The Ministry of Houseparenting

Perhaps the work of our houseparents can be best described by this brief essay from the hand of one of our finest –

Living is learning at Westview Boys' Home.  Each day that my wife and I serve as houseparents at the Home brings a new experience – sometimes good, sometimes challenging – but we always add that experience to our memory and use it to our advantage next time the occasion arises.

We have enjoyed our time here at Westview.  The ranch setting and wide open spaces between cottages truly lend itself to a home environment.  We spend more time together as a couple than we would otherwise.  We also appreciate the time that we have with our own children by being here together.

The farm and ranch environment is good for the boys, too.  Working with farm animals is a good learning experience for them.  They discover the value of taking care of an animal, and having it depend on them for its health and well being.  These are lessons that the boys will apply to their lives even after they have left Westview. 

Probably the most rewarding area of our work is the spiritual aspect.  Being there when a boy is baptized, watching him lead his first prayer or song at worship service, and hearing him offer biblical advice to another boy are all things that make this job worthwhile.  There is comfort in knowing that we are helping in the spiritual growth of these young men.  Someday they will be leaders in their own congregations and communities.

Westview is fortunate to have a staff that really does care about the boys’ welfare.  They are always ready to give us support in our work, whether helping with paperwork at the office, or actually being directly involved in the boys’ care.  I believe that this makes a difference in the whole environment of a home.  The boys see that they are cared about, and that they matter to someone.  This support of the Westview family makes them feel more like a part of a healthy, happy family.

This work is in need of Christian couples to help in the ministry of Christ.  Training up young men to be responsible and productive is one of the most important mission efforts in the world today.  We would like to invite you to join with us in sharing this rewarding work. 

A Westview houseparent