Bringing love home for over 40 years! |
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In the last newsletter article that I shared in March, I spoke about the seasons of life and the promotion I had accepted within the ministry. Little did I know a few days after that newsletter went out that I would be walking through a very difficult and unexpected season of change - with the loss of my father. On March 9th, the Lord saw fit in His divine providence to take my dad to heaven. I know where he is for sure, but I really miss him. I am so thankful for the impact both of my parents had on my life. My dad freely shared his wisdom with me, which influenced where I am today. I remember calling him the day the position of president at CAS was presented for me to consider. I was hoping he would agree with me and advise me to stay in church ministry, as I had been for 22 years as a pastor. He didn’t come close to saying that. Instead he said, “Kevin, you should pray about it. I am not sure if that is what God wants you to do, but He may have something to teach you through this process even if He doesn’t call you to lead CAS.” Wow – incredible words of wisdom right there that I listened to, and the blessings that have followed are too many to count. From his first ever baptism in 1978 to his last precious days on this earth asking me how the Baptist Children's Homes were doing and how many adoptions have you had this month... Phil Qualls touched many lives in his 40 years of ministry. The personal privilege of having a front row seat to this is priceless.
It is a blessing to know that I am working for a ministry that ties all this together so beautifully when it comes to adoption and the Gospel. It is because I am a believer, that God adopted me, and I will be in heaven one day. May all of us live daily with this in mind to impact lives for the Lord like my dad did so well. There are many opportunities in the coming months that CAS has for you to be a part of and impact the body of Christ. We welcome the support and are thankful for the time together as a community of believers in the CAS family. God bless each of you!
In Christ,
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Kevin Qualls
Director of Development (CAS) & Young Leader Relations
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Charlotte Banquet
Thanks to everyone who joined us at First Baptist Church Indian Trail in March to hear the Boutin's story and to support the mission of Christian Adoption Services. We had a great night and hope you enjoyed your time with us. We are so thankful to our generous supporters, including donors who provided the matching gift and are excited to share that over $200,000 was raised. These funds are already at work, supporting expectant women, their children, and families who are called to adopt. Our thanks also go to First Baptist Indian Trail, the Boutin family, and all of our staff and volunteers who made the event a success.
Apex Banquet
Our final Family Tree banquet was a great night! We are thankful to the Boutins who have faithfully shared their adoption story at five banquets across North and South Carolina - they have been a blessing to every audience! Thanks to everyone who came out to Apex Baptist Church and supported the work of Christian Adoption Services. We are grateful for raising more than $80,000. Special thanks go to Apex Baptist Church for making this a great event!
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Thanks to everyone who participated in one of our spring golf tournaments! We had a chilly start to a beautiful day on March 28th in Spartanburg. Despite some pop-up rain, we ended up with another beautiful day on April 8th in Rocky Mount. We love spending time with golfers who believe in the work of CAS, and we are excited to announce that over $38,000 was raised through these two events. We are so grateful for everyone who participated. Special thanks also go to Alan Hulsey, our title sponsor in Spartanburg and to Finishin' Touch Roofing, our title sponsor in Rocky Mount.
Congrats to the winning teams:
Spartanburg
First Place: Harrison Corbin & Team
Second Place: George Johnson Insurance
Third Place: Philip Wilkie & Team
Rocky Mount
First Place: Justis Bobbitt's Team
Second Place: First Oak Wealth Management
Third Place: Finishin' Touch Roofing
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Last month was an exciting time for the international adoption program. Four children were placed with loving, Christian families. The joy the team feels when a child is placed with their forever family is indescribable. It fuels us beyond measure to see the most perfect and beautiful plans the Lord has come to fruition. International adoption is not an easy journey, as it takes time, lots of patience, tons of paperwork, and an abundance of surrendering control. But when it happens, when a child is embraced into the arms of their parents, it all comes together and makes perfect sense. Every child has value and purpose - that’s our why! Our why is for us to continue to advocate on behalf of each child who is praying for a family. |
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Meet & Greet for Waiting Families! |
Two recent regional "Meet and Greets" were held for waiting prospective adoptive couples to meet new staff and have the opportunity to get to know one another. The waiting process can be challenging; having others to journey with is great! Thankfully Covid numbers have declined and we are able to get together to support our wonderful, amazing waiting couples.
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Plans are now underway for our annual family picnics. These fun, casual events give our adoptive families a chance to visit and play together. There is no cost to attend, and lunch is provided. Whether you adopted years ago, recently took placement, or are in process, we look forward to seeing you at the picnic nearest you!
Raleigh Area Family Picnic, Apex, NC
Saturday, June 25th, 10am - 1pm
Charlotte Area Family Picnic, Indian Trail, NC
Saturday, July 23rd, 10am - 1pm
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At the recent Charlotte banquet, CAS honored long-time foster parents Joe and Ann Ippolito. The Ippolitos moved from New York to South Carolina in 1985 to foster babies for the Tender Loving Care Adoption Agency. When the adoption agency closed in 1988, they began fostering for the DSS adoption program until 1990 when Christian Family Services opened. From 1990 through 2017, this couple welcomed babies into their home for Christian Family Services and continued to do so for Christian Adoption Services when the two agencies merged in 2017. Over the last 36 years, Joe and Ann have cared for 140 precious babies. What an impact this couple has had! We thank the Ippolitos for their service, and we wish them all the best in retirement.
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