New Years Greetings

Happy New Year from the Perkins Family at Big Oak Ranch! 

We survived the month of December and our first Christmas at the ranch.  As you can imagine, family holidays are highly emotional times for the boys (and for the houseparents...).  Our boys had a great Christmas morning with us, then some were able to spend a few days on "home visits" with extended family.  They are all back now and seem happy to be back with us.  We will start back into our school routine on Thursday, January 4th. 

This was a different kind of Christmas for us.  While there was plenty of good Christmas cheer, we really missed being at our home of 20 years with our children, their friends home from college, and our long-time friends. That sense of longing was somewhat offset by the excited faces of the kids when they opened their presents on Christmas morning. 

We did get to continue our tradition of spending Christmas evening and the next day with Kim's family in Midland City, Alabama.  Nick, our new 12 year old, joined us and had a great time with his "new cousins."  We were also able to squeeze in a last minute visit to Pensacola.   Prior to this visit, we have been too busy to be homesick but we have to say that it was great to be home again.  We would have enjoyed staying longer and getting to visit with everyone but we had to get back to the ranch to take care of our boys and our 5 new baby puppies who were born the night before we returned.  Sandy, an abandoned lab-mix, moved in with us about 6 weeks ago.  She has fit in quite well with our "mixed" family.  Little did we know that she would expand our family so quickly.     

We are learning some of the "ropes" of being houseparents and hope that we can continue to improve in this new year.  While some of our parenting experience has been helpful, there is much to learn about parenting the children who are now in our care. Their life experiences have been far different than most.  

Please keep us and our children in your prayers as we grow in this ministry and adjust to life away from our longtime friends and home.  Also, keep our new children in your prayers as they learn to live within our extended family at Big Oak Ranch.

Wishing you a Blessed 2007-- Mike, Kim, Andrew, Haley, Alex, Tim, Steven, Patrick and Nick

 

 

Christmas at Big Oak Ranch

The Spirit of Christmas is alive and well at Big Oak Ranch.   The boys are eagerly anticipating Christmas Day but are constantly reminded that Christmas is really about "Christ among us."  Yesterday started off with a sponsored shopping trip to Target.  You should have seen the excitement as the boys' and girls' rushed around buying gifts for themselves, friends and extended family.  Last night's ranch Christmas party culminated in a beautiful ceremony of the younger children spreading the light from one candle (signifying Jesus' birth) throughout a darkened room.  We all sang "Silent Night" as the light was shared from one person to another and the room was illuminated by two hundred little candles.   What a wonderful illustration of how Christ has lightened our world. 

We wanted to take this opportunity to share a few pictures from this week and to wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas.  Stay in touch and come visit us. 

Many friends have asked for our physical address.  It is 250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, AL  35905.  We have enjoyed receiving your Christmas cards and watching your families grow. 

With Love-- Mike, Kim, Alex, Andrew, Haley, Tim, Patrick, Nick and Steven

Seasons Change, Christmas Approaches

We apologize that our updates have not been as frequent as we had hoped.  Our time and energy has been stretched beyond our expectations.   But, God has been good to give us the ability to spend our time where needed most.  And your prayers have helped sustain us through trying times and good times. 

Already, we have been through seasons of change.  Chaz and Mitchell are no longer in our home or at the ranch.  The effort and discipline required to change to a small private school and to live in a structured home (with firm rules and boundaries) are often too much when you have previously lived in a mostly self-governed environment. The ranch gives boys lots of chances to succeed, but the boys have to really want to make positive changes in their lives.   We stay in touch with Chaz and Mitchell and they seem to be doing okay-- but please help us keep them surrounded by prayer. 

Our deep sense of loss has been softened by the addition of some new boys in need. We have been blessed to add four new boys to our household:  Tim, aged 16; Steven, aged 14;  Patrick, aged 13; and Nic, aged 12.   These boys are all excited to have a loving home and room to roam.  They have already brought a great deal of joy and laughter to our lives. 

Tim and Patrick were able to spend Thanksgiving with us and Kim's family in Birmingham.  We had a great family time together.  Unfortunately, Patrick took a fall down some steep stairs and knocked loose two of his front permanent teeth.  Thanks to timely advice from our good Pensacola friend, Dr. Charles Stavely (Thanks, Charlie, for letting us interrupt your Thanksgiving gathering), we quickly got him to the emergency room and an oral surgeon was able to secure the teeth until we could get him to a pediatric dental specialist.  Patrick and Mike spent most of Thanksgiving Day at the ER.  Time will tell but it looks like the teeth will survive! 

On his first Sunday at the ranch, Tim made a public profession of faith at Church.  We are so proud of him and his commitment to Christ.

Patrick and Tim attended school dances Saturday night.  They were so excited that they dressed in their suits at 11:00 Saturday morning for pictures (on their own volition)!  They both looked very handsome all dressed up.   Nic's idea of dressing up is camo and cowboy boots.  He is a fun-loving young man and keeps us quite entertained.   Steven just joined us.  He is quiet and athletic-- should fit in great. 

Alex is doing well in school and has transitioned from football to basketball.  He is playing on a church league team with several of his friends from school.  Haley is continuing to do very well at Auburn and visits us often (about two hours away).  Andrew is preparing for his first set of law school finals but we also manage to see him fairly often.  Please keep him in your prayers as he goes through finals. 

The holidays are especially tough on the children as they are separated from their biological relatives.  The ranch staff does a great job of trying to fill their time with fun, reflection and gifts (giving and receiving).  Our children have lots of activites planned for the Christmas holidays-- movies, plays, shopping trips and play time. 

This is also a great time to reflect upon our blessings.  The ranch is blessed to have many dedicated supporters.  We have doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who donate services.  They are joined by companies, churches, schools and individuals who donate food, services, clothing, gifts and money.   With over 100 children, 18 houses and vehicles, hundreds of acres and a large staff-- it takes a lot to sustain this ministry.  It is really quite amazing how so many people pitch in to make it all work out.

Thanks for your love and prayers.   We love hearing from you and we especially love visitors.  So please stay in touch and plan to visit.  We wish you all a very blessed Christmas.   Mike and Kim

New Pictures of "Life at Big Oak"

Praise God-- It was a great week at Big Oak last week.  Our boys all made "A's" on tests and did well at home, school and on the football field.  Mitchell's JV team is undefeated.  Though the varsity lost a close one Friday night, Chaz led the team in tackles and recovered two fumbles.  He also got to see his grandma and relatives from Louisiana.  Alex's team is playing their first year in a very competitive league and continues to learn a lot of "life lessons".   He is a resilient soul and keeps giving it his best. 

Had a great visit from Mike and Cindy Smith last week.  So good to see our wonderful friends from home.  Cindy brought some beautiful mums for the front porch.  Mike brought some great stories from home. 

Kim has been enjoying a Beth Moore Bible Study on the Book of Daniel at a local church.  She is being a great "mom" for our boys and providing a lot of love and wisdom.  She is also largely responsible for encouraging them in their schoolwork. 

Mike is enjoying being a "pop" and role model for the boys.  Last Monday, they worked on the tree fort together.  He and Alex got to join some other ranch families and go to the Talladega 500 for the Saturday Nextel Cup qualifying and Craftsman truck race.  Mike and Alex also got to help with the Legends of Bama tournament (a big fundraiser for the ranch) and had the chance to meet a lot of Alabama football heros of the past.  David Thoms benefit tournament is this week and Mike will be helping transport golf pros from the airport to the hotel and Old Overton golf course in B'ham.  Should be fun.

We finally sold our Toyoto and found a great used Suburban.  We use the RV (ranch van) for most things and use our car for personal trips.  Glad to have that hassle behind us so we can continue to focus on our mission here. 

God has blessed us in so many ways.  We love and appreciate all of you and continue to enjoy your emails, notes and visits.  We especially appreciate your prayers.  Mike, Kim and Alex. 

OUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS CPHMAP@AOL.COM

Some pictures from the ranch

Here are some pictures of life at the ranch.  The individual pictures are of Chaz, Mitchell and Alex.  The others are our "neighbors" at the ranch.  We'll post some great Fall pictures in the next few days. 

Greetings

Hi Friends-  Greetings to our friends and family in Pensacola and beyond..

Thanks for all your continuing prayers and support.  Sorry it has taken so long to give the detailed report we had promised but things have really been rolling since we arrived in Alabama. 

 

We have been at Big Oak Ranch for two months now and feel like the Lord is indeed blessing our ministry.  It's a long way from home, but you are close in our hearts.  We certainly miss all our friends at home, work and play (baseball) and think of you often.  Your emails, cards and visits are appreciated and very encouraging.  Joy Hodges, Martha Woodham, Joy Parkman and Patti McMilion were all very helpful in decorating and organizing!  And we could have never made the move without Jane McKenzie's loving care and hard labor! 

 

Our work here has been a lot of fun but also quite challenging.  We finally have our house set up and our "family" has started.  In addition to Alex, we have two boys, Chaz (15) and Mitchell (13).  Picture attached.  We will have more boys joining us (up to 5 more) over the next few months.  We often have five or so "extra's" staying with us when their houseparents take time off. 

 

Our days have mostly consisted of work on our home (set up from "scratch"), substituting for other vacationing houseparents, doctors and dental visits (the boys often arrive at the ranch without a solid background of medical/dental care), school visits (educational backgrounds are also pretty spotty), CPR classes, dietary meetings, football games (we have boys on three different teams-- 3 games per week), grocery shopping, "ranch chores" like mowing, refurbishing ranch homes, going to the dump, picking up donated items from supporters, picking up food from the B'ham food bank, and the list goes on. Mike has become a regular "country boy" and is enjoying getting out in the fresh air on a daily basis.  He hasn't worn a suit since we moved here (sorry to rub it in folks).  Kim is using her best "mom skills" to comfort hurts and provide loving encouragement.   She also is enjoying have a "real job" again... 

 

We sold the Volvo and are in process of selling our Toyota van to "downsize"economically.  We drive a 14 passenger "ranchvan" most everywhere we go.  It's a tank but it does the job.  It's pretty entertaining to see Kim wheeling around in it with a bunch of kids in tow.

 

We have been able to enjoy a few of the fringe benefits of God's grace for the ranch.  Mike played in the "Legends of Auburn" golf tournament with Bo Jackson, Kevin Green and a lot of other former Auburn players.  Tom Downey's former baseball coach, Jackie Burkett, was in Mike's foursome.  Alex got a football autographed by Coach Tuberville and all of the "celebrities" (including Bo).  Legends of Bama coming up next week, then David Toms Invitational.  Both are big fund-raisers for the ranch. 

 

Kim got to go to an exclusive Paula Dean (the cooking lady) fundraiser social and dinner for the ranch.  The intimate dinner  for 1500 people was in honor of the 14 "moms" at the girls' and boys' ranches.  Also a big fundraiser. 

 

The weather is turning cool very quickly and the leaves are beginning to change.  Fall and Football (Alabama style) dominate the landscape.  Alex is enjoying his new school- Westbrook Christian School.  Made all "A's" on his first report card and has enjoyed dressing up with the different themes for homecoming week.  He is one of the ballboys for the varsity football team and enjoys being on the sidelines for all the games.  He is playing junior football and doing very well for a "rookie".  Last week, he threw for three touchdowns and ran for another.  He is getting his fair share of "bruises" (some of the guys he plays against are twice his size and weight....).  Mom would like for the season to end soon.   Advance word from his coaches is that he will make the area all-star team and get to play even more... He is one of the few QBs in the league who can actually complete passes...  Most are bigger and just run over everyone.  Basketball scrimmages at the ranch gym every Sunday night.  Baseball whenever he feels like walking across the street...

 

Andrew is enjoying law school at Cumberland (won't know how well he is doing until after finals in early December).  He manages to break free for an occasional visit.  Alex got to stay with him in B'ham last weekend.  Haley is doing quite well at Auburn and enjoyingtheir successful football run. She has also been up to visit a couple of times and encourages us in our "new life."  

 

We feel so blessed and fortunate to be able to share our many blessings with these kids.  They so badly need positives in their lives.  The ranch usually gets these kids after they have suffered many (formative) years of hurt and neglect.  John and Tee Croyle and the entire staff here are very committed, sincere, "real", God-inspired leaders for these kids (and each other).  Our goal is to give them a safe, loving home and to prepare them for a better future.  We sometimes feel like we all live in a large "family compound."  The kids come in and out of each other's homes like they are cousins... Today a successful photographer took a group shot of all the kids for this year's ranch calendar.  He grew up at Big Oak almost 30 years ago, has been happily married for 22 years and has built a very successful business.  He attributes all his success to the ranch and the faith he developed here (in God and himself).  That's what it's all about, folks.  That's what keeps us all going when things get tough (and they do from time to time).

 

Mike took Mitchell to "Outback America"  last weekend in Sylacauga.  Walter Pierce Family was there!  Great to see them!  Kim stayed at the ranch for Friday night and Saturday night football games with Alex and Chaz. 

 

We strongly encourage and welcome visitors to the ranch.  We are only an hour east of B'ham.  We have plenty of room at our house and the "retreat home" is also available for visitors (as long as we reserve it in advance).  There is room for camping for those who are so inclined.  There is plenty to do and see.  Keep your cards, letters, emails and visits coming.  We are very aware of and grateful for the great network of prayer support that has and will continue to sustain us. 

 

You can reach us at home (256)892-2007 or on our cell phones (when they work out here) 850/291-7070 (Mike) and 850/525-7575 (Kim).  Or email us. Our address is 250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, AL  35905.

 

Sorry if this is too long.  We'll keep future reports a little shorter but there was a lot we wanted toshare with you initially.

 

With love and appreciation for your friendship--- Mike, Kim and Alex Perkins, and Chaz and Mitchell

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PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL ARTICLE

Published - June, 14, 2006 

Big hearts, bigger sacrifice

Attorney, wife to help needy youths

Troy Moon
@PensacolaNewsJournal.com

 

Two children have left the nest. One child remains.

So what are parents to do when they have more love to give and want more children to give it to?

Move to a bigger nest.

That's what Mike and Kim Perkins, both 48, of Pensacola are doing. The couple is leaving friends, jobs and a home behind in order to be "house parents'' to needy children at Big Oak Boys Ranch near Gadsden, Ala., a nationally celebrated children's home for kids who are abandoned, neglected, abused or orphaned.

The job pays much less than what Mike Perkins, an attorney, makes working as general counsel and vice president for Pensacola-based Landrum Human Resources Companies Inc.

And there's no telling when, or if, the couple will be back.

Their commitment is open-ended. And their sacrifice is immense.

And so is the size of Mike and Kim Perkins' hearts, friends say.

"When they told us, I was amazed, excited, anxious and a little bit in awe of the courage it took to hear and follow God's call,'' said good friend Cindy Smith of Pensacola, who, along with other family friends, organized a farewell reception for the couple at First United Methodist Church on Tuesday. The Perkinses have been members of the church for nearly 20 years.

"They're going to be an incredible blessing to these kids,'' Smith said. "They're wonderful people and fabulous parents.''

Mike Perkins leaves his job at the end of this month, and the couple, along with their youngest child, 12-year-old Alex Perkins, will move to the 143-acre Big Oak Boys Ranch around the end of July. The couple, along with Alex, will live in one of the ranch's nine residential homes, which house eight children each.

Mike Perkins worked on the board of a local, now-defunct boys ranch about 10 years ago, and met Big Oak founder John Croyle when the former University of Alabama football player visited Pensacola. The Perkinses have kept tabs on the Big Oak Boys Ranch from afar ever since. Over the last few years, the couple has been heeding a spiritual call to do more with their lives and recently settled on being house parents at Big Oak.

"Sure, we have mixed feelings,'' said Mike Perkins, who formerly worked as an attorney for the local law firm of Clark, Partington, Hart. "And it's becoming emotionally difficult as we start to leave friends. But we're excited.''

Mike Perkins has given much to local youth, friends say, coaching area baseball teams, mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters and helping organize and mentor for area father-son camping trips.

Kim Perkins said the family has considered, talked aboutand prayed on the decision to move for about three years.

"We want to do something that will make a difference,'' she said. "We didn't just want to live in the rat race where everything is for your own self. So, we've just felt like God has gifted us in dealing with children, so this is where we could do the most.''

John Croyle, the ranch's founder, attended Tuesday's reception and said the Perkinses will bring light to children long accustomed to darkness.

"Many of these boys have never had a real relationship with a mother,'' Croyle said. "Some have never had a birthday party or been tucked in at night. And some have never had the male guidance to show them how to be a man. They (the Perkinses) felt there was this hole in their heart, this passion they couldn't scratch. Now, they'll have seven more sons.''

The couple's long-time pastor, the Rev. Henry Roberts, who recently retired from First United Methodist Church, said he couldn't be more proud of the Perkinses.

"This couple has always sought to make a difference in people's lives,'' Roberts said. "And now, they're making a pretty huge sacrifice to do it.'

 

About Big Oak Boys Ranch

Big Oak Boys Ranch was established in 1974 by former University of Alabama football player John Croyle, along with his wife, Tee Croyle, to provide a loving, nurturing environment for neglected, abused and orphaned children.

The ranch is located on 143 acres in Southside, Ala., just outside of Gadsden.

The ranch has nine residential homes, a gymnasium, equine center and swimming pool.

As many as eight children live in each two-story brick home, supervised, cared for and loved by a married couple serving as "house parents.''

Children have assigned chores in their home and also work throughout the ranch.

Each house "family'' works together, plays together and attends a local church as a family unit.

In 1988, the Croyles opened Big Oak Girls Ranch in Springville, Ala.

Croyle, who played defensive end for legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, is the father of former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle, who starts his rookie season with the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs this season.

Details: www.bigoak.org