I am pastor Richard Smith. My wife, Kim and I, first started supporting Texas Baptist Home for Children when we were first married. Although we didn’t have a lot of money as newlyweds, we knew helping children was the right thing to do. Little did we know, someday we would move to Waxahachie, where I have been the lead pastor of Farley Street Baptist Church, for the past 29 years, and of course, Waxahachie is home of the Texas Baptist Home for Children.
We feel very blessed to have raised our three children, Josh, Ryan, and Kara in a strong and supportive family, church and community. However, as you probably know, not all children are given that opportunity. Children, who did nothing wrong, but because of parental hardships, or wrong choices, their lives are turned upside down. Many times the Texas Baptist Home for Children is able to step in and give these children physical, emotional and spiritual care. Some of these children attended our church. We met children, that when they first arrived, were scared, hurting and withdrawn. As the TBHC cared for them, we watched them grow and bloom. We saw some graduate from high school and successfully enter adulthood. We saw others able to reunite with their families because of the support of the TBHC.

      There is not another cause I would be willing to dance for, especially since Baptist preachers are not known for dancing, but this is one cause worth the sacrifice, and probably a lot of humiliation. It will all be more than worth it, if we help children.
I have asked my daughter, Kara, to be my dance partner. Kara enjoyed dancing as a child and took 8 years of ballet from Ms.Vici at the Ballet Conservatory in downtown Waxahachie. She then went on to become a Cherokee Charmer at Waxahachie High School. (I thought this would be a good time to call in a favor from her since I paid for all those dancing lessons. LOL) Kara has a tender heart for TBCH ministries and grew up with many of the children who attended our church. One girl in particular became one of her closest friends. These children left a lasting impact upon her life, and she is excited to give back to something so worthwhile.

      We feel very honored the Texas Baptist Home has asked us to be a part of this event. We are asking you to VOTE for us, and support the Texas Baptist Home for Children!

                     Thank you so much,
                           Pastor Richard W. Smith
                                           and
                           Kara (Smith) Hatchel