Scripture tells us that we are to care for the orphan. Period. It is a mandate - not optional.
What does that look like? It can take on many
different looks.
*For some - it means adoption. Once someone adopts, they become adoptions biggest advocates! I haven't met anyone yet who regretted adopting. International adoptions have grown tremendously in the last few years. More countries are opening up their borders to international adoption - others are really slowing down . . . It is an emotional, difficult journey - but one that is well worth the fight, the wait and the money spent. Is this your calling?
*For others - it means helping couples adopt. Some people are called to financially help those couples who are adopting. It is an expensive endeavor and if you can give financially to help someone fulfill their calling and their dream - do it!!
*For others - actually for everyone - we can pray for the orphan. If this is all you do, it is something huge. We can intercede on behalf of these children who do not have an earthly advocate. We can pray for them to find families; we can pray for their caregivers; we can pray for their daily provisions; for their health; for their precious souls. We can pray for God to move on behalf of each orphan and move the process along as quickly as possible - removing seemingly insurmountable obstacles such as government bureaucracy, paperwork and financial mountains. We can pray for the many orphanages that are tirelessly working to provide care and future families for these precious ones.
*For all of us - we can be an outspoken advocate for the orphan. Let others know about people that you know who are involved in adoption. Their stories are inspirational!
Bill and Lynsay - friends of mine who run an orphanage in Ch*na. They take in babies with serious medical problems and they see amazing miracles all the time. It is exhausting and trying, but they are faithful. Bill was adopted and they have adopted two precious girls from the states.
Dwight and Linn - friends of mine who have adopted 7 children from different countries and the USA. They also have 3 biological children. Their oldest daughter is coming home soon with her new baby son from Ughan*a. What a legacy this family is leaving!
David and Amy - friends who adopted a sweet baby girl "E" from Ethi*pia. They are in the process of adopting a second baby.
There are many others with amazing stories. Just being aware will perk up your ears to hearing more and more about these families.
Orphans -- we have all been one. What? When we were apart from God - we were orphans in need of a Heavenly Father. He chose to send His Son so that we could become His children. He adopted us into His family. We now can call God Himself - Daddy. Who do you know that is still a spiritual orphan? Let's remember those orphans too. Let's continue to let people know that they have a huge family in the body of Christ.
I want to encourage you to seek God about what part He would have you to play. He very well may want you to adopt a child. He may point you in the direction of financially helping someone else to adopt. I know He wants you to pray. That's a no brainer!! Let's all lift up God's precious children and see how our Heavenly Father will move on their behalf. Wouldn't it be amazing if as a body of Christ - we could bring that number down to 0? I think it is possible.
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