An Interview with the Van Bebbers

Getting to Know You

Where are you from originally?

David grew up in Riley, KS. Valerie's parents were military. She was born in Panama and continued to move all over growing up. Both David and Valerie were living in Linn Valley, KS prior to moving to Portales. 

Can you tell us a little about your family?

We have a twenty-two-year-old son John, nineteen-year-old daughter Evelyn, sixteen-year-old daughter Violet, and a nine-year-old-son Elisha. John and Evelyn have flown the nest, while Violet and Elisha have moved along with us to New Mexico. Our family enjoys playing board games and music trivia. Valerie enjoys gardening, puzzles, and art whenever time allows. Violet enjoys time with her friends, working out, and has a bubbly personality. Elisha enjoys being a nine-year-old boy, playing games, and action figures. David enjoys reading, working out and staying active, and is currently a Ph.D. student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

What were you doing before becoming houseparents?

Before we became houseparents, David was a pastor at Linn Valley Community Church and professor at Spurgeon College. Valerie was lead teacher for a daycare. 

The Journey Here

How did you first hear about New Mexico Baptist Children's Home?

After years of praying about adoption and foster care, only to see the door close numerous times, David spotted the opening for houseparents on the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Jobs Board. After talking with Valerie and praying about what it might look like to have a position like this, the two decided to prayerfully apply and trust the Lord to open or close doors. He opened the doors each step of the way, and David and Valerie arrived in Portales on February 3, 2025, with Elisha and Violet.

What made you consider stepping into this kind of ministry?

We had both felt that our time in pastoral ministry was coming to an end and God had called us somewhere else. Neither of us knew exactly what was on the horizon. We continued to pray for three years, seeking wisdom on what was next. Knowing how we both cared for children and discovering the wonderful ministry NMBCH was doing, we felt called to pursue this opportunity. 

Was there a particular moment when you felt clearly called to be houseparents?

After visiting the campus in December of 2024, we both felt strongly that God had His hand in houseparenting. Afterward, we watched God open all the doors and handle each concern that popped up. 

Life as Houseparents

What has the transition into this role been like for your family?

The transition has been overall good. While there have been some new terrain for the children, there are by far many more good days than rough days. With the staff all on the same page in their calling to this ministry, they have walked beside us making the transition an amazing one. 

What does a "typical" day look like in your home?

A typical school day looks like most households, maybe just with more children. David is up at 4:00 am doing his devotional, prayer time, and working on a paper or project for his Ph.D. until about 6:00 am when Valerie begins breakfast for the kids. All the children wake up between 6:15 and 6:30 am, eat breakfast, take care of their rooms, and then off to school! There may be one or two kids with morning appointments. During the day, David and Valerie do various things, from laundry, running errands, straightening upt he living room or dining room, doing meal prep, or mowing; it can look slightly different depending on the day, and the week. Once the kids return from school, it's snacks followed by housework time! If no appointments or activities are scheduled, the kids enjoy playing outside, tag, scooters, bikes, or ball games until dinner. After dinner, it's everyone's favorite—chore time! As the day winds down, the kids get ready for bed, and the night ends with our devotion. Devotion is a sweet time as the kdis pray for each other and enjoy conversation. Then off to bed around 8:30 pm. 

What is something that has surprised you about the kids or the experience?

It is surprising to us how most of the children are eager to pray and talk real-life Christian struggles. Seeing the generosity and the support from the New Mexico Baptist churches has been such a tremendous encouragement. 

Do you have a favorite memory or moment with the children so far?

So far, both Valerie and David's favorite memory was watching the sidewalk-chalk covered children play and splash in the puddles left by the storm. The laughter without any worries in that moment was awesome.

Heart and Mission

What does it mean to you to be part of helping rewrite a child's future?

If God is so gracious to use our daily conversations and life to speak into these children's lives it is amazing and humbling. To be apart of a direct command to "take care of orphans and widows" is a true blessing. It was this very mindset that captured our hearts about this ministry. It's clear in every aspect of what is done at the Home everyone here is seeking to glorify God by helping children's future be rewritten. 

How has your faith shaped the way you approach your role as houseparents?

For Valerie, already God has used this experience to grow more. She hopes to share her faith through her actions, in love, to the children.

For Dave, the role of his faith in shaping the way he approaches being a houseparent has been seen most significantly in being reminded that each day the Lord can use the simple acts in shaping how the kids understand who Christ is. It has caused him to pray more and even forced him to truly rely on the Lord to grant him compassion for each of the kids. 

What helps you stay encouraged or grounded on tough days?

On the tough days, or the days when we feel less than adequate, reminding ourselves that God is sovereign is key. If we feel God truly called us here, and we do see the confirmation of this, we trust that the Lord will give us what is needed to get through. 

Looking Ahead

When you look ahead a couple of years, what do you hope your ministry looks like? What do you hope you've accomplished by then? And how do you think this role will shape your walk with Christ?

Looking ahead, we hope to see each and every cottage full of children. We hope that the children who we are invested in know that we are in their corner and see that we love them, but more importantly, that they see God's love through us. We imagine our walk with Christ will only grow knowing we cannot do anything without constantly abiding in Him. We hope, likewise, to have a more willing heart for the kids. We pray the Lord will gift us greater compassion with each passing year that is renewed with each new child that arrives here. We hope that in the years ahead our love for Christ will only multiply and we will grow more to know Christ's love for us as a result of being here. 

How can our supporters be praying for you or encouraging you?

Pray for our health. We both desire to give the kids here our full energy, which will require us to stay healthy. Pray for our children to grow in Christ and to form strong relationships here in Portales. Pray, too, that Valerie and David will grow in the love for and knowledge of Christ so they can share it with the kids here.