CHILDREN'S HOME HAS FAMILY; PROJECT READY FOR NEXT HURDLE

Christmas decorations are going up at Shepherd's Cove Children's Home, a sign that things are moving ahead on scheduled.

Foster parents Howard and Danielle Bellew and their six foster children moved in to the home near Gordonville last week.

The children's home, a project of Abundant Life Church in Gordonville, has been on the drawing board for several years. It's been under construction over the past year and has overcome several hurdles on the way to moving day.

"We thank God almighty that we're home at last," said David Butler, pastor of the Abundant Life Church. "It's been an amazing thing."

Shepherd's Cove is a licensed foster care home, housing up to 12 children. Children, ages 6 to 18 years, will be placed in the home through the Division of Family Services.

The plan is to house six or eight children on a semi-permanent basis. The additional beds would be available for emergency placements. Sometimes children need to be placed in foster care for a day or two while other arrangements are made.

"We took a leap of faith when we built this home," Butler said. "Along the way, people have come forward to help when we've had a need."

For example, the home needed a water line installed. A church member donated the labor. The home needed a large septic system, a local contractor did the work for a much reduced cost.

Wal-Mart employees raised money for the home and have purchased Christmas gifts for the children. DuShell's Furniture donated bedroom furniture.

"We've had lots of donations from individuals and families, some for $25 to $100," Butler said. "Those donations help tremendously."

The children's home faces another hurdle. A $192,000 bank note is due in January and the bank has said it wants a large cash payment on the note or the organization needs to find another bank.

"The house is not a money maker," Butler said. "It's a local mission project."

Shepherd's Cove gets no government funding for construction of the home. Instead it depends on local contributions.

"It doesn't take anyone giving a whole lot," Butler said. "But if everyone gives a small amount."

Individuals or businesses could pledge a monthly payment. "Anything would be appreciated, and will go toward making this project work," Butler said.

"Our dream is to get this building paid off quickly and start on Shepherd's Cove II," Butler said. "The need is there, and we have to think of the children."

For information or to arrange a tour of the home, call (573_ 334-8381. Contributions can be mailed to Shepherd's Cove, 209 S. Broadview #195, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.