Raleigh’s Place began as a foster home not long after Raleigh went to be with the Lord. When the Kings began fostering children, they quickly realized that the needs of foster children were abundant. So the Lord called them to uproot their family and purchase land in Clanton, AL.
This land was old hunting property with thick pine and hardwood trees. The vision was to convert this property into a farm so that children would have plenty of space to play but also learn responsibility by caring for animals. This vision also included clearing land for a big house and a summer camp. As we raised funds to begin this work, the Kings lived in a double wide trailer. Have you ever heard of 12 people living in a trailer before? It was quite the experience and required creativity and a few additions but it was a great time as everyone involved was so excited about what the Lord was about to do.
During this time of 2-3 years of fundraising, much work was done on the property. Land was cleared, pastures were put into place, animals were obtained, and the children were thriving. Finally in 2009, work began to build the Raleigh’s Place home, what we affectionately refer to as “The Big House.” The Big House is an 11 bedroom & 6.5 bathroom home that has served many foster children since completion. The Kings moved into the Big House after it was completed and continued to foster many children until they “retired” from fostering in 2015 (although they have still received placements since then).
The Kings’ home stayed full of foster children. Sharon says, “We have been foster parents to over 210 children. These are children who have watched one parent kill another in front of them, who were left for dead, who had to choose between hunger or sexual molestation, who were burned with cigarettes, who were physically abused, who never learned to read or write, who were homeless, who were kidnapped, and other unimaginable horrors.” What Raleigh’s Place did for many of these children was bring healing and restoration. Most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented and modeled to every single child who called Raleigh’s Place home.
The Kings increased their family by adopting 9 of their foster children. During this time, many other great things happened at Raleigh’s Place including the building and beginning of Camp 1:27 (which will be featured next week). Time and again the Lord has blessed the work and ministry of Raleigh’s Place. Lives have been radically changed because one family used tragedy in their lives to do great things for God’s glory.
After the Kings “retired” from fostering, house parents were called to continue fostering in the Big House. The Lord continued to work through these families as they took in many more children while continuing to model Christ’s love and proclaim the Gospel. The Raleigh’s Place home is active today as a foster home but we have plans to expand this ministry to serve even more foster children and families in the future. We cannot wait to announce this revamped approach in the near future!
Foster homes are such a great way to directly impact the life of a foster child. What better way to show love to someone than to open your home to them so they can have a safe, comfortable place to live? The potential to minister to children in your own home is endless. Please prayerfully consider opening your home and heart to foster children. They need you!
