Randy Harling, who took the helm as president of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home on Sept. 2, says his predecessor, Ben Davis, has been a “godsend” to the ministry, especially in guiding the institution through the Great Recession that peaked in 2008.

“Those were dark days for most non-profits, but Ben led Connie Maxwell through that period,” said Harling. “The position we’re in today is largely because of Ben’s leadership.”

Harling also described Davis and his wife, Polly, as a “great team” whose 21 years of leadership were marked with “integrity and great vigor.”

Connie Maxwell’s new president hopes South Carolina Baptists will be in prayer for the approximately 200 children who will be served by the ministry this year. “Let us pray that the area of greatest growth and healing for these children is in their souls,” he said.

Harling formerly served as pastor of Simpsonville First Baptist Church, where he led his church to begin a ministry called “A Home for Me” in order to enhance foster care opportunities for church members. He and his wife, Sherri, have fostered four boys and are the parents of two adult sons.

Ronald L. Carroll, chairman of Connie Maxwell’s board of trustees, said Harling’s leadership will ensure that “a legacy of capable and committed individuals who have given their lives to the provision of homes for children who have none … will live on.”

Harling is a graduate of Furman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.