Summit VII in Louisville in May

In just 2 months, over 1000 advocates for the plight of the orphan worldwide will descend on Louisville, KY, to attend Summit VII hosted by The Christian Alliance for Orphans. The annual Summit has become a national hub for Christians committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan initiatives rooted in the local church.

May 12-13, 2011 ♦ Southeast Christian Church ♦ Louisville, KY

JOIN organization leaders, grassroots advocates, pastors, and ministry entrepreneurs sharing your passion.

ENCOUNTER the gathering hub of orphan ministry partnership, networking and inspiration for service.

BUILD knowledge, resources and practical skills via more than 75 workshops & unforgettable speakers and music.

Click to Register ->

 

Pray for the 5 million Ethiopia orphans

As announced, on March 10, 2011, the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs reduced the processing of intercountry adoption cases from 50 per day to 5 per day.

The Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs approves the matching of orphans with families before the cases are heard in the Ethiopian court.

There is still uncertainty as to how this will affect cases the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs has already approved and sent on to Ethiopian Court.

According to joint council US Embassy officials have a scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs for Monday, March 14, 2011.

In attempts to alleviate international scrutiny over alleged corruption in the system, Ethiopia has been adjusting its adoption procedures for some time now. Many believe this cut back is an unnecessary overreaction to only a few instances of corruption.

Please continue to pray for the 5 million orphans in Ethiopia!

 

HT: Jeremy Haskins

 

TV movie “Change of Plans” airs this Saturday night

The made-for-TV movie “Change of Plans” airs this Saturday night (8 PM, 7 Central).   Following the movie, there will be a LIVE 45 minute webcast on adoption and foster care.  Viewers will be able to submit questions to a panel of experts, including former Alliance Board member Paul Pennington, director of Hope for Orphans.

Read the entire post here…

HT: Christian Alliance for Orphans blog

 

Orphan Sunday at LaGrange Baptist Nov. 7, ’10

Orphan Sunday is November 7.  After the worship service on that date, we will host a Q&A session for families interested in pursuing adoption.  Couples who have recently adopted from China, Ethiopia, and the USA, will be available to answer questions and share their experiences of adding to their family through adoption. If you would like to attend the session, please bring your own brown bag lunch.

 

Which Country?

Which Country?  When telling others of our plans to adopt, one of the first questions asked of us was, “Why Ethiopia?” Upon deciding to pursue adoption, we contacted Loving Shepherd Ministries (www.loving-shepherd.org), whose mission is to nurture abandoned, orphaned and at-risk children around the world and mobilize and empower Christians to do the same. We submitted the assessment form (age, employment, health information, length of marriage, state of residence, etc.) online. They responded by providing information about domestic adoption and a listing of international countries from which we were eligible to adopt.

Our hearts almost instantly decided on international adoption, mostly because of the “stability” of the process versus the possible openness of domestic adoption – specifically the heartbreak of a birthparent changing his/her mind at the last minute*.  Additionally, due to the interview/selection process involved in a domestic adoption, this could have resulted in becoming parents quickly (unlikely) or within a 3- to 5- year time period. We communicated our preferred course of action to Loving Shepherd Ministries (LSM), who then provided us with information on each of our eligible countries and provided details such as  the average age of children available for adoption, the estimated cost for each program, the number of required trips to the country, medical ratings, the length of the process from application to referral, the number of U.S. adoptions finalized the previous year, etc.

I attempted to be analytical by compiling a spreadsheet, but after weeks of praying, we found Ethiopia was within the top choices on each of our “mind-lists.” In the days and weeks following, it was simply a “turning of our hearts,” as we were not able to concretely identify WHY we chose to pursue a child from Africa; it simply seemed that our child was there.

With assistance from LSM, we began the process of finding a local agency able to compile a home study and an adoption agency qualified to place Ethiopian children with U.S.  families.

The previous paragraphs contain lots of details, and that is a large part of the adoption process. There are numerous government regulations, social agencies and policies involved.  But “behind the scenes” of adoption (and parenthood) are the heart strings. Adoption is a calling to not only give a child a home, but also a family. It’s an opportunity to not only share your love with a child, but also the love of Christ. It’s not simply about expanding a family; it’s also a chance to expand God’s kingdom. 143 million children are orphans worldwide. God has a plan for each of them and work for each of us.

As families contemplate the important decision of adoption, please feel free to contact LSM with any questions or concerns and refer to LSM’s Adoption Church Partnership Manual.

“O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear, to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed…” Psalm 10:17-18.

*LSM does not prefer or recommend one kind of adoption over another. Many of our clients have experienced wonderful and fulfilling domestic adoptions as well as international. LSM works with couples to help them discover what kind of adoption is right for them based on their personal hopes, dreams and fears.

HT: Loving Shepherd Ministries e-bulletin

 

The Decision

The Decision:  We wanted our family to grow larger and share the blessings and experience of raising a child. I am not 100 percent certain when we actually began discussing adoption; it was quite a few years ago. It was always a desire of my husband’s to adopt a child, and while I thought it was an okay idea, it was not something I had anticipated as being part of my life. We broached the topic on and off for months. Slowly God began to create a new vision in my mind and heart as to what our family would look like, but I couldn’t bring myself to act on it.

We decided it was time to put it all on the table and make a decision.  We discussed our fears and concerns: What if I don’t like being a mom and want to send our child back? What about bonding and attachment? What if our child hates us? Can we manage the expense? Will our families accept and celebrate our decision? Is this God’s plan for our lives? How can we be certain?

Finally, after long discussions, we made a decision: We would begin the adoption process. I was committed to our decision, but it was hard. Then God sent a friend my way. She said to me, “Your fear is paralyzing you from doing what you want to do, what you should do. Your decision is not a bad one. You are simply afraid of the process. God wants to give you this gift; let Him!” Her words gave me courage; my husband’s patience gave me confidence; God’s nearness gave me peace … and so we continued taking steps forward to start our adoption.

As families contemplate the important decision of adoption, please refer to LSM’s Church Partnership Manual and the following handouts:  “Stepping out in the Unknown: Beginning Questions” and “Stepping Out in the Unknown:  Motives & Expectations.”

HT: Loving Shepherd Ministries e-bulletin

 

2010-Oct.16: Adoption Seminar at Eastside Christian Church

The Orphan Care Alliance will be presenting an Adoption Seminar on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. This fall it is being hosted by Eastside Christian Church in Jeffersonville, IN. The free seminar presents information about the different types of adoptions from a Christian perspective. The day starts with a continental breakfast and a keynote presentation about the Christian call to care for orphans. Several breakout sessions will follow, addressing such topics as Funding, Adoptions myths, Making choices, Choosing agencies, and more. Lunch is also provided. For more information and registration go to www.adoptedindiana.org or click the image below:

HT: Orphan Care Alliance

 

The Newest Barlow Girl

Exciting news! Dear friends Bob and Shan Barlow are now in China picking up their new daughter Raeanna. You may follow their exciting journey on Shan’s blog at theroadtoraeanna.blogspot.com/. You’ll find the loving details of an almost 12 month journey to add the fourth child to their family.

At the beginning of the summer Keith and Donna went to Ethiopia to adopt a girl and boy. They’ve settled in by now.

May the children’s lives, the adopting family’s life, the life of our church, and the watching world around us be forever impacted for the good.

 

Orphan Sunday – November 7, 2010

We are called to defend the fatherless…to care for the child that has no family…to visit orphans in their distress…to show the love of Christ to the ‘least of these’. On Orphan Sunday 2010, Christians across the nation and around the world will stand up for the orphan.

Orphan Sunday is an opportunity to invite the church and our community to respond to God’s call to care for the orphan. On this Sunday in November, Christians will stand for the orphan through hundreds of events across America and beyond, all sharing a single goal: that God’s great love for the orphan will echo in our lives as well. Through sermons and small groups, concerts and prayer gatherings — each event will focus on rousing believers with God’s call to care for the orphan…and what we can do in response.

Visit www.orphansunday.org for more information and some great resources to help you and your church join the movement to live out God’s heart for the orphan.

 

LBC Students serving fatherless this summer

There are some College and High School students from among us who are serving the fatherless this summer. Please pray for them as they minister to the “least of these” overseas.

Hannah G, Ryan R:  with Xtreme Impact in Zambia – July 3-24:

They will be at Liberty University’s campus from the 3rd till the 6th of July and then in Zambia for 2 weeks. During the 2 weeks, they will be going into the villages to really do children’s ministry, working with an orphan school, as seen in this LINK, and doing some children’s-church type things. Hope Art, a unique fundraising ministry provides for the needs of orphans in Zambia. In the United States, this ministry sells Hope Art bracelets shipped from missionaries in Zambia.

Anna D: intern with Orphan Outreach in Honduras – June 12 to July 14:

You can follow her activities as well as others in the field at the OO blog HERE.

Here is a LINK to a powerful video about the area she’ll be serving in Tegucigalpa, Honduras near Trash Mountain.  The Trash Mountain Project began as a response to live the command to serve orphans and widows who have no other place to turn but to Him.

 

Be a Life-Coach to young people in need

Are you a retired teacher, coach, businessperson, or the parent of adult children?  We need you.  Every year 300 children “age out” of the Kentucky Foster Care system.  At the ripe old age of 18 years, these adults are released into society without any family attachments.  Sadly, many find attachments in crime and eventually live out their lives in prison (80% of prisoners spent their youth in foster care).  YOU can make a difference to them.  The Orphan Care Alliance is seeking mature adults to serve as “Life Coaches” for the kids who are “aging out” of foster care.  The time commitment is 3-6 hours per month.  You will be trained and matched by Christian professionals.  If you are interested, please click HERE to send an email.

 

How do I talk to my kids about adoption?‏

Here is a very helpful video from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation where CCEF faculty member Julie Lowe responding to the question “how do I talk to my kids about their adoption?” Visit them at http://www.ccef.org.

HT: Together for Adoption

 

Sep.10-11: Empowered to Connect Conference

There is an upcoming conference that is designed to equip families, professionals, and churches to bring hope and healing to adopted and foster children. Show Hope is partnering with Empowered To Connect to present the Empowered To Connect Post-Adoption Conference during September 10-11, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. This two day conference will be hosted at Covenant Presbyterian Church by longtime Show Hope board members Dan and Terri Coley. This conference features two tracks with sessions and workshops led by Dr. Karyn Purvis (author of the book: The Connected Child) and Michael and Amy Monroe. This weekend will encourage you in the lifelong journey of adoption. Mark your calendars for September 10 and 11.

Learn more about this conference at the link below:

www.showhope.org/connect

If you have not heard Dr. Purvis speak, I think you will be amazed by her humble, yet profoundly knowledgeable presentation. Additionally, Dan and Terri Coley, who will also be presenting, bring a wealth of personal experience to the table. This is one conference sure to encourage any adoptive parent!

HT: Orphan Care Alliance

 

Oct.1-2: Together for Adoption National Conference

Together for Adoption Conference 2010 will be October 1-2, 2010, in Austin, Texas, hosted by The Austin Stone Community Church and Hill Country Bible Church, and in partnership with by Hope for Orphans. Our conference theme is “The Gospel, the Church, and the Global Orphan Crisis.” Lord willing, the 2010 conference will be our largest and most helpful conference yet, with gospel-saturated general sessions, longer breakout sessions, and more time to network with other churches, organizations, and adoptive families. We’re intentionally structuring the conference around the gospel and community (see conference schedule)

Lord willing, the 2010 conference will be the largest and most helpful conference yet, with gospel-saturated general sessions, longer breakout sessions, and more time to network with other churches, organizations, and adoptive families.

Click HERE to register.

HT: Orphan Care Alliance

 

Ethiopian orphans need families

Johnny Carr, a member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans’s “Church Orphan Ministry Advisory Council”, wrote an op-ed on Ethiopian orphans in the Washington Post recently. The piece highlights the vast need, warning “the future of Ethiopia’s children is heading toward a crisis of epic proportion if measurable and immediate action is not taken.” Here is an excerpt:

While most orphanages are built in good faith they are usually built in response to a crisis. In 2009, Americans adopted 2,277 Ethiopian children. It is easy to see that the numbers just do not add up even with the addition of other countries adopting from Ethiopia. We must be proactive in our approach and not just responsive. Orphanages should not be viewed as acceptable long-term solutions for children. Man has made orphanages for children, but God made the family for children. How then do we place as many children in families as possible?

Read the entire post HERE at The Washington Post online.

HT: Christian Alliance For Orphans BLOG

 

Are we really considering the cost?

— I love this brother’s perspective on the financial “challenges” regarding adopting orphans. Praise God that LaGrange Baptist recently established an Adoption Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans, that can help! Think how much money Christians could invest on meeting the needs of the “least of these” if we focused less on physical structures and amenities in our churches!

by Jeremy Haskins, Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Lexington, KY

Last night an older gentlemen at church cornered me and asked, “How much does it cost to adopt from Ethiopia?”  When I answered the question, the man looked as if he would literally pass out.  He then acted amazed that anyone could actually do it.

I began thinking about the reality that no one acts so shocked when they find out how much we pay for our cars and houses. And yet, the cost of an adoption is a cost for which we have no context to consider.

It’s true that one of the very first questions folks have to ask when considering adoption is, “How much does it cost?”  The issue of finances is probably the biggest obstacle families face when adopting. Most families will spend the majority of the process raising funds, while trying to figure out how to pay pressing fees.  Obviously, families who want to adopt will have to consider the financial cost.  But, is there a far greater cost we are all failing to consider?

The sad reality is that there are many couples choosing not to adopt because they feel the money just isn’t available.  There are others who are refusing to help support them because it feels irrelevant, even when it comes to the enterprise of kingdom investments.  Meanwhile, we all seem to be thinking hard about how to squeeze enough money out of our monthly budgets for fast food and new cell phone apps.

When it comes to caring for orphaned children around the world, the cost is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.  Whether you are the face of love for a child without a family or you help give so some else can be, the issue is not the money.  The issue is obeying Jesus. The cost is one of ignoring Him and His brothers and sisters who presently languish in abandonment.

Jesus gives us a breakdown of the price paid for this in Matthew 25:41-46

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

May we be more shocked by what it will cost us to ignore Jesus than what it cost to adopt one of the least of these!

 

Is Embryo Adoption Immoral?

From Russell Moore…

I received an email from a man who was upset about a couple in his extended family who are pursuing a so-called “snowflake adoption,” the adoption of a “frozen embryo” (to use, for clarity’s purpose only, the satanically clinical lingo of the current era). This couple had been led to do this after reading Adopted for Life, so he wanted to correspond.

How, he wondered, could I support this kind of adoption when I am opposed (and I am, strongly) to in vitro fertilization (IVF), donor assisted reproduction, and other technologies that violate the one-flesh union and the relationship between love and procreation. The same thing, he argued, is going on here with a donor embryo being implanted in an adopting mother’s womb.

First of all, there is no such thing as a “donor embryo.”

Click HERE To read the entire post.

HT: Mark Peterson: Taking Heaven By Storm

 

Adoption is both complicated and beautiful

I wish it was a perfect happy world where the need for adoption did not exist, but we all know we’re a long way from that world. In the United States and all around the globe children are waiting on us to respond. Adoption is not easy. The process itself is incredibly difficult and painful. Helping children heal can be a horrific thing to witness. But – I don’t think that changes anything, I still believe we are called to respond.

Adoption is both complicated and beautiful. Each of my children are wonderfully complicated and beautiful. I grieve that my children spent 14 months, 9 months and 10 weeks institutionalized and largely neglected. I know that hurt them and is a permanent part of their story. But I rejoice that love heals many wounds. I pray for children waiting in institutions. No one will ever convince me institutions are an okay place for children. Every child deserves an opportunity to be cared for, cherished, loved.

Aaron Ivey is a good friend. Paige loves this song of his about adoption and it has been playing (blaring) at our house a lot these past few weeks. Every time Isaac hears it he says, “Mama, this is that song about fighting to get us home – right??” He loves that image of being fought for … I do too. I have a Father who fought for me, and continues to fight for me. I want to do the same for my children.

Enjoy it – (it’s awesome) and please, pray for the millions of children going to sleep tonight with no mommy and no daddy and no one to make them feel special and loved.

by Jason Kovacs [The above is a good word from our friends, the Livesays (missionaries in Haiti)]

HT: the ABBA Fund Blog

 

Should Children Ever Be Removed from Their Culture through Adoption?

Is it ever in the best interest of a child to remove them from their culture through adoption? In the debate over international adoption, this is one of the most common questions and issues raised against international adoption. I have found Dr. Elizabeth Bartholet’s arguments to be very helpful:

International adoption critics treat children as necessarily ‘belonging’ to their countries of birth. They defer to national governments as having important rights at stake, and accord overwhelming significance to the often arbitrary lines separating countries. This translates into policy preferences for virtually all in-country options as compared to out-of-country adoption, and into mandatory holding periods which delay and often entirely deny such adoption.  But children’s fundamental human rights to grow up in a nurturing family should trump nation-state rights to hold on to children. Moreover, keeping unparented children in their countries of origin does nothing to actually strengthen the economic and political situation of those countries. It is simply a symbolic way for the powerless to stand up to the powerful, for countries formerly victimized by colonialism to make an anti-colonialist statement. And it exploits the least powerful of all, the children of the poorest groups in these countries. Ironically these are often the children of the indigenous groups that were the primary victims of colonialism, while the rulers who decide to hold on to these children are often the descendants of the colonial invaders.

International adoption critics say they promote in-country solutions because this serves children’s heritage rights.  But this is retrograde thinking which ill-serves children’s real needs. Children are not defined in some essentialist way by the particular spot where they were born. Science provides no basis for believing that children are better off if raised in their community of origin (Bartholet, 2007a, pp. 360–361). Nor does common sense. Had Barack Obama been born in Kenya instead of Kansas, would we view him as deprived of his Kenyan heritage by being raised in the US? Was he deprived of his Kansas heritage by being raised in Hawaii and Indonesia? Is he deprived or enriched by his complex national, racial and ethnic heritage?  His testimony, as revealed in books and speeches, indicates that he feels enriched and empowered to act more effectively.

We live in a world increasingly defined by globalization, with adults eager to cross national boundaries for economic and other opportunities. Some 1.6 million per year immigrate to the US alone, and immigrants constitute 12.5 per cent of the US population.

In this world it would be laughable to argue that adults should be prevented from leaving their country of birth so they could enjoy their heritage rights. It would be thought outrageous for nations to hold on to adults behind walled boundaries because they constitute ‘precious resources’.  Heritage and state sovereignty claims can only be made in the international adoption context because children are involved, and children are peculiarly incapable of protesting.  Truly honoring children’s rights would require abandoning such talk, treating children as full members of the global community and responding to their most fundamental needs.

[from ‘International Adoption: The Human Rights Position’ By Elizabeth Bartholet]

HT: The ABBA Fund Blog

 

Adoptive Families Can Thrive

We are saddened and dismayed by the recent news of a family who abandoned and sent their adopted 7-year-old Russian boy on a one-way flight to Moscow.

This tragedy has led to allegations and concerns against intercountry adoption. According to Joint Council on International Children’s Services, the fear is that “adoption is not safe, the system failed and adopted children cause insurmountable problems. The abandonment of Artyem Savilliev (the 7-year-old boy) has elevated a singular incident to a level which may result in the suspension of intercountry adoption.”

We understand that there has been a call by the Russian government for a moratorium on all U.S. adoptions from Russia. Currently, it is unclear how serious the calls for the moratorium are or how widespread the ban would be. It is also unclear if the moratorium would impact families that are already in the adoption process and matched and if those families would be allowed to finalize their adoptions.

Suspending adoption, even temporarily, will only cause thousands of children to suffer the debilitating effects of life in an orphanage. Please pray for this situation. The actions of one parent are not indicative of how children are treated by adoptive families. For those families who are struggling, it is LSM’s belief that help is available, solutions can be found and families can thrive. Please keep the future of intercountry adoption and the safety and future of Artyem in your prayers. Suspending adoption does not protect children but only subjects them to the depravity of an institution and hardships … and an entire life without a family.

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to adoption, please feel free to contact:

Jen Schwartz, B.A. Psy
Adoption Services Manager
Loving Shepherd Ministries
jen@loving-shepherd.org

HT: Loving Shepherd Ministries

 

When Adoption Isn’t What You Expected

Karen Parker-Pope of The New York Times published an interesting article a couple days ago entitled “Understanding Post-Adoption Depression.” Parker-Pope premised the article on an interview she conducted with Dr. Karen J. Foli, a nursing professor at Purdue University, who is also an adoptive parent.

Dr. Foli interviewed 21 parents who had adopted children ranging in age from newborn to 12 years. She shares a handful of hypotheses as to why a number of these parents experience depression after bringing their child home. In summarizing Dr. Foli’s findings, Parker-Pope writes:

“The research, published in this month’s Western Journal of Nursing Research, found that the depression experienced by adoptive parents often stemmed from unmet or unrealistic expectations of the parenting experience.”

In my experience, a prospective adoptive family’s expectations and motivations have nearly everything to do with their post-placement experience. Tapestry, a ministry of Irving Bible Church to adoptive and foster families has created a short questionnaire entitled “Ten Questions to Consider as You Explore Adoption.”

If you’re considering whether adoption is right for you and your family, download the questionnaire and work through the questions with your spouse (if you’re married), with family and close friends, or even with another adoptive family.

HT: Adoptive Dads blog

 

How can LBC become more ‘adoption-friendly’? #4

World Magazine article, Look After Orphans (Paul Golden, January 30, 2010), presents 20 proactive ways in which our church can answer the call to ‘look after orphans in their distress’ (James 1:27).

3. Invite guest speakers to raise awareness of adoption needs and opportunities. Those who lead adoption ministries can share their passion with your church in small groups, Sunday school, and services. Give church members the opportunity to hear about these needs while giving them ways to help.

4. Make adoption resources available to the church family. A wealth of adoption resources—both secular and Christian—can be helpful to couples considering adoption. Most of the time misconceptions about the adoption process keep families from considering adoption. The church can provide helpful facts for couples to make informed decisions.

Dr. Russel Moore introduced our church to the ministry of caring for orphans back in March of 2009 when the Just O.N.E. Ministry was kicked off. Since then we have heard from Justin Taylor last fall speak on  “Adoption” (click HERE to listen). Over the last year we have seen a number of videos during services, educating the congregation about the plight of orphans around the world as well as the need of foster kids right here in Kentucky.

We have had two lunch and learns with the primary purpose to educate interested families about resources, both informational and financial. Inspiring messages from the 2009 Summit V Christian Alliance for Orphans conference are available on CD for borrowing from the church library. It is the goal of the Just ONE ministry to remove hurdles that prevent LBC families from considering following God’s call to care for orphans, especially through adoption.

 

New Adoption Tax Credit‏

Good news for newly adoptive families from the health care bill signed into law today.  The adoption tax credit has been extended until the end of 2011 and increased from $12,170 to $13,170 for adoptions occurring after January 1, 2010 (it’s retroactive).  Even better, the credit is now refundable.

Amidst the intense controversy of the health care bill signed into law by President Obama yesterday, there’s at least one provision every orphan advocate can cheer.  The adoption tax credit was preserved for another year…and increased in value!

To encourage and support adoption, the adoption tax credit was expanded by President Bush and Congress in 2001.  This increased the value of the credit from $5,000 to $10,000, and indexed it for inflation (meaning the credit would increase each year to keep up with inflation.)  For 2010, its value had risen to $12,170.  However, the 2001 increase was scheduled to “sunset” at the end of 2010.  This would mean that any adoptions finalized after December 31, 2010 would be eligible for—at most—a credit of only $5,000.

This sunset has now been extended one year.  That means that it will need to be extended again before the end of 2011.  For the present, however, this extension comes as very welcome news for families considering adoption or in the adoption process.

Specifically, the provisions contained in the health care bill include:

• The current adoption tax credit has been extended until the end of 2011;
• The value of the adoption tax credit has been increased from $12,170 to $13,170.
• The increase is “retroactive,” meaning that any adoption occurring after January 1, 2010 is eligible for this higher credit.
• The credit is now refundable.   This means that even families that owe zero taxes can receive the full tax credit in the form of a tax refund to help with their adoption-related expenses.

From the Bill’s text:
See page 903 of 906 at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3590enr.txt.pdf
If you find the 2409 page version, its on page 2400.  It’s the very last section. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3590:

USA Today’s brief analysis:
“Taxpayers who adopt children: Effective in 2010, the bill makes the adoption credit refundable, increases the credit by $1,000 and extends the increased adoption credit through 2011.” http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/2010-03-23-health-care-taxpayers_N.htm

Source: R. Austin Wilkerson, Wilkerson Legal PLLC, 502.442.2980, aw@wilkersonlegal.com

HT: Christian Alliance for Orphans Blog

 

How can LBC become more ‘adoption-friendly’? #3

World Magazine article, Look After Orphans (Paul Golden, January 30, 2010), presents 20 proactive ways in which our church can answer the call to ‘look after orphans in their distress’ (James 1:27).

9. Encourage the church family to give financially to adoptive couples. Giving financially to adoptive parents is one of the most—if not the most—significant things you can do. As potential couples take the giant step of faith in the adoption process, one of the biggest concerns will be “how are we going to pay for this”? A monetary gift along with a note of encouragement can greatly encourage the couple by affirming their decision to pursue adoption.

10. Create a standing church fund for adoptions costs. Church members can contribute to this special fund that adoptive families can utilize (either an interest-free loan or one-time gifts to these couples).

These are a little out of order from the original list, but they are timely. Sunday, Mar. 21, is the second Sunday of the adoption fund special offering begin taken up at LaGrange Baptist.  Through a new partnership with Lifesong for Orphans, LaGrange Baptist will be establishing a fund just for LBC members.

We know that while many Christian couples have the desire and resources to care for an adopted child, the initial costs keep many from following God’s call to adopt. This new fund from which qualified LBC couples can receive financial help will enable many to pursue adoption. Lifesong for Orphans will provide the administration and facilitation of the Fund at no cost to LaGrange Baptist! So, we’re on our way to becoming more “adoption-friendly” here at LBC!

 

David Platt’s message on Adoption

At the recent Adopting for Life conference at Southern Seminary in February, David Platt delivered a message on Ruth and Adoption. It was the most powerful sermon I have ever heard, on any topic.  There was a seriousness and a hope in his message that was very inspiring.

Please listen or watch and pray that God would speak to you.

The audio for all the main sessions and breakouts from the Adopting for Life Conference is now available here.  Listen to main sessions by: Jedd Medefind, Dr. Russell Moore, and David Platt.
Breakouts by: Dan Cruver, Randy Stinson, Maridel Sandberg, Andy Lehman, Eric Bancroft, Jason Kovacs, David Prince, Timothy Paul Jones, Kevin Ezell, Dan Dumas, Mark Tatlock, Tara Melbar, and Bill Bistransky.

HT: ABBA Fund Blog