by Donna Gaddis
Each month we have been spotlighting an employee who exemplifies the true purpose of Falcon Children’s Home. Previously, we focused on our 2012 Employee of the year. In each edition of our Guardian, we would like to continue to focusing on the employees who are the backbone of Falcon Children’s Home; our houseparents.
In this edition, we chose to focus on a houseparenting couple that has heard and followed the call of the houseparent. Below is Jason and Nicole Thomas’ story and their journey to the center of God’s will.
“About a year ago, I was a homeschooling, stay at home mom. My husband, Jason, was working as a foreman for a construction company that he had worked with for over 18 years. We had been praying and seeking God's will in our lives as a family. We felt that God had a different calling for our lives and we were in constant prayer about the direction in which He was leading us. Then, on March 2, 2012, God began to work mightily as an F2 tornado ripped though our community, leaving us homeless. About a month later, Jason be- gan to feel the call of God stronger in his heart. Completely stepping out on faith, Jason began a new job. I became his assistant. The job had very little pay, with no initial pay. Feeling a sense of hopelessness, we began to wonder if we had listened and done as God wanted us to do. Why would He call us to
a job that did not pay? Even in the midst of our despair, however, God still met our needs and even gave us many desires of our hearts. As we were searching in our relationship with Him as to where He wanted us to go and what He wanted us to do, God led us to the decision to become house parents.
We had friends that had been house parents and knew a little about the world of such a tremendous ministry. We had no home, no job, and any move would be a step up...and we knew God would be moving us soon. In our Christian walk, we have learned that He does not take away or allow something to be taken away without something much greater to take its place.
Once Jason and I were in agreement, we started searching, but this time it was through the internet. We came across a job posting for house parents at Falcon Children's Home. Prayerfully, we applied for the job. Within two hours of submit- ting the applications and paperwork, we received our first phone call. Two weeks later, we were on campus, starting our new roles God had called us to. Looking back, I can see how each circumstance God allowed Jason and I to go through prepared us for this moment of our lives and we are eternally grateful to our Lord for such blessings.
Since being here, we have grown closer to God and our relationship with Him has continued to develop. In the short time that we have been here, we have already had so many wonderful moments...moments of confirmation that God has called us to this place He calls His own. As house parents, we have been faced with tribulations that have tested our faith. It is tough to withstand the arrows with which Satan tries to attack...but each attack reminds us that on the other side, lies a healthier, stronger, more beautiful relationship with each child, allowing ministry to take place to each one on a deeper level. It’s those situations that allow our children to see what it is like to have someone stay through the hard times without giving up, as most people in their lives have done. The toughest times are the times when you head into the spiritual battle, but the best times come only after you have withstood
the attacks and shared the love of Jesus Christ throughout the entire trial.”
Jason and Nicole are lead house parents on McCartney cottage, which hous- es middle teenage girls. They have 2 children, Jessica, 15, and Anthony, 10. Thank you, to the town of Dodson Branch, in middle Tennessee for sending the Thomas’ our way.
