’t miss 3rd Tuesday meet-ups! We invite you to come network, share and collaborate with like-minded women entrepreneurs.

August 8, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

Why Jesus?

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