Sunrise Children’s Services began in 1869 when ladies from Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville formed the Louisville Baptist Orphans Home to care for orphans of the Civil War. Later, it would expand and be named the Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children. Today, Sunrise remains the child welfare arm of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, providing residential, foster care, foster-to-adopt, independent living, and family services programs across this state.

But why “Sunrise?” Is there any significance in that name? Quite a lot, actually. And an interesting parallel.

The Walnut Street ladies looked across the streets of downtown Louisville and saw hurting children, broken families, and unending despair. Eventually, somehow, they found a ray of hope. They discovered a new purpose for their lives and a way they could share their purpose and hope with those who needed it most. That was nearly 155 years ago.

More than 1,000 years before the ladies from Louisville began their hope-filled journey, another group of women began theirs. But honestly, it didn’t begin very hopeful. They were headed to the tomb of their dear friend, starting their walk early that morning. The sun was just beginning to rise.

The women who went to see Jesus’ crucified body at sunrise probably thought the morning would bring nothing new. Like the ladies from Louisville, they were dealing with despair and heartache. They weren’t yet able to see any hope. They were missing their friend, their Lord – their purpose in life. Why would they think this morning would be any different than the last? Why would they even venture the thought that on this day, hopelessness could be replaced with joy? But to their surprise, this sunrise brought unimagined hope and healing to anyone who would receive it.

Every sunrise brings the promise of a new beginning, new possibilities, and new hope. That’s what Sunrise Children’s Services’ name conveys, and that’s what this ministry has shared with hurting children and families in crisis since 1869.

Please pray that Sunrise’s name will continue to convey a new start to children and families throughout Kentucky, while its mission never waivers from the One whose “name is above every name.”

Article written by David Lyninger, Sunrise director of communications.