The Emmanuel Children's Home
By Clara Edna Rosencrans
PERHAPS many of the readers of the SIGNS have never heard of the institution represented by the name at the beginning of this article. But down here among the foot-hills of the Ozarks, a work has grown up which bids fair, with the blessing of God, to bring many young hearts to a knowledge of the truth. The Emmanuel Children's Home is located in a beautiful grove of native oaks, about two miles north of Mountain Grove, Missouri. It was established in 1904 by Mrs. Jessie Ames; and her unceasing prayers and deep devotion to the cause which it represents, have made it what it is. The work is now onward. It has been a hard struggle to free the home from debt, maintain an average family of twenty children, nearly all too small to care for themselves, employ help to do the work, and a teacher for our little home school. But through all the trying circumstances that have surrounded the work, God has been an ever present help, and we are learning, more and more, to lean upon His mighty arm for strength. When the work started, there was no visible means of support, nor has there ever been. Appeals sent out to the public from time to time, consecrated by prayer, and a faith that could not be daunted, have brought returns, and so we have been able to care for the homeless ones whom God has sent to our door. Last winter means came to build a barn and schoolhouse, both of which were sadly needed. Our family has now outgrown our present quarters. The house contains but twelve rooms, and we are planning to build at least two cottages, one on each side of the parent building, to be used as homes for our smaller boys and girls. Each home is to have a "mother" who will teach the little ones to work, to love God and each other, striving with her whole heart to fill the place that the name implies. The children will thus be fitted to make good and useful citizens, and to be ready to meet the Lord when He comes. We know these buildings are needed, and we have faith to believe that God will send us help to realize our plans. Should these lines meet the eye of any one who knows of orphan children in need of a Christian home, he will confer a favor by communicating with Mrs. Ames, as her hands and heart are ever ready to help. We ask the prayers of all of God's people, that His blessing may attend us in our work, that so we may receive souls for our hire. Mountain Grove, Missouri.