Hello!  My name is Matt Branum and my wife’s name is Kristy Branum and we are currently the houseparents at The Boy’s Home here at The Joy House.  My beloved wife, Kristy, and I grew up in a small town in Tennessee called Soddy Daisy.  It was there we met and formed a friendship in a local church youth group.  After high school, we started courting and were married a year later. I am a graduate of Belhaven University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management.  My wife, Kristy, has some college and received certifications through the SANS Institute.  She also worked with children in the Hamilton County School System.

We have been very blessed during our marriage.  We have three grown children: Rebekah, Andrew, and Katelyn.  All of our children are grown and building families of their own.  We currently have 2 wonderful grandchildren: Camden and Colt.

Kristy and I have always enjoyed working with children.  We have joyfully served in Sunday School, AWANA, Vacation Bible School, Church Van Ministry, Youth, etc.  Now that we are “empty nesters”, we began wondering what the Lord had in mind for us next.  Other substantial things started occurring in our lives, and we realized we were being called into full time ministry with children.

After much prayer and being in awe of God’s provisions, we were led to The Joy House.  Kristy and I were thrilled with what God was doing here.  Through the beautiful and peaceful grounds of The Joy House, God was helping to reconcile families by building a biblical foundation of God’s Truth.  What we saw solidified our decision to become fellow workers in this ministry.

Since joining The Joy House, the openness and genuine love shown by the staff has helped us fell welcome and ready to begin the next chapter of our lives. Our goal is to be part of The Joy House team and to follow the greatest commandment according to Jesus in Mark 12:30. "And thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment."

Matt and I have been houseparents at The Joy House Boys Home for just over a month, and we are so grateful that God placed us here!  Many people ask how did you find out about The Joy House?  Our answer is by God’s hand.  From the shock of Matt’s former job of 22 years being eliminated to praying about going into ministry work, God removed all obstacles and provided such peace when we arrived for our first interview visit.  Through it all we trusted God and He more than provided! 

Would you like to join the team at The Joy House in making a difference in the lives of the teens we serve. We are seeking a committed Christian as a classroom assistant to aid our teachers to facilitate the learning and academic success of our students. This is a part-time job 3 days a week 15 to 18 hours between the hours of 9:30-3:30. Pays $15 per hour. For more information on this opportuntiy click the link here. If you or someone you know is interested please reach out to Ron Rucker at ron@thejoyhouse.org.