Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children in Monticello recently announced that Allen Elkins and his wife, Renee joined their staff on August 1. Allen is serving as Campus Director and Renee is serving as Campus Care Coach.
A graduate of Williams Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Allen is no stranger to the ministries of the Cooperative Program. He has served in church ministry for 35 years, first as a youth minister and most recently, as the senior pastor at Central Community Church in Harrisburg.
The Elkins have been a foster family for 16 years, having fostered more than 50 children during that time. They are also an adoptive family with three biological children and five chosen children. They are currently a Connected Foster Care foster family for sibling groups.
When asked about this new adventure Allen said, “What an exciting time! When we started foster care some 16 years ago, we never dreamed that it would bring us to this point. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord and families through the Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children. When Renee and I started this journey with three kids in tow, we never dreamed we’d be so blessed to have five more children and all of us making a move to this position. What a joy! Thank you, Arkansas Baptist family, for having us.”
Renee is looking forward to this chapter of their lives as they celebrate 32 years of marriage in August, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have the opportunity to serve families in this capacity. All my life I have felt called to work with children, dreaming of a home filled with kids. I’ve wanted my biological children, children who had no one, and children of all cultures in my home. Over these past 16 years we have been living that dream. Now the Lord has enlarged my coasts by giving me the opportunity to partner with Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children as Campus Care Coach in Monticello. I am really looking forward to loving on kids, foster parents, and biological parents at a deeper level than ever before.”
Ryan Ropp, Director of Foster Care and Adoptions, said, “We are truly gaining a team with the Elkins family! Their experience as a foster family and passion for this ministry will be invaluable to our community of foster homes in Monticello. They have a heart and a passion for kids and families.”