NOTE PAID ON FOSTER HOME IN GORDONVILLE

GORDONVILLE -- Carole Rhodes doesn't really remember being an orphan. She was adopted as a baby, but her five brothers and sisters were placed in an orphanage.

"I was one of the lucky ones," Rhodes said. "But it's something that kind of stays with you."

She and her husband, Vernon Rhodes, have made it possible for other brothers and sisters to possibly stay together at a group foster home called Shepherd's Cove Children's Home in Gordonville. The foster home is associated with Abundant Life Church, also in Gordonville.

The Vernon Rhodes Family Trust Monday paid a $200,000 bank note, temporarily underwriting the Shepherd's Cove project. If the debt is repaid within one year, the family trust will donate $10,000 toward the project.

"They were in trouble, and we could go ahead and buy the home," Vernon Rhodes said. "Over the next year they should be able to raise the money. We want to see it happen."

Rhodes' son Scott brought the project to his parents' attention.

Carole Rhodes said: "It would be wonderful if the community could get behind this project. Certainly I can't think of anything more important than to help a child. This home should add a little stability to the lives of these children."

Shepherd's Cove, a licensed foster care home, was built last summer by the church. The home isn't operated by the church, but it sits on the eastern part of the church's 10-acre tract along Route K near Highway 25.

David Butler is pastor of the church and is president of Christian Ministry International, the group that oversees the children's home project.

Christian Ministries International has organized a board of directors to spearhead the fund drive. Members are Bob Basler, Steve Green, Scott Rhodes, Herbert Wedemeier, Pat Zellmer and Butler. Other community representatives will be added.

The church and the Shepherd's Cove Children's Home faced foreclosure earlier this month. Legal notices ran in the newspaper advertising the upcoming sale. Just days before bank foreclosure proceedings would have required the children's home and church to be sold on the auction block, the new arrangement came through.

When the foreclosure was announced, a number of individuals made pledges toward payment of the building. Those pledges total $30,000. With the trust's pledge of $10,000, Butler figures he has another $160,000 to go.

The foster home can accommodate up to 12 children under the care of the Division of Family Services. Foster parents Danielle and Howard Bellew have been living in the home since December. They have been foster parents for several years.

To contact Butler or help with fund raising, call (573) 334-8380 or the church office at (573) 243-7827.