The change of seasons is marked differently by different people. I know folks who take down Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. Julie and I tend to wait until the end of Christmastide on January 6. I have neighbors whose trees and lights will be up and lit until the first days of spring. While the changing of seasons may be observed differently by people based on tradition, culture, context, and weather, God is always in control. We are reminded of this truth when the prophet Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzar, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).
Julie and I planted ten apple trees in the fall of 2017. For fruit trees to express their full potential, they must be pruned. Seasonal pruning allows the tree to focus its growth, thus enabling the branches to receive sunlight that allows them to grow and bear fruit. Ministries also go through seasons of pruning and growth. In 2024, Baptist Homes celebrated the opening of Baptist Homes of Adrian and Baptist Homes of Tri-County (Vandalia). The past year also saw ownership and operations of the Chillicothe campus transfer to Legacy Living. What will 2025 bring? We recently announced the upcoming transfer of ownership and operations of the Independence campus to Prime Healthcare, whose corporate offices are in Independence. We have already seen the assumption of operations and ownership of Baptist Homes of Shelbina. In the coming months, Baptist Homes will celebrate the completion of the Ashland campus and the opening of Smithville.
Unlike fruit trees that are pruned regularly, the changes at Baptist Homes are likely a once in a generation adjustment, with parallel outcomes of bearing fruit. Our mission to joyfully provide Christlike care, education, and advocacy for the aging is unwavering. Our purpose to please God and help others do the same is clear. God, in His grace, has provided this ministry with a board and leadership team that tirelessly seeks to make Christlike ministry the standard of care for the aging.
In February 2019, I stood below the branches of our apple trees. In 18 months, they had tripled in size. While they looked healthy from a distance, most of the growth was inward. While an abundance of second guessing had delayed my getting started, two hours later the apple trees were pruned. Two years later, I ate the first fruits of these efforts. Much like the pruning of trees in the correct season, seasonal changes can be daunting. I am thankful God is in control. Please join me in welcoming our new campuses, and pray for those that are, or will be, under new ownership during this season of change.
Together in His service,
Rodney Harrison
