Four years ago, 11-year-old Tilden was first introduced to Cherokee Home for Children through friends he met at Heart of Texas Bible Camp. As he listened to their stories and learned about their experiences, he became deeply moved by the ministry of Cherokee Home and the impact it was having on the lives of children.
At the time, Tilden had recently started a lawn-mowing business. His parents had taught him the importance of managing money wisely by following a simple principle: save some, spend some, and give some. While his giving fund continued to grow, he had not yet decided where he wanted to donate. After learning more about Cherokee Home during camp, he spoke with camp director Robert about supporting the ministry.
Since then, Tilden has remained connected with his camp friends and continues to see firsthand how Cherokee Home has influenced their lives. He says that each year he witnesses the growth of their faith through the care, guidance, and opportunities they receive. Their perseverance and success despite difficult circumstances have strengthened his own faith as well.
After making that first donation, Tilden challenged himself to give more each year. As his mowing business has grown, it has become more than just a way to earn and save money for the future. It has also become a ministry of its own. Tilden strives to provide affordable, reliable lawn care for elderly neighbors who may struggle to pay the higher rates charged by larger lawn service companies. Over time, he has developed meaningful relationships with many of his clients.
When asked if any of them ever serve him cookies and lemonade while he works, Tilden laughed and replied, “One lady even gave me a jar of jelly!”
This year, at age 15, Tilden made a donation to Cherokee Home for the fourth consecutive year.
In addition to the impact he has made on the children at Cherokee Home, Tilden has set an inspiring example for his two younger sisters, Emily, 12, and Ann Elise, 10. Like their older brother, both girls possess entrepreneurial spirits and generous hearts. They have earned money by selling handmade crocheted items and candy at local farmers markets, and they, too, have been touched by the stories of their Cherokee Home friends at camp.
Ann Elise shared that the ministry is important to her because her parents have explained that some families face circumstances that make it difficult to care for their children. “That makes me sad,” she said. She hopes the money she donates will “be used for the kids to get to know God better and to really change their lives.”
Emily says it is especially meaningful to support a cause that helps people she knows personally. “It feels really good,” she said. “I find comfort in knowing I’m helping my friends.”
When asked what they would like the children at Cherokee Home to know, each sibling responded from the heart.
Tilden said, “Stay strong. Do what you can to learn about God while you have the chance.”
Emily simply shared, “They’re loved.”
And Ann Elise added, “God loves them, and they’ll always be loved.”
Their parents, Walt and Sarah Kate, are proud of the example their children are setting. They explained that they have always emphasized the importance of spending, saving, and giving.
“We talk about how nothing we have is truly ours,” Sarah Kate said. “It all belongs to God, and He is simply allowing us to use it. Since it wasn’t ours to begin with, we give back to God and support people who are doing His work as a way to show our gratitude and remain humble. We have been blessed with many resources, while others have not, so we believe it is our responsibility to help where we can.”
Walt and Sarah Kate hope these lessons will teach their children the values of selflessness and sacrifice. They want them to understand that it is more blessed to give than to receive and to develop a lifelong commitment to serving others. Most of all, they hope their children will grow into grateful, compassionate people who use their blessings to make a difference in the lives of others.
Through their generosity, hard work, and faith, Tilden, Emily, and Ann Elise are already doing just that.