By Rick Bowes
Please take a few moments to look at this beautiful photo celebrating Christine Baehm’s 90th birthday.
As you can see Christine has a radiant smile, and I am holding a birthday card with the caption that reads,
“Little Ambassador- He left the 90 and 9 to rescue me, Matthew 18:12.”
Inside the card a most intriguing story unfolds.
Christine, the ninth child in her family, began her life as a “little person” on December 4, 1935. Sadly, Christine’s mother passed away just seven months after Christine was born. She remained with her birth family for two more years, and was then welcomed into the home of George and Vesta Anderson.
Although Christine was small and not growing, her size did not hinder her from being filled with joy. She went to academy and college, getting her degree in secretarial science, and then she started her career working for the General Conference. Her life took on new meaning when she married George Baehm on September 28, 1983.
Together she and George would spend the rest of their married lives spreading the love of Jesus throughout the world.
Through the years one of Christine’s favorite ways to spread that love was the sponsoring of ICC orphans.
About a year ago as Christine was praying about how she should celebrate her 90th birthday, she had the distinct impression that she should create a birthday card inviting all of her friends to honor her birthday by sending in donations that would help to change and save the lives of orphan children.
The card was made and sent out to over 200 of her friends, and to date, Christine’s friends have donated $9,840.
Today Christine shares the message, “To all my 90th birthday contributors, it is with humble appreciation that I express thanks to each person who made a donation in honor of my 90th birthday. I want you to know that each one of you is a treasure to me, and that many dear children will benefit from your kindness. God bless each of you- I love you.”
What a blessing it is for ICC children that Christine chose to celebrate her significant milestone birthday by drawing attention to the needs of orphan children. Christine, is just one example of loving generosity in the hearts of our ICC family of supporters who understand well Jesus’ own heart of tenderness when He said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
Thank you, Christine! Thank you, ICC family!
