Meet Cindy and Paul Barnhardt, a couple nearing their 70s with almost 50 years of marriage, a lifetime of serving others, and a faith that has carried them through every season. Two years ago, they sold their home, left their family, and moved to Nashville, TN, without jobs, without knowing anyone, but with one conviction: "Someone needs whatever we have."

Since then, they’ve served their church faithfully, as marriage coaches, small group leaders, and volunteers, pouring into others wherever God opens the door.

Recently, that door opened in a way they never expected...

The Call to Step In:

Through The Belonging Co church’s prison ministry, Cindy and Paul learned about a mother currently serving time who is due to give birth in two months. Her deepest fear? Losing custody of her baby.

A private organisation connected with the prison helps place children in loving, private foster homes* until their mothers are released from prison. But because her parole isn’t for another three years, her request was initially denied.

Then came the message about this situation:

Cindy's response: “I could hear a mom in a jail cell crying out to God for her son.”

Paul's response: “I heard the cry of a little boy who needs a home.”

And just like that, they said Yes!

After nearly five decades of marriage, Cindy and Paul are stopping for the ones who "need what they have." They are preparing to welcome a newborn into their home, providing a safe, nurturing environment while building a relationship with his mother so that when she reunites with her child, they will be like extended family.

This is not a one-time act; it marks the beginning of a three-year journey. One that you can be a part of!

*Note: This is not a typical state-run foster placement. Because Cindy and Paul are partnering with a private organization to care for the newborn, no financial assistance is provided by the state.

Why We’re Raising Support:

Cindy and Paul live on a limited income. Their church community has rallied around them, providing a baby shower, car seats, a crib, clothes, and offers of help. But raising a newborn comes with many initial start-up and ongoing expenses.

Your gift will help with:

Total Goal: $32,860

How You Can Help:

Not all of us are called to adopt. Not all of us are called to foster. But as believers, we are called to care for the orphan and the widow: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” (James 1:27)

Here’s how you can be part of this journey:

1. Give: Every dollar goes directly toward the baby’s care and the practical needs of Cindy and Paul.

2. Provide a meal: Sign up to bring dinner once a week or month. (more info to come).

3. Help with housework or babysitting: Lighten their load so they can focus on loving this child.

4. Join the prayer list: Commit to praying for the baby, for mom, and Cindy & Paul.

5. Share this campaign: The more people know, the more support we can gather.

Stay Connected:

If you’d like periodic updates on this journey, or to be added to the volunteer/prayer list, please contact Stephen, the organizer of this campaign.

This is a community story. When one family says Yes, we all have the chance to stand with them with our Yes! Thank you for helping Cindy and Paul show this child and his mother that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.