A Culture of Adoption

Establishing a culture of adoption is something we have been intentionally working on for the last year (2008-2009) at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church.  We believe that this is primarily done through the preaching ministry. It is from the pulpit that we seek to establish an entire congregation culture of adoption.

The message must constantly be sent that adoption and orphan care is not to be a ministry agenda of a select group of interested folks.  Rescuing orphans at AABC must be a part of our church’s overall vision to advance the kingdom of Christ in the world.

Jason Kovacs of the ABBA Fund helps to summarize what we are trying to do in establishing a culture of adoption rather than segmented adoption ministry in the following way:

• Ministry tends be an optional program that a small group of interested individuals can take part in.
• Culture is something that the whole church community takes part in by virtue of being part of the church.

• Ministry does not necessitate the involvement or the vision casting of the church leadership.
• Culture will be sustained by the preaching of the gospel and the particular ways it is worked out.

• Ministry is not always clearly connected to the mission of the church.
• Culture is a means to work out the mission of the church.

Since September 2008, we have had 7 new families begin the adoption process.  We have received four former orphans into our congregation over the last year.  We have also taken in $40,000.00 for adoption and orphan care. (AABC partners with ABBA fund)

We believe these things are a result of ‘culture’ not ‘ministry’.  Furthermore, they will only be sustained within a culture cultivated by our church’s mission vision.

HT: AshlandBaptistChurch.org

 

Orphan Sunday at LaGrange Baptist

God blessed us with a great Orphan Sunday at LaGrange Baptist!

• The Shining Star Gallery kids photos met everyone who headed into service.

• We saw the Orphan Sunday video and heard a sermon based on our adoption by God as sons.

• Several families attended the Adoption Info luncheon afterwards sponsored by the Just O.N.E. ministry and hosted by the Abernatha/Parker LIFE class.

• In response to the need, over 50 packages of diapers were donated by members and will be delivered to Necole’s Place / A Woman’s Choice Resource Center and Home of the Innocents this week.

• Finally, we heard from 6 Christian women who have been impacted by adoption: one who is adopting 3 from Ethiopia, one who is a sister to an adopted sibling, one who has adopted twice domestically, one who was herself adopted as an infant, one who has adopted through foster care and one who is a sister to foster siblings.

 

Knowing and Living our Adoption by God

by Doug Wolter at life2getherblog.com

 

When Justin Taylor spoke at our church, he encouraged us to pick up J.I. Packer’s book, Knowing God, and read the 19th chapter on our adoption as sons.  If you have the book, I encourage you to do so.  For me, this section was especially challenging:

Do I, as a Christian, understand myself?  Do I know my real identity?  My own real destiny?  I am a child of God.  God is my Father; heaven is my home; every day is one day nearer.  My Savior is my brother; every Christian is my brother too.  Say it over and over to yourself first thing in the morning, last thing at night, as you wait for the bus, any time when your mind is free, and ask that you may be enabled to live as one who knows it is all utterly and completely true.  For this is the Christian’s secret of –a happy life? — yes, certainly, but we have something both higher and profounder to say.  This is the Christian’s secret to the Christian life, and of a God-honoring life, and these are the aspects of the situation that really matter.  May this secret become fully yours, and fully mine.

 

Collecting a Mile of Pennies for Sunrise Home

The Agape Women’s LIFE class at LaGrange Baptist Church is collecting pennies for the ‘Mile of Pennies’ campaign for Sunrise Children’s Services (formerly Kentucky Baptist Children’s Homes).  Anyone who would like to donate their pennies to help at-risk kids may give them to Jean Taylor or bring them to the Agape classroom in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunrise Children’s Services is a faith-based non-profit agency that cares for children and youth who have fallen victim to abuse or neglect. Sunrise operates 10 residential treatment facilities and therapeutic foster care homes throughout the state of Kentucky, as well as a crisis stabilization unit in Danville, a youth support center in London, and IMPACT Plus case management and service coordination for Medicaid-eligible children in western and central Kentucky. Through these programs, nearly 400 children are served each day. Adoption services and family counseling are also available. As a faith-based agency, we believe in treating the whole child – body and spirit – so they can grow up to break the cycle of abuse and become productive citizens.  See Sunrise’s website HERE.

 

Adopting Every Waiting Child in the US

by Jason Kovacs, The Abba Fund

Did you know that there are roughly 130,000 children that are waiting for adoption in the United States today? These children have had their parental rights terminated and are living in temporary situation (either a temporary foster family or group home). Legally they are wards of the State with no parents but the government. You can adopt these children at no cost! In fact, in most States, you will receive a monthly stipend.

Every child in America (in the world) should have a permanent family. There is no excuse for this! So, what would it take to find each of these kids a family? To start off, I broke down the numbers by Southern Baptist Churches (they were the easiest to find figures for – as I have time I will add up all the other evangelical denominations – my initial count is roughly 170,213). But, just counting Southern Baptist churches the results and ratios are very powerful. There are roughly 40,000 Southern Baptist Churches in the US. If every church committed to 3 children, every child would be cared for. In 11 States all it would take is 1 church committing to 1 child. Again, that is just counting the SBC!

Will you please 1) Look at the numbers below, and 2) pray with me that God would move in an unprecendented way among His church to see that every one of these children (every number is a child!) have a permanent home. And in the case of the children represented below who are 16-17 years old and about to age out of the system, pray that they would have a family who would commit to care for them when they are left on their own in a couple months or a year.

For the full chart with all 50 States click here to download in pdf.

 

Recommended Adoption Music

by Jason Kovacs, The Abba Fund

Here are a few of my favorite songs/musicians that have a heart for adoption and orphans. If you know of others that should be included please share. Many of these would be great resources for including in your Orphan Sunday activities this weekend (If you do the DMC song or play it in your church let me know how that goes!)

Steven Curtis Chapman A dad of three adopted girls and three biological children, Steven Curtis Chapman has become a leading advocate for adoption. I’ll [guess] that most churches doing some music this Sunday for adoption will include a SCC song. One of his most popular is “When Love Takes You In,” exploring the journey from an adoptee’s perspective. I’m very excited about his new album that just released today which is his first since the death of their daughter Maria. Check it out here.

Aaron Ivey – Aaron and his wife are adoptive parents and have been in the process of adopting two children, Amos and Story, from Haiti for the past two years. Story just came home the other week! Amos is still waiting. Aaron travels the country and the world with his band promoting justice issues and the glory of God through worship. He also leads worship at the Austin Stone Community Church.

Sarah Groves – I have loved Sarah Groves music since her first CD came out. For special music in our wedding we had friends sing her song “He’s Always Been Faithful.” Over the last few years Sarah has become more vocal about justice issues and put out this video about a trip to Africa – ‘I Saw What I Saw’

Meredith Andrews – Meredith has had a passion for orphans and adoption since she was young and has a great testimony of how God has used her family. This passion is reflected in her music. Read a great article about her passion for adoption here.

Darryl McDaniels aka DMC (of Run DMC) – It wasn’t until he was 35 that rapper Darryl McDaniels (of Run DMC) learned he’d been adopted. In “Just Like Me,” he transforms Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle”—a folksong about a failed relationship between a parent and child—into a message of hope to adoptees everywhere. Fellow adoptee Sarah McLachlan collaborates on this hip remake.

Sons & Daughters by Sovereign Grace Music – These songs are meant to direct our attention to the unfathomable love God has shown us in adopting us through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). We are now part of God’s family—in Christ we will forever be the objects of God’s particular and passionate mercy and love. Great for use in corporate worship.

Though I Was Born an Orphan by Eric Schumacher & David L. Ward – Eric and David wrote this hymn specifically for churches to use in worship. They write, “If God the Father has blessed us with this great and altogether undeserved adoption, we will show like care to “orphans and widows in their affliction.” In application of the Gospel, Christians become people who display the greatness of their Father through their care for those in need.”

 

Dads: When adopting or fostering wasn’t your idea

Co-authored by Matt Donovan & Jason Kovacs, from AdoptiveDads.org

What do you do when your wife asks, “would you ever want to adopt?” There’s no playbook answer. It’s not like “how do I look?” or “which paint color do you like?” In some ways, it’s not even the same as “do you want kids?” A lot of us know the answer to that before we even get married. For a lot of very real reasons, adoption doesn’t look attractive to men right off the bat. Nevertheless, your wife wants to, and you feel like you should take her seriously. You’re not alone. A lot of guys find themselves in the passenger seat on the road to adoption, feeling anxious, guilty, and totally out of control.

HOW DO YOU TAKE THE REIGNS?

Have you considered praying first? Prayer is often overlooked in the frenzy to “do” something (anything!). The fact is, God has a plan for your life. Strive to be gripped by it before you make a life-altering decision. One simple thing to do would be to lookup the words orphan & fatherless in the Bible. Read those verses and their surrounding passages and ask God to give you a heart like his.

Perform a serious gut check. Maybe God is leading in another direction or saying wait. Maybe you’re worried about what others will think. Maybe you’ve got a white-knuckle grip on your ideal of a what a family is. Maybe you don’t think you could love a son or daughter that isn’t your flesh and blood. Maybe your just ticked that your wife is driving this train. Try to separate serious concerns from cowardice. God knows our hearts better than we do and He is good at helping us change and grow.

Talk to someone who’s done this before. You’re not the first man to find himself in this spot. Other people have gone before you here and they can help you understand just what kind of impact it may have on your life, including the joys and challenges. If you find someone honest, they’ve probably worked through a lot of the same junk you find yourself faced with. Find another adoptive or foster dad, buy him a beer and pummel him with questions – hard ones – the ones it seems like you shouldn’t ask another dude.

Take it a step at a time. Pray, reflect, converse, and make a move. It may just simply be a decision to start investigating the process a little more seriously. Going to an informational meeting is not a commitment to be a parent. It’s a good first step and God has promised to direct your steps (Proverbs 16:9). Your wife will probably appreciate your leadership and you can move ahead with confidence – whatever direction that may be.

 

The Barretts: An Amazing Adoption Story

Recently Focus on the Family has been airing some very inspiring stories about families who have adopted children in various ways.  In one episode, Billy Jack and Anne Barrett discuss their adoption of several emotionally-troubled children who were deemed “unadoptable” by the foster care system.  Billy Jack Barrett owns a ranch near Colorado Springs, Colo., and is the manager of the United States Air Force Academy Equestrian Center where he manages 150 government- and privately-owned horses. Billy Jack’s wife, Anne, is a proud mother and homemaker. The couple has nine children, five of whom are adopted. The Barrett family had their home completely renovated when they were featured on the popular ABC television program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Click on this LINK 1 to hear the first part of the broadcast and this LINK 2 to hear the second part of the broadcast on line.

 

A Snowflake Comes to Life

Recently Focus on the Family has been airing some very inspiring stories about families who have adopted children in various ways. These can be heard on their website.  In one episode, Embryo adoption was discussed with Marlene Strege who works as an occupational therapist at a school. She and her husband, John, have been married nearly 25 years and have an 11-year-old daughter, Hannah. In 1997, the Streges learned they could not bear children naturally, and the couple pursued adoption through the Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption Program. Born in 1998, Hannah was the first “snowflake” adopted through the program.

Click on this LINK to read more about the broadcast. Click on this LINK to hear the broadcast on line.

 

Recommended Adoption Books

Here is a list of recommended books related to adoption. Some are personal favorites of our staff and others have been suggested by friends. Consider ordering a few for your church or to have on hand for folks considering adoption. If you are part of a church adoption ministry consider starting an adoption library. I know of a few churches that are highlighting some of these on Orphan Sunday.

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches by Russell D. Moore (Crossway Books, 2009). The gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that through Jesus we have been adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family, means that Christians ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans in North America and around the world. Moore, who adopted two boys from Russia, charges the Church to see adoption as part of the Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself. Paperback, 232 pp.

George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)by Geoff Benge and Janet Benge (YWAM Publishing, 1999). With scarcely enough food or money for his own family, George Mueller opened his heart and home to 30 orphans in Bristol, England. Sustained by God’s provision, the ministry grew from one home to five large houses that ultimately more than 10,000 children would call home. Paperback, 203 pp., ages 9-12.

Carried Safely Home: The Spiritual Legacy of an Adoptive Family by Kristin Wong (Faithwalk Publishing, 2005) Nearly six in ten Americans have a significant personal connection with adoption, yet little has been written about the subject from a biblical perspective. Adoption usually includes a tumultuous mix of sorrow and joy, loss and redemption, fear and fulfillment. Though often heart-wrenching, it offers a rich opportunity to draw nearer to God. Adoption can also be a precious part of a pilgrimage toward God. This book is a companion to come alongside those involved with adoption and the blessings found throughout the twists and turns of the journey. Softcover, 224pp.

The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family by Karyn Purvis and David Cross (McGraw-Hill, 2007) The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family–and addressing their special needs–requires care, consideration, and compassion. Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child, effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders, discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened. Softcover, 288pp.

Launching an Orphans Ministry in Your Church [With DVD] by Jason Weber and Paul Pennington (FamilyLife, 2007). This step-by-step guide gives the principles and practical tools needed to launch an effective church orphans ministry. Includes a vision-casting DVD that introduces you and your church’s leaders to existing church orphans ministries around the country. Paperback, 57 pp.

Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living by C. Thomas Davis (David C. Cook, 2008). With compassion and insight, Davis shows you how to reach out to the weak and needy—those who are most on God’s heart. Paperback, 192 pp., adult. Available from Amazon.com.

from ashes to africa by Josh Bottomly and Amy Bottomly (Tate Publishing, 2009) The bitter taste of ashes was left in the Bottomlys mouths after learning their hopes of parenthood were shattered. Barrenness, regardless of the cause, causes heartache and pain so harsh it seems impossible to approach life again. But for Josh and Amy Bottomly, Africa opened a door to a new life, the life they had dreamed of. Through a little baby named Silas Tesfarmariam, the Bottomlys found their dreams realized. Softcover, 196pp.

Castaway Kid: One Man’s Search for Hope and Home (Focus on the Family Books) by R.B. Mitchell (Tyndale House, 2007). Rob Mitchell is one of the last “lifers” raised in an American orphanage. Left by a dysfunctional family in an Illinois children’s home, he grew up with kids who were not friends but rather “co-survivors.” After becoming a Christian as a teenager, Rob found what he was looking for—home and family—in a relationship with God. Rob was able to overcome his past, forgiving his relatives and forging healthy family relationships of his own. His memoir will appeal to adults with difficult pasts, those who work with troubled kids, and anyone who revels in seeing God change a life. Paperback, 272 pp.

Silent Tears: A Journey Of Hope In A Chinese Orphanage by Kay Bratt (CreateSpace, 2008). An American volunteer in a Chinese orphanage learns to pull from the hidden strength within her to improve conditions for the children. If you have ever wondered what day-to-day life is like in a Chinese orphanage, this will tell it. If you have ever wondered what it is like to love a child so deeply, even though they aren’t yours, this will tell it. Paperback, 430 pp.

Small Town, Big Miracle: How Love Came to the Least of These (Focus on the Family Books) by W.C. Martin (Tyndale House, 2007). On one memorable day, while Bishop W.C. Martin and his wife, Donna, were in prayer together, God gave them a one-word message: “Adopt!” They were called to carry out literally James 1:27. Over the next five years, the Martins would adopt four kids, including two with special needs. Though they didn’t make adoption a “cause” at that time, the members of their church of 200 soon caught the same vision. The church has now adopted 72 children and counting. Paperback, 168 pp.

The Strength of Mercy: Making a Difference in the World One Child at a Time by Jan Beazely (WaterBrook Press, 1999). Witness God’s compassion as he leads a family to Romania in search of one special child. Watch God orchestrate a dramatic series of events that would bring help and hope to abandoned children around the world. Your faith will be bolstered by this powerful, modern-day example of how God speaks to us and asks us to risk for him. Paperback, 168 pp.

Three Names of Me by Mary Cummings (Albert Whitman & Company, 2006). A gentle, sensitive story of international adoption told through the eyes of a Chinese-American girl. The theme of family should interest most children, but adopted youngsters will relate to Ada’s feelings as she considers her past as well as present circumstances. Hardcover, 40 pp., ages 6-9.

Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families by Natalie Nichols Gillespie (Thomas Nelson, 2006) Topics include: types of adoption, where to begin, necessary paperwork, finances required – and how to raise them, listing of reputable adoption agencies, building strong bonds with an adopted child, when and how to tell a child she is adopted, the long-term affects of adoption, and God’s blessing through adoption. Book includes practical checklists, timelines, real life stories, sample documents, phone numbers and web-addresses. Softcover, 414pp.

Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family: Real-Life Solutions to Common Challenges by David Sanford (Editor), Renee S. Sanford (Editor) (Focus on the Family, 2008) This distinctly Christian book will equip readers to be successful adoptive parents. Packed from cover to cover with information, advice, ideas, and resources, Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family will inspire and inform parents committed to making adoption work. Softcover, 288pp.

Dear Birthmother by Kathleen Silber and Phyllis Speedlin (Corona Publishing, 1991) This is the third revised edition of the open adoption classic recommended by the Child Welfare League of America. Gently provocative, warm and convincing, this open adoption guide includes actual letters between adoptive parents and birthparents, and between the latter and the children they have. Softcover.

The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System by Laura Christianson (WinePress, 2007) This book walks you through the basics of planning and launching a support system for adoptive families, foster families, birth parents or adoptees. You will learn how to Develop a mission statement Plan a budget Recruit leadership Reach out to the community Create workshops, support groups, social events, mentoring programs and more Packed with practical pointers and worksheets, this handbook will equip you with the tools you need to create a vibrant adoption support network. Softcover, 112pp.

The Complete Adoption Book: Everything You Need to Know to Adopt a Child by Laura Beauvais-Godwin (Adams Media, 2005) A thorough resource for couples who want to adopt a child takes readers through each step in the adoption process, from choosing an agency to bringing a child home, and discusses international adoptions, state requirements, medical issues, and other topics. Softcover, 672pp.

HT: Jason Kovacs @ the ABBA Fund blog

 

Stepping Out in Faith as Just One

HT: Loving Shepherd Ministries

Sometimes the complexity and difficulty of helping a child through adoption or making an impact on the orphan crisis can feel so overwhelming that it paralyzes the mind. Yes, the statistics are alarming, but they are also overwhelming, impersonal and distant. We can be left with a twinge of guilt and powerlessness on how to make a difference. Doubt can take the place of hope and cripple good intentions. Can our church or family really make a difference? What is the solution?

It starts with only one. It only takes one to be a catalyst. It only takes one to make a difference and ignite a passion. One can be inspiring. Pursuing adoption or assisting in orphan care can suddenly seem achievable and possible. Suddenly your church or family is one of thousands who are making a difference in the lives of children. As Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

 

How Many Christians Would it Take to Adopt All the Orphans in the World?

by Jason Kovacs at the ABBA fund blog

How many adoptable orphans are there in the world?

How many Christians are there?

What is percentage of Christians would it take to adopt all the orphans?

 

My best guess (looking at the data available, see my Orphan Statistics post) is that 40-50 million orphans worldwide are adoptable or would be best cared for through adoption. Ideally that means adoption locally/indigenously first and then adoption internationally.

As for Christians, according to Mission Frontiers, globally there are:

Christian Believers — 800 million who have been born again into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Other Christians — 1.37 billion who consider themselves Christians because they come from a Christian culture.

Culturally near non-Christians — 1.8 billion are not yet Christians but live in a people where a viable, indigenous church movement has been established.

Therefore, if roughly 6% of the born again Christians in the world adopted we could care for all the adoptable orphans in the world (I have heard 7% used and that might be true as well).

Either way you add it up, there are way too many orphans worldwide and way too many Christians to not believe we can make a difference! I’m going to go buy the domain toomanymillion.org.

 

A Night to Remember…. Friday, October 16, 7-9 pm

A Night to Remember…. Friday, October 16, 7-9 pm

Featuring: Special musical performances including Liberian music by the Ahlers’ children; violinists Neal and Jill Green; guitarist Jim Heider; Pastor Emmanuel Jones from Master’s Home of Champions in Liberia, Africa; and Jason Nightingale from Wordsower International.

As a result of the just ended, 14 years of civil war in Liberia, the lives of over 500,000 Liberians were claimed which left over 50,000 children orphaned, destitute and homeless.   As a result of this crisis, many kids are seen sleeping on streets corners or market tables at night, while many others who were used as child soldiers are left alone to make life on their own.

In Liberia, when an orphan child turns 16 years of age, they are no longer internationally adoptable unless adopted with a younger sibling. Liberian Orphanages that are struggling financially, or are not committed to the children’s welfare, often force these teenagers out since there is no hope of income from them. The children have nowhere to go and no resources. They have no job skills and little basic education. In Liberia, the unemployment rate is 95 to 98%. Their plight is extreme and one of the fastest growing, needy populations in Africa.

Please pray about your family attending this event; the evening is sure to impact your life. In preparation, listen HERE to the adoption story of Lightning, one of the Ahlers children, shown below.

A love offering will be taken at the end of the evening to raise funds for the Precious Life Home for Girls in Monrovia Liberia.

Location: LaGrange Baptist Church has opened their facilities for this event.

HT: Oldham Christian Home Educators (OCHE)

 

Orphan Sunday @ LBC Nov. 8th

November 8th is Orphan Sunday.  During the 10:45 am worship service, the Orphan Sunday VIDEO will be shown. Those involved in orphan care, foster care, embryo, domestic and international adoption, will be mentioned in prayer.

After the worship service there will be a meal in the fellowship hall for families who have adopted or are considering adoption. During the fellowship meal a panel of church members will share briefly about their involvement in adoption and answer questions.

We are inviting all interested families in our community to join us.  If you know of anyone who is considering adoption, please invite them to join us for worship and the meal.

LaGrange Baptist Church will also be highlighting orphan care by collecting diapers to be distributed to various orphanages and foster care programs.  Diapers in all sizes are needed. Please bring a package of disposable diapers to the collection site at the Just ONE booth in the church lobby by Sun, November 8. 

 

Free eBook: Our Adoption in Christ

HT: togetherforadoption.org Blog

Together For Adoption’s first ebook, Our Adoption in Christ: What It Means for Us and for Orphans, is now available for free download! This book was written to equip churches theologically in the areas of orphan care and earthly adoption.

We believe that robust theology produces robust action. So, our writing object was to put the gospel at the center of the global orphan crisis. If the church is to be mobilized to care for 143 million orphaned and vulnerable children, the gospel must be the main thing. Our prayer is that God will use this brief book to equip and empower churches to serve orphans.

Click on the image with the 2 children to download.

 

Live Streaming – Together for Adoption Conference

Currently attending an event with about 600 others passionate for our God-given ministry of “visiting orphans in their affliction” (James 1:27).

HT: Together for Adoption -

We are excited to announce that we are livestreaming the Together for Adoption conference this weekend. You can now join with over 600 others who are gathering in Franklin, TN at Christ Community Church. See below for the schedule – all times are in CST.

Follow the stream here w/ chat features.
Or follow here to watch & twitter along with others.

 

Why Recognize Orphan Sunday?

excerpt from Russell Moore’s blog:

… Orphan Sunday isn’t an emphasis on a program or a “cause” or a special interest group. It’s not an offering or a volunteer recruitment tool. Orphan Sunday could be the Pearl Harbor for spiritual warfare in your church.

Orphan Sunday reminds us all that orphan care isn’t a special emphasis at all. Every Christian is called to care for the fatherless (James 1:27), in different ways to be sure. No one is exempt from this mark of the Christ’s followers. Orphan Sunday carves out a space for us all to encourage one another, together, toward that end.

For some of you pastors, Orphan Sunday might be the first time you preach about our adoption in Christ (Rom 8; Gal 4), and our task to rescue orphans and widows. It might be an opportunity for you to ask some families in your congregation to pray about whether God is calling them to foster or adopt a child or children. Or to ask others in the church if God is calling them to financially empower an adoption or to take a mission trip to an overseas orphanage or to a local group home.

For some of your worship leaders, it might be a time to build up the body in song with some of the recent hymnody about orphan care and our adopted identity in Jesus.

For some of you Sunday school teachers or deacons or women’s ministry leaders or “regular” members, Orphan Sunday might be a time to encourage your fellow members of the Body to pray for God’s heart for orphans to pierce through your church, to just start asking the question of where you fit in orphan care ministry.

Read the entire post by clicking HERE.

 

National Adoption Day: Nov. 21, 09

A National Initiative Takes Hold

National Adoption Day started small in the year 2000, with events in nine cities.  Over the years, it grew rapidly, until by 2006, more than 300 events were held in all 50 states the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.   A total of 26,000 children have been adopted from U.S. foster care at National Adoption Day celebrations, and millions of Americans have been touched through local and national media coverage. 

 

The success of National Adoption Day is a result of the hard work of local event planners, the generosity of national and local supporters, the promotion of collaborating organizations, the participation of government representatives and the attention of the media.  Congratulations to each of you for making a difference in the lives of children. 

HT: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

 

Result: “Orphans Deserve Better” campaign

It is a pleasure to let you know that Warner Bros has given final confirmation to their plans to include a “Public Service Announcement” affirming orphans and adoption with the Orphan DVD . 

This modest step may not be as significant as the hundreds of newspaper articles, blog posts, radio interviews and other accounts that your involvement in Orphans Deserve Better helped produce.  But it’s certainly another victory, affirming both the great needs of orphans and the reward found in opening our lives to them.

We welcome you to continue with us in these efforts, now focused on the 2009 “Orphan Sunday” campaign.  Consider hosting your own activities on November 8, and also join the Orphan Sunday Facebook Group.

We wish you God’s very best in whatever ways you continue to “Defend the cause of the fatherless!”

With Appreciation,

Jedd Medefind, President

Christian Alliance for Orphan

 

Adoption Conference Live-Blogger: Zach Nielsen‏

From Together For Adoption, by Dan Cruver…

Zach’s perspective on adoption has been a great encouragement and example to me over the past year and a half. I’ve learned much from him. We are very excited to have him live-blog our adoption conference. So make sure you check his blog out on October 2-3. He will be posting 2-3 minute video interviews of our speakers and summaries of their sessions throughout the Friday evening, all day Saturday conference.

Several months ago we asked Zach Nielsen if he would consider live-blogging Conference 2009. We asked him not only because he’s an excellent blogger but also (mainly) because he’s a gospel-centered adoption advocate. Over a year ago I asked Zach how he thought the gospel should influence the decision to adopt. His answer will show you why we asked him to live-blog our conference.

I think the gospel should influence every area of life, but especially adoption. Understanding that we have been adopted into the family of God (Eph. 1:5) when we were in dire need as weak and powerless sinners should inform how we care for those who are weak and powerless in this world. We see such a huge need in the world today and we have been given so much, and Biblically we know that we have been blessed to be a blessing, so adoption seems like a logical step for us. Ultimately it came down to this: Our only real reason for not adopting is selfishness. If we can afford to support three kids I think we’ll probably be ok with four. The prospect of having an even crazier home, or getting up with another child in the middle of the night, or having enough energy to train and discipline another child pales in comparison with the overwhelming needs of an abandoned child who needs a loving Christian family. You could respond and ask, “Do you think that all those that choose not to adopt a child are selfish?” Certainly not, but it might be a good idea to ask yourself why you don’t want to adopt. Of course there are good reasons, but if you are able and in light of the huge need in our world today, why not? I recognized the legalistic danger here. Adopting a child is not a Biblical command and we cannot place this conviction of ours on anyone else as an identifying mark of real Christianity. But I think this legalistic danger is worth the risk in light of the need.

 

Adoption and Foster Care Information Meetings

Information meetings provide the public with detailed information about the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Reservations are not required to attend the meeting. Children under the age of 18 will not be permitted in the meeting. Please call (502) 595-5437 for any questions.

Southeast Christian Church (920 Blankenbaker Pkwy, Louisville)

• Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Jan.5, 6:00-8:00pm

L&N Building (908 West Broadway, Louisville)

• Thursday, Oct. 8 6-8:00pm
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:00-8:00pm
• Thursday, Dec. 10, 6:00-8:00pm
• Thursday, Jan. 14, 6:00-8:00pm

1st Neighborhood Place (1503 Rangeland Rd.@ T.J. Middle School, Louisville)

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Dec. , 6:00-8:00pm
• Tuesday, Jan. 19, 6:00-8:00pm

Ujima Neighborhood Place (3610 Bohne Avenue, Louisville)

• Thursday, Oct. 22, 12:00-2:00pm
• Thursday, Nov. 19, 12:00-2:00pm
• Thursday, Dec. , 6:00-8:00pm
• Thursday Jan. 21 6:00-8:00pm

HT: Wednesday’s Child

 

Adoption Seminar – Oct 10, 2008

Christian couples interested in expanding their family through adoption are invited to the Adoption Seminar.  The General Session will include:  Pre-adoption education, financial assistance awareness, Empty Bedrooms video, overview of the adoption options available through Southeast, post-adoptive support, and workshops by individuals representing various adoption options.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Southeast Christian Church

For more information or to register, please contact Peggy Henderson at 502.253.8446 or at phenderson@secc.org. Walk-ins welcome.

 

Justin Taylor speaking on Adoption

Justin Taylor, who will be speaking to LaGrange Baptist Church on October 25, at 6:30 pm (in connection with the Promoting the Gospel Conference), recorded a video interview earlier this summer with Russell Moore, author of Adopted for Life. See the video interview and the entire posting at Justin’s blog “Between Two Worlds“, or by clicking the photo below:

Here’s a little table of contents for our nearly 45-minute discussion:

• Introduction (0:36)
• Adopted for Life: Some Personal Background (11:10)
• Some Rude Questions about Adoption (3:05)
• Adoption and the Fatherhood of God (1:50)
• Talking to Your Children about Adoption (2:25)
• The Fears and Costs of Adoption (7:49)
• Adoption and Being Truly Pro-Life (3:45)
• Creating a Culture of Adoption (7:11)
• Husbands Who Don’t Want to Adopt (10:38)

If you can only watch a portion, I would encourage guys in particular to watch the last portion directed to husbands who are reluctant to adopt.

 

The Gospel for Transracial Adoption

From Together for Adoption: The Good News of the Gospel for Transracial Adoption

The paragraphs below are from the sermon that Carl Robbins preached last year at Together for Adoption Conference 2008. Carl’s sermon was entitled “Adoption and the Multi-Ethnic Family of God” (Ephesians 2:11-22). The full sermon will be available in our upcoming free ebook.

If you’re older than 30 you probably remember one of the most stirring speeches of the modern era. It was given on June 12, 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. Barely 2000 words in length, it was delivered at a very unique place: the Brandenburg gate in West Berlin.

The Brandenburg Gate was the most recognizable part of the Berlin wall, a huge barrier of concrete, steel, barbed wire and watch-towers that divided Europe between the communist world and the democratic world. Reagan was there to meet with leaders in West Berlin, and while there, he delivered this speech to the people of West Berlin. But the giant speakers were aimed over the wall to the people in East Berlin. The entire speech is a fascinating study in brilliant rhetoric. But perhaps most memorable are these words that President Reagan spoke into the microphone aimed over that wall into the communist world, “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for eastern Europe, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate and tear down this wall.” It has been said that this speech by Ronald Reagan began a series of events that led to the tearing down of that foreboding barrier.

Paul is painting the portrait of a man who single handedly tore down a wall much greater than the iron curtain. It’s the picture of a peace creator, a peace giver, and a reconciler. It’s a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the source of our peace with God and the source of our peace with His people.

Paul is telling us that the Lord Jesus has removed the enmity between God and us just as He has removed the enmity that existed between the Jew and the Gentile. This is a picture of our Lord’s work: that He has torn down the middle wall of separation bringing together believing Jews and believing Gentiles into one body.

Paul’s words about the inclusion of the Gentiles were written almost 2000 years ago. Is it possible that we Gentiles have been insiders now for so long that we’ve forgotten what it was like to be an outsider? That which was so difficult for the first century Jewish mind to comprehend is now given little thought at all. For 1800 years Gentiles were excluded but now according to Paul, Jesus has come to make Jew and Gentile, black and white, Asian and Latino, one in His church. In fact, Paul pictures the church in verse 15 as a single person.

There is one glorious word that sums up all that Paul is explaining: together. Beginning in verse 21 Paul says that “the whole building being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord in whom you are also being built together…” Instead of words like circumcision and uncircumcision the word “together” now describes Jews and Gentiles. Together we have the same gospel message. Together we have received reconciliation and peace instead of enmity. Together we have the same access to cry out “Abba Father” at any time and any place assured that we will be heard. Together we are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit. And together we are built on the same foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the Cornerstone.

We’re together. We’re all fellow citizens and members of the same household. Jesus, by His finished work has taken away all the barriers to peace and reconciliation. Therefore, if God has declared that He accepts Jews and Gentiles, black and white, African and Asian into His family, how dare any Christian refuse to accept and embrace them. If our Holy God has embraced them how dare we say, “I think it is unwise to take them into my house?”

With this one word “together,” in verses 21 and 22, the Holy Spirit has shattered any idea of segregation and separation. We can’t say, “We have the same status, the same message, the same Holy Spirit, the same Gospel, but you can have it over there and we’ll have it over here. We’re being built together, being intimately connected like stones in the wall of a house. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that after Pentecost the New Testament knows nothing of divisions based on ethnicity or race.

Transracial adoption will be a key focus at Conference 2009. Scott Roley’s general session topic is “Adoption and the Pursuit of Racial Reconciliation” and Jason Kovacs is doing a breakout session entitled “Transracial Adoption and the Multi-Ethnic Family of God.”

Many thanks to Janet Whipple and David Cleland for transcribing and editing Carl Robbins’ sermon, respectively.

HT: Together for Adoption blog

 

Choosing Thomas – He’s our son

Matt Donovan posted this at AdoptiveDads.org

Michael sent me a link to this video the other afternoon. I watched it immediately and was not really prepared for the emotional sucker punch. So, be warned – Choosing Thomas is poignant and very raw. Every dad should see it.

T.K. and Deidrea Laux’s son, Thomas, was born with Trisomy 13. Well before his birth, they knew he would not live long, if at all. The Dallas Morning News is doing a series on this story and this video is the first installment. There are two things that’ve really stuck with me since watching it yesterday.

1. Love in spite of loss.

It made me think about the foster children we had hoped to adopt. The days – sometimes weeks or even months – of uncertainty about their permanence in our family made us feel helpless. “The phone call” from the case worker informing us they’d be leaving. It could be days or weeks before they were gone, but eventually they’d be taken and we’d probably never see them again. But we still loved them like crazy because it wasn’t about us. When asked why they chose not to terminate, the couple said,

We didn’t not terminate because we were hanging onto some sort of hope that there was a medical mistake or there was gonna be some medical miracle. We didn’t terminate because he’s our son.

2. Loving a person instead of an ideal.

There’s a scene where they are picking out a casket while Deidrea is still pregnant. The sales woman is explaining the differences between various selections in such a way that they could be purchasing anything – like a car seat or a crib. No parent plans on that. Nobody gets married and thinks about picking out their unborn baby’s casket. Similarly, no one daydreams about choosing not to parent a child, or about learning they’re infertile, or about losing a nearly-adopted child to a birthmother who has decided to parent.

It’s difficult to say whether any of these similarities quite matches the degree of pain the Laux’s must have experienced, which is why I think we have something to learn from T.K. I don’t know him, but everything I saw in that video is a hardcore example of fatherly love. If you have ten minutes (and a private place to have a good, ugly cry), you should definitely WATCH IT.