State Missionary Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

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Landrum Leavell devoted some of his valuable time to encourage me and to offer support to me as a young man seeking to develop my gifts in ministry.

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Tell Them Thanks for Me
Monday, August 18, 2008
My gas gauge was low, leaning toward empty. So, it was now time to stop and pay a fortune at the pump.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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August 2008

Tell Them Thanks for Me

Submitted: Monday, August 18, 2008; 4:12 p.m.
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I was doing my usual, traveling the roads of Alabama, going to meetings or making a church visit. My gas gauge was low, leaning toward empty.

So, it was now time to stop and pay a fortune at the pump. I finished pumping the liquid gold in my Toyota and made my way inside to buy a cup of coffee to keep me awake for the rest of the journey.

That day I wore an Alabama Baptist Chaplain's shirt, with our logo prominently displayed for people to identify it. The cashier looked at my shirt and asked, "Are you an Alabama Baptist?". For a moment I thought she was a mind reader or something, but then I remembered my logo-laden shirt. "Oh yes, I am an Alabama Baptist."

The young lady beamed a gracious smile and said, "Thank you." I was puzzled because I did not know the meaning behind her words of gratitude. She broke the silence and said, "The Alabama Baptist Children's Home took me in years ago, and I am grateful for the ministry that the Alabama Baptist churches provide for people like me. So tell them thank you for me."

This young lady is a living reminder of the ministry provided in the name of Christ by the Alabama Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries. Throughout the history of the ABCH&FM, people have received loving care in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries have been blessed by the giving of individuals and churches in Alabama Baptist life. Each year, the ABCH&FM receives in special offerings close to $2.5 million from contributors who believe in this ministry. This is in addition to the gifts through the Cooperative Program.

Alabama Baptists can be proud of ABCH&FM. The devoted people serving through the ministries provided are making an eternal difference in the lives of people, one person at a time.

The young lady asked me to say thank you, and this is my intent in writing this blog feature. I also want to say thank you to those who minister through the ABCH&FM. They are servants of the Lord, who go the second mile for Christ. Thank you for all you do in this Great Commission ministry!