After pastoring Fellowship Baptist Church for 43 years, I think that I can speak for the heart of this ministry. Pastor Joe Roberts has demonstrated his love for kids throughout his 20-year tenure of ministry. Fellowship has been involved in children's ministry and foster care for many decades. My heart has been both saddened and encouraged by the controversy regarding the foster home in Beauxart Gardens.

I wish to thank the majority of citizens in the Beauxart Gardens area who have been supportive and encouraging. I realize that just as being in the foster care system does not make a child a "bad child," neither does being a resident of Beauxart Gardens mean you are against children and the foster care system. I want those that have a different opinion to know that I love them and apologize for any undue burdens they have experienced.

As far as Fellowship is concerned, the issue is resolved. In a meeting of the membership of the church, when asked if they endorsed this home, an applause with a standing ovation erupted and the members were resoundingly in favor of proceeding with the foster home.

As Pastor Emeritus of Fellowship Baptist Church, I stand for foster kids and oppose anything that relegates them to being second-class citizens or to any forms of racism or bigotry. We need to remember that God made us all: "Red, yellow, black and white; they are precious in His sight," Jesus loves all the children of the world.

Steve Hays

Nederland