Quote of the Month

"When people ask me, "How do you want to be introduced?"  I usually propose they say, 'This is Tim Keller, minister of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.'  Of course, I am many other things, but that is the main thing I spend my time doing in public life.  Realize, then, how significant it is that the Biblical writers introduce God as a 'father to the fatherless, a defender of widows' (Psalms 68:4-5).  This is one of the main things he does in the world.  He identifies with the powerless, he takes up their cause."
                                                                                            --Tim Keller, Generous Grace

Orphan Sunday

Next Sunday, November 6th, thousands of events will echo across America and around the globe, all sharing a single goal: that God’s great love for the fatherless will find echo in our lives as well.  We invite you to share an orphan meal with us, watch a video about caring for orphans and join a live webcast from Kansas City at Jacob's Well Church from 5-7pm.  Childcare is provided.  If you have any questions or to RSVP, contact me or Jamey.

Check out the promo video:

http://player.vimeo.com/video/28012514?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=01AAEA

Hope to see you there!!

The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless.  --Psalm 10:14b

The Moment We've Been Waiting For...

Came.

Last night in the middle of our bible study, we received a call from Kentucky.  Our adoption coordinator said she had a potential referral so I called Jamey into our bedroom.  She said they had a 4 month old boy with a minor special need, a polydactyly, or extra "little finger" on his left hand, and would we be interested in him?  Are you kidding me!  Of course!  No question.  I really didn't care if he had eight extra fingers.

She sent a picture of his hand, and I cried at the first glimpse of my son.  Our son.  It's surreal to say it even now.  She called us back a bit later with a full profile.  He's gorgeous, and I can't stop looking at him.  His Ethiopian name is Tesfa which means hope.  Perfect.  He is that.  Hope.  He gives me hope for all those, still waiting.  I have renewed hope in the One who brought him to us--that He would give my messy, redeemed self a privilege such as this is humbling.

We celebrated with our sweet, sweet, authentic bible study.  They had gone to get wine & cake & ice cream while we were on the phone. 

Then we went to get the girls who were at my parents'.  Siena was sleeping so we sat down privately with Grace and told her that we had a picture of the brother she'd been praying for for over a year now.  Her excitement was priceless.  She slept last night with his picture on her pillow.  She's still talking about how beautiful he is.

It's overwhelming and we are in awe. 

Thank you for all of your prayers and support.  This little boy is a miracle, and just like our girls, he's always been plan A for our family.  Only He could orchestrate this.  Oh, praise Him!

Update

At the end of August, we were told that it would be about 4-6 weeks until paperwork was ready for 20 available children, the final step before they were able to be matched with their forever family.  The 4-6 weeks has recently passed without news, but Jamey made contact with our adoption coordinator and she said that she would be very surprised if we didn't receive a referral before November 1st.  That's less than two weeks away! 

We've recently been feeling like this process is never going to end, but there could be a big boost to our resolve if this news about a referral is true.  Either way, God is awesome and we continue to trust that He will bring our child home in His perfect time--even though things haven't been happening as we thought they would.

On another note, we've begun leading an Orphanology small group at church, and are loving discussing with other believers the importance of caring for orphans and the oppressed.  If you're looking for a book that will challenge you, I recommend this one!

Quote of the Week

"Adoption is not just about couples who want children--or who want more children.  Adoption is about an entire culture within our churches, a culture that sees adoption as part of our Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself."

                                                                                              -- Russel D. Moore, Adopted for Life

Steve Jobs Was Adopted

A brilliant modern day man, adopted.  Makes me reflect on the potential of countless orphans entrapped by their circumstances even now.  Read his adoption story here, and ponder with me.

What Can We Do?

There are SO many children in need of a loving home--almost 150 million worldwide.  This problem is complex and sadly most of these won't be adopted, but why aren't more families stepping up and providing loving homes for these little ones?  I think sometimes we tend to overthink things and talk ourselves out of it.   We feel like we have to have it all figured out before we take a leap of faith or that our life needs to be wrapped up perfectly with a nice, shiny bow that doesn't include taking a risk on an orphan who could "ruin" our family.  We think we have to have our act together before we bring another child in to our home.  We say that we'll do it someday, and then we get busy with other things and never take the initiative to pursue it.  We see the cost involved and become overwhelmed.  There's so much that can prevent solid, Christian families from adopting.  Yet, there are SO many children yearning for and in need of a home.  Take a look at this list of "special needs" children in China, and be reminded of a few of them. 

God has these things to say in His word regarding orphans and adoption:

In you the orphan finds mercy.

                          --Hosea 14:3

Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.

                         --Exodus 22:22-23

You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

                          --Psalms 10:14,17-18

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

                          --James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

                           --Psalms 68:5-6

When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

                            --Deuteronomy 24:19

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

                            --Isaiah 1:17

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

                            --Proverbs 31:8-9

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

                           --Matthew 18:5

I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!

                            --Matthew 25:40

The call is clear, and I believe wholeheartedly that when you help orphans, you come close to the heart of God.  I know He doesn't call everyone to adopt, but what else can we do to obey this command to defend the cause of the Fatherless?  Check out this LIST to get some ideas.