adoption awareness month

There are few things I love more than being in a front row seat when God's moving in people's lives.  And, boy, has He been doing some amazing things lately.

November is Adoption Awareness Month.

And Sunday, November 4th was Orphan Sunday.  Among other things, this video was shown at our church to recognize Orphan Sunday.

  

God is making His people aware of the orphan crisis.  And He's moving in the hearts of the Richmond community.  And around the country.  And around the world.  I believe there's an awakening happening.  It's a beautiful thing to see.  At our church on Orphan Sunday, folks gave $750 toward our adoption fund.  And we ran out of the forms to give monthly to the fund.  We had to print more.  

Additionally, there are two drives happening for items for foster children in our area.  One, specifically, was for the 15 foster children in the county our church is located in.  Our church's orphan care ministry, Fathered, snatched up those kids so fast!  What a joy it is to see God rally people to help those He loves so very much.

Then the week after Orphan Sunday, Fathered was invited to be the recipient of the proceeds of our church's 5K!  Y'all.  That is incredible.  This will help so many more families adopt!  Finances are definitely the number one barrier for people wishing to adopt.  The race is on Saturday, March 9th.  Pray that many, many will come out to run, walk or stroll so the Fathered Fund will burst at the seams and we can help lots of families grow through adoption!

JD and I have had the privilege of 'counseling' two couples this week who have decided to adopt.  It's a wonderful way to spend our time.

Of course not everyone is called to adopt or foster.

So what can you do?  There's so much!

You can love on those who are adopting or fostering.  You can offer to babysit for them, bring them a meal, coordinate an airport welcome.  You can help a family who's in the process of adopting by helping with fundraising (think bake sales, yard sales, silent auctions, etc).   You can pray for an orphan.  There are so many websites that show photos of children who are available for adoption, like www.adoptuskids.com or www.rainbowkids.com.  You can print a photo of a child and pray for him or her to find her forever family.  And, of course, you can give financially to help reduce the burden of the costs of adoption.

Whatever you decide works best for you, just do it!  Take that first step.  And know that children like James, who were once orphaned, will have their lives healed and redeemed by the LOVE of others.  Including yourselves.