There is a precious little 7 year old boy named Carson in an orphanage in Eastern Europe that has the skin disease EP (Epidermolysis Bullosa), and God has, in his amazing and miraculous way, moved the heart of a family in Lodi to adopt him! One of their fundraisers is a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, 12/11 at Temple Baptist Church. Tickets are $10 each and Drive Thru is available. If you would like to buy tickets, help this family with future fundraisers, or make a donation to help with their adoption (that costs $30,000), please contact Leah at adoption@fbclodi.org.
Follow their journey to Carson at their blog:
http://bringingcarsonhome.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
His Adoption Ministry - We're just invited!
The Adoption Ministry at FBC started officially in 2006, so we just celebrated our 4th year! I am often asked by people who desire to start similar ministries at their church how to go about starting an Adoption/Orphan Ministry. For the first 3 years of ministry, I would have said something like the following, "Plan events, seminars, monthly meetings, host a blog, socials, etc. . .". For 3 years, that is what the ministry looked like. I often felt tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated. I realize now that I was trying to run the ministry in my own strength and in my own timing. I even remember asking God to give the church a certain number of adoption by a certain deadline. Sometimes I would wonder if it was worth all the time and effort, but as each family expressed interest, and each child joined a family, God would remind me that all the work would be worth it for just one child to find a home.
Fast forward to the present. When I am asked that same question, my response is, "Pray! Pray! Pray!" I have finally let go of the control (I never really was in control, but just tried to be). I pray and wait on God to show us the next step. He has blown me away more times than I could even describe. He has literally set up events, contacts, and meetings without any of my help! The most amazing thing is that he is working on hearts. The adoption team has a list of families that we think would be amazing adoptive families, and we pray regularly for God to move the hearts of these families to adoption or foster care if that is in his perfect plan for them(some know about it and some don't :-). Over and over it has happened that families on my "list" come up an mention an interest in adoption. And why am I so often surprised? Why wouldn't God move the hearts of his children to care for his fatherless children?
I bring this up because lately I have been wanting to contact the CASA organization(Court Appointed Special Advocate) to come and make a presentatin at church. It has been sitting on my "to do" list for awhile (as things often do). Yesterday in the mail I received a DVD from a woman of God in our church that highlighted the CASA program. I laughed and told God, "OK, I guess it is time to make that call." See how easy it is?
So, if you have a heart to start an adoption ministry at your church, just start praying. Pray for families to be moved to care for orphans (make a list of their names), pray for your church leadership to become passionate for the fatherless, pray for guidance and direction of what to do when. Each ministry is different. There is no secret recipe. Just know that God has been in the Ministry of orphan care and adoption since the beginning of time and he is more than ready to guide and lead anyone who would like to join Him.
For those of you part of the Adoption Ministry in Lodi, you are going to be blown away with what he is doing! I can hardly even believe it! Off the top of my head there have been 13 children placed for adoption, 3 families in the process (at least), and many more looking into adoption and gathering information. Honestly, I feel like we haven't seen anything yet! I know I am being a tease, but seriously, God is mighty busy sowing the seeds of adoption and foster care in our church body and I believe the harvest is going to be huge. I can't wait!
Fast forward to the present. When I am asked that same question, my response is, "Pray! Pray! Pray!" I have finally let go of the control (I never really was in control, but just tried to be). I pray and wait on God to show us the next step. He has blown me away more times than I could even describe. He has literally set up events, contacts, and meetings without any of my help! The most amazing thing is that he is working on hearts. The adoption team has a list of families that we think would be amazing adoptive families, and we pray regularly for God to move the hearts of these families to adoption or foster care if that is in his perfect plan for them(some know about it and some don't :-). Over and over it has happened that families on my "list" come up an mention an interest in adoption. And why am I so often surprised? Why wouldn't God move the hearts of his children to care for his fatherless children?
I bring this up because lately I have been wanting to contact the CASA organization(Court Appointed Special Advocate) to come and make a presentatin at church. It has been sitting on my "to do" list for awhile (as things often do). Yesterday in the mail I received a DVD from a woman of God in our church that highlighted the CASA program. I laughed and told God, "OK, I guess it is time to make that call." See how easy it is?
So, if you have a heart to start an adoption ministry at your church, just start praying. Pray for families to be moved to care for orphans (make a list of their names), pray for your church leadership to become passionate for the fatherless, pray for guidance and direction of what to do when. Each ministry is different. There is no secret recipe. Just know that God has been in the Ministry of orphan care and adoption since the beginning of time and he is more than ready to guide and lead anyone who would like to join Him.
For those of you part of the Adoption Ministry in Lodi, you are going to be blown away with what he is doing! I can hardly even believe it! Off the top of my head there have been 13 children placed for adoption, 3 families in the process (at least), and many more looking into adoption and gathering information. Honestly, I feel like we haven't seen anything yet! I know I am being a tease, but seriously, God is mighty busy sowing the seeds of adoption and foster care in our church body and I believe the harvest is going to be huge. I can't wait!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Foster Care and Foster Adoption Orientation
Foster Parenting and Foster Adoption Orientation - Sunday, 10/17
In the gym at 9:45am, the Adoption Ministry will be hosting an orientation for anyone interested in learning about foster parenting (including emergency and respite care) or adoption through the foster care. A representative from the San Joaquin County HSA will be informing us about how we, as families of FBC, can play a role in the lives of orphans in our county. These children in the foster care system, who have often experienced great hurt and loss, need adults who can love them with the love that only Jesus can offer. Please come, learn more, and show the county that we are passionate about helping orphans in our area. Invite friends or anyone you know that might be interested. For more information, please email the adoption ministry at adoption@fbclodi.org or call Leah at 277-4543.
In the gym at 9:45am, the Adoption Ministry will be hosting an orientation for anyone interested in learning about foster parenting (including emergency and respite care) or adoption through the foster care. A representative from the San Joaquin County HSA will be informing us about how we, as families of FBC, can play a role in the lives of orphans in our county. These children in the foster care system, who have often experienced great hurt and loss, need adults who can love them with the love that only Jesus can offer. Please come, learn more, and show the county that we are passionate about helping orphans in our area. Invite friends or anyone you know that might be interested. For more information, please email the adoption ministry at adoption@fbclodi.org or call Leah at 277-4543.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Prayer!
One of the reasons we decided to set aside a specific day of prayer and fasting last week, was because we learned through A Place Called Simplicity (a blog written by an wonderful adoptive mom) that many believers were joining together that day to pray for orphans. The most awesome part of praying and fasting is that it gives us direct access to see God’s goodness. When I join with other believers in this way, I REMEMBER to pray for the things God has placed on my heart and, better yet, I REMEMBER to check up on those things to give HIM the glory for the answer. During this time, we did see God move in some amazing ways. Feel free to hop on over to Linny’s Blog and read all about it. It is so worth your time. It is my privilege to continue to pray for the people in our church and in the adoption group. Here are some prayer requests and praises for those of you who want to join with us!
Prayer update:
Please pray for the Paige Family. The court is due to terminate the parental rights of John’s biological mother on Wednesday, September 22 in the morning. Once that is completed, John will no longer have to have visits with her. The visits are very traumatic for John and his parents.
Praise for the Power family! Baby Mathew is adorable and was the highlight of this month’s adoption meeting!
Praise for Kevin and Leslie Crosby as they have finished their homestudy and are waiting for a referral for an emergency placement.
Pray for the Russu family as they are seeking the agency that would be the best fit for their family.
Pray for Rebecca Stark as she is in process of getting licensed.
Pray for the Huck family as they search for the best place to care for their daughter Janice.
Pray for the Morefields, for their discernment about how they should proceed.
Pray for the Goehring’s possible move so that they can begin the adoption process again.
Pray for all of those who have adopted children with “special needs” and for them to have the help and patience they need.
Pray for everyone who is in process of getting their homestudies done (please add your name if you are willing to share. I didn’t permission to share from everyone…yet!)
Pray for all of those who are considering the process that they will wait patiently on God’s timing.
Pray for the kids who will be coming into our families – for their safety, for their security, for their piece of mind, for them to have hope.
Pray that through the adoption process that all of us would see God’s work.
Prayer update:
Please pray for the Paige Family. The court is due to terminate the parental rights of John’s biological mother on Wednesday, September 22 in the morning. Once that is completed, John will no longer have to have visits with her. The visits are very traumatic for John and his parents.
Praise for the Power family! Baby Mathew is adorable and was the highlight of this month’s adoption meeting!
Praise for Kevin and Leslie Crosby as they have finished their homestudy and are waiting for a referral for an emergency placement.
Pray for the Russu family as they are seeking the agency that would be the best fit for their family.
Pray for Rebecca Stark as she is in process of getting licensed.
Pray for the Huck family as they search for the best place to care for their daughter Janice.
Pray for the Morefields, for their discernment about how they should proceed.
Pray for the Goehring’s possible move so that they can begin the adoption process again.
Pray for all of those who have adopted children with “special needs” and for them to have the help and patience they need.
Pray for everyone who is in process of getting their homestudies done (please add your name if you are willing to share. I didn’t permission to share from everyone…yet!)
Pray for all of those who are considering the process that they will wait patiently on God’s timing.
Pray for the kids who will be coming into our families – for their safety, for their security, for their piece of mind, for them to have hope.
Pray that through the adoption process that all of us would see God’s work.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Pray for Beth (12 year old orphan in China)
I just read this post about a sweet, healthy 12 year old girl in China that needs a home. She is getting close to the age where children can no longer be adopted. Please pray for Beth to find a home. Here is the post.
http://strandfam.blogspot.com/2010/08/this-precious-girl-needs-family.html
Also, this family has an amazing adoption story if you scroll down on the blog. Another miracle only God could do!
http://strandfam.blogspot.com/2010/08/this-precious-girl-needs-family.html
Also, this family has an amazing adoption story if you scroll down on the blog. Another miracle only God could do!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day of Prayer and Fasting for Adoptions - Sept. 8th
This coming Wednesday, a group of people from all over the United States are joining together to pray for families whose children are waiting to come home. Many have waited months and years and are still experiencing much opposition. Please join us in praying for these families along with families in our ministry in Lodi.
Here are the 2 posts that explain the Crazy Love Challenge:
Part one is Why does it have to be so hard?
Part two is Why does it have to be so hard? - Part 2
There is a place at the end of part 2 for families in the process who need prayer to get their child(ren) home can post their story. She is asking that we (as those who are passionate about orphans and adoption) join with MANY others around the U.S. in praying for God to bring these children home.
On Wednesday night from 7 - 7:45pm a couple of us are planning to pray in the prayer room during Pioneer clubs. Please feel free to come and join us in prayer. While we lift up the families on the blog, here are some prayer requests from our group:
1. Praise for baby Martin's arrival to the Power family. Pray for the adjustment and bonding to go well! Pray for strength as they begin the process to make him their own!
2. Tony and Dee Morefield go for their San Joaquin County Orientation this week. Pray for wisdom and guidance.
3. Pray for the Goehrings and the house that they have an offer in on. Pray for bank approval of their loan and that they also would be patient and trust God's timing in providing them a new house (so they can begin the adoption process again!)
4. Pray for Rebecca Stark as she continues in the process of adopting through the foster care system.
5. Pray for guidance and wisdom for the Huck Family as they help their daughter Janice plan for her future.
6. Pray for the Crosby Family as they have finished their classes and are ready for emergency placements of foster children. Pray for courage and strength as they seek to be light in an area of darkness in our county.
I know there are some more requests, so feel free to post them in the comments or email them to me and I will add them. I can't wait to see God move!!!!
Here are the 2 posts that explain the Crazy Love Challenge:
Part one is Why does it have to be so hard?
Part two is Why does it have to be so hard? - Part 2
There is a place at the end of part 2 for families in the process who need prayer to get their child(ren) home can post their story. She is asking that we (as those who are passionate about orphans and adoption) join with MANY others around the U.S. in praying for God to bring these children home.
On Wednesday night from 7 - 7:45pm a couple of us are planning to pray in the prayer room during Pioneer clubs. Please feel free to come and join us in prayer. While we lift up the families on the blog, here are some prayer requests from our group:
1. Praise for baby Martin's arrival to the Power family. Pray for the adjustment and bonding to go well! Pray for strength as they begin the process to make him their own!
2. Tony and Dee Morefield go for their San Joaquin County Orientation this week. Pray for wisdom and guidance.
3. Pray for the Goehrings and the house that they have an offer in on. Pray for bank approval of their loan and that they also would be patient and trust God's timing in providing them a new house (so they can begin the adoption process again!)
4. Pray for Rebecca Stark as she continues in the process of adopting through the foster care system.
5. Pray for guidance and wisdom for the Huck Family as they help their daughter Janice plan for her future.
6. Pray for the Crosby Family as they have finished their classes and are ready for emergency placements of foster children. Pray for courage and strength as they seek to be light in an area of darkness in our county.
I know there are some more requests, so feel free to post them in the comments or email them to me and I will add them. I can't wait to see God move!!!!
Power Family has a Baby!!!!
Update!!!!
This past Friday (9/3), Vern, Diane, and Jordyn Power brought home baby Martin. He is about 2 months old and is adorable! It was so fun to see him at church today! We are putting together a meal list and throwing a shower for Diane in the next couple weeks, so let us know if you would like to be a part of the celebration.
Vern and Diane are working with Sacramento County and hoping to adopt baby Martin:-) Pray for them as they begin the process and for their attachment and adjustment!
This past Friday (9/3), Vern, Diane, and Jordyn Power brought home baby Martin. He is about 2 months old and is adorable! It was so fun to see him at church today! We are putting together a meal list and throwing a shower for Diane in the next couple weeks, so let us know if you would like to be a part of the celebration.
Vern and Diane are working with Sacramento County and hoping to adopt baby Martin:-) Pray for them as they begin the process and for their attachment and adjustment!
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