Several weeks back we were invited to lunch at a local church. We knew the family that was organizing it. They have three biological children, one child adopted from Korea, and are currently fostering (to adopt) two children. What a great family. (I am not just saying that because they bought 8 of our shirts, either.)
The purpose of the lunch was to share about a local sibling group of three that was in need of adoption. They were no longer returning to their birth parents. In attendance were two social workers from Social Services and a therapist that had worked with these children. The above family had actually fostered this group for a short while and was able to share pictures and stories of each child. They were all open to questions and answered honestly about the future of these children. Don't you just love this idea? If every church committed to pray for a child(ren) in their county's foster care system, to advocate for them and to help find homes locally, I wonder what the foster care system would look like.
Tim and I left there so impressed with the heart of this family and church, not only for this sibling group, but for the many local and not-so-local children that are in need of a loving family. Once again, we were so encouraged by those stepping out of the "American Dream" to live God's dream for their family. I am sure that this young sibling group, through absolutely nothing of their own doing, will bring along some baggage of what their life has been thus far. I am sure parenting them and walking with them through the adjustment of a new life will not be rainbows and unicorns. But I also know that God equips those who He calls and He surely never said He would only call us to the circumstances that are easy!
"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13: 20-21
Sheesh! I am just going to start stopping by your blog everyday for my daily devotion! You seem to have on your heart many days exactly what is on mine. Love that about you! Blessings my friend!
ReplyDeletePraying these children will soon be in a home with a family who loves Jesus and will pour Christ's light and love on their little lives.
ReplyDeleteSending up a prayer. I agree with Sonia! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLast fall we did something similar. We focused on one foster child each week and presented their information during our church service. We put their picture on the large screen, read information about them, and then prayed for them. This is something we want to keep doing every year. We simply contacted our foster care workers in our state and asked permission to use the photos from the Heart Gallery that were available online. They were very happy that we were willing to do this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amy P.
This is so sweet! I will be praying!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
Such a great reason to come together for lunch! Its so important for adopting families to support each other!
ReplyDeleteBrooke Annessa
www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com
Love hearing this stuff!! and I LOVE their shirts;)
ReplyDelete