From Dr Mike Higgins' Desk

The Philosophy and Purpose of Hope Children's Home

I believe Hope Children's Home to be one of the greatest ministries in the country as God has allowed us the privilege of helping restore the broken lives of children for over 36 years. Through consistency, structure, discipline and a tremendously dedicated staff, God has chosen to greatly bless our efforts. The children we care for come from a very diverse social, economic and racial background. While our ministry is not for Juvenile Delinquents, we do care for children from all over the United States as well as some children from other countries. Most of our children are from broken homes with some of the most horrid situations imaginable, while others come from a loving environment, with good parents, but have made the wrong decisions in life and now find themselves in great need. With the help of the Lord, Hope Children's Home has seen great success in putting these lives back together again. I would like to share with you some of the foundational philosophies that we use to operate this great ministry.

Through the years, I have discovered that children must be developed in four areas of their lives to be balanced and stable people. Luke 2:52 tells us, “Jesus increased in wisdom and statue, and in favor with God and man.” This shows that our Lord was developing in four areas:

1. Spiritually - He increased in favor with “God.”

2. Mentally (intellect) - He increased in “wisdom.”

3. Physically - He increased “in statue.”

4. Socially - He increased in favor with “man.”

Nearly five thousand children have passed through our home over these years. To the amazement of all involved from every walk of life, the success in helping these children through Hope Ministries has been astonishing. We believe whatever success we have enjoyed in this wonderful ministry has been because of our obedience to the Scriptures in raising these children.

We at Hope Children’s Home know that Satan’s attack upon the family grows more severe each passing day. He has set out to destroy the home completely by causing problems between husband and wife, between children and parents, and in the lives of the children themselves. We also know the Christian family is not exempt from his attacks.

The Bible says in Hosea 8:7, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” Many of the children we are helping today are reaping a whirlwind that has been created by the decisions, or lack thereof, of their parents. As a parent or guardian, there are five distinct areas that are crucial to be aware of in raising your children.

1. Their friends

2. Their clothing

3. Their music

4. Reading material

5. What they watch on TV or movies

These five areas must be closely monitored and only the best influences should be allowed in these areas. If you are dealing with a “troubled” child, I will guarantee you have already noticed that your child has gotten off-track in one or more of these areas. It must be your goal to bring these areas back in order.

If you feel there is any way that we can be of assistance to a child or family please notify us and we will do our best to help in any way possible. If you would like to contribute to our ministry please look further into our website for opportunities of giving.

Dr Mike Higgins

Executive Director

Hope International Ministries