Get to know the Hixes!
Dave and Laurie Hix began serving as girls’ houseparents at New Song this past June, and we are so thankful they have joined us in ministry. We hope you enjoy the Q&A below to learn more about Dave and Laurie—please keep them in your prayers!
Q: Will you please share some of your background?
A: We have been in ministry together for thirty years. Dave has served both as a youth pastor and a pastor in a church, as well as the head of our own mission’s-related ministry. We have been blessed to lead multiple mission’s trips, that last one of which was a trip to the Philippines—working with the children there was the catalyst to our becoming houseparents. Before coming to New Song, we were houseparents at a boys’ home in Tennessee.
Q: What draws you to be in ministry with at-risk kids?
A: We find ministry to children to be the most rewarding of all of the ministry opportunities we’ve had; it’s where we feel the most called. At-risk kids need ministered to, and we are grateful for the opportunity to do just that.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with the kids in your home?
A: This is the first time we have been houseparents in a girl’s home! The girls are a little more cautious when new people come into their lives, perhaps because of some insecurities. We have found much enjoyment in watching some of the girls slowly let down their walls and allow us to hear their thoughts and ideas and, on occasion, speak into their lives.
Q: What are some of the fun things you do with the children?
A: We love playing different games with the students and laughing together! Some of our most enjoyable moments are when we make up fun, crazy competitions and challenges. Laurie loves leading and teaching new board games to the girls. We appreciate how board and card games teach more than just how to play the game itself. Recently we all enjoyed playing balloon volleyball together in the basement—lots of screams, laughter, and fun!
Q: How have you seen the girls grow since you’ve been at New Song?
A: In an environment like houseparenting, we are given a front-row seat to watch students wrestle and overcome many personal issues they struggle with. We have watched girls learn how to surrender their opinion or will for another. We have watched girls who were too shy to speak slowly learn to share their thoughts. We have watched timid students eventually allow us to lead them and help them through conflicts and decision making. But oftentimes in houseparenting, we are planting seeds, and much of the fruit is produced later in life.
Q: What is one of the more meaningful conversations or experiences you have had with one of the girls in your home?
A: We’ve had a young lady notice her own shortcomings, admit to them, and show the desire to surrender her old ways for healthier options. We get so encouraged by the small steps our girls take, and as we teach and mentor them it challenges us to follow suit regarding issues in our own lives.
Q: How does the Lord equip houseparents to help kids?
A: There is no way we could even think about doing this kind of work without the Lord’s daily provision, strength, care for us, intervention, love and leading. There is no good thing in either of us outside of Jesus.
Q: How would you describe New Song to our readers?
A: New Song is here to offer hope, godly assistance, and a safe haven to students coming from difficult backgrounds and seasons in their lives.
Q: What are the greatest challenges you have as houseparents?
Houseparenting is a demanding job which doesn’t allow for much individual free time. The hours are all day through bedtime, and a good night’s sleep is hard to come by. Again, this is where the Lord miraculously equips us every day to make it through with patience and strength.
Q: How can our supporters pray for you?
A: Please pray for continued strength, daily renewal, good health, energy, insight, and wisdom for dealing with each student with grace, mercy, and patience.
Q: What are some fun facts about each of you?
A: Dave enjoys geocaching as a hobby—some of you may have to look that hobby up! Kids and adults alike love it. He had the opportunity to be an extra in the movie War Room. Laurie enjoys photography and playing board games. She has lived in fourteen different states and in Germany, as her dad served in the military, and she and Dave ministered in several communities.