Living Hope

You are God's Plan for the Orphan

2010-10-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

You are God's Plan for the Orphan

The United Nations reports that the number of orphans around the world waiting for help is more than 140 million.

This global crisis is present even in the United States where over 120,000 children now wait to be adopted from the foster care system.

But God commands every Christian to act and to care for orphans and we would like you to join us this fall as we serve the orphan.

To help raise awareness of today's orphan crisis, we, along with our friends at Hope for Orphans® (a ministry of FamilyLife®), and Show Hope® worked together to produce Answer the Cry, a special video program hosted by bestselling author Francis Chan. Answer the Cry features musical performances by award winning artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Mark Schultz and highlights our own Jim Daly. Answer the Cry also addresses ways that every Christian can have an impact on the life of an orphan.

This special program is available to you at no cost--visit CryOfTheOrphan.org to learn more about the video and how you can utilize it for an orphan awareness event in your community.

Will you also consider joining us on Orphan Sunday (November 7) to stand for orphans, to defend the fatherless and care for the least of these? More details on how to get involved are at CryOfTheOrphan.org.

Information provided by Focus on the Family.

Summit VI Buzz Hits the Streets

2010-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

The Christian Alliance for Orphans’ yearly Summit has become a national focal point for Christians committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan care. Six years ago, the first Summit drew a few dozen leaders to explore working together on behalf of orphans. Last year’s Summit V in Dallas drew 750, building knowledge, resources and partnerships of orphan advocates in ways that continue to echo nationwide.

Invitation to Summit VI from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

The remarkable growth of Summit has both propelled and highlighted the powerful expansion of the Christian orphan movement in recent years. In 2010, Summit VI will head to Minneapolis, MN on April 29-30. It promises to continue elevating both individual advocates and the movement in big ways.

Featured speakers will include national champions of orphan care and adoption, including John Piper, Mary Beth Chapman, Tom Davis, Doug Sauder, Jedd Medefind, and Al Mohler. Compelling voices of the global church will join as well, from Africa and Eastern Europe to the First Lady of Guatemala City, Patricia Arzu. Music will be led by Steven Curtis Chapman and other artists. Meanwhile, more than fifty workshops will deliver practical know-how for effective adoption, foster care and global orphan care ministry.

Even more than ever before, 2010’s Summit VI will be an unparalleled hub for partnership, resources and inspiration. Whether a nonprofit leader, pastor, grassroots advocate or lay ministry entrepreneur, Summit VI is a must for both veterans and newcomers desiring to “care for orphans in their distress.”

The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites orphan-serving organizations and churches to ignite passion and build excellence for Christ-honoring orphan care, foster youth and adoption ministry.

The Connection Between Abortion and Adoption

2010-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Dr. Moore has authored a beautiful, biblical exposition of physical and spiritual adoption and how they relate to each other. Adopted for Life has become a manifesto for Christians to adopt. This book also trains believers who have adopted to help other families see the need for adoption.

Courtesy of Desiring God Ministries.

Cry of the Orphan

2009-11-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Orphan Sunday, November 8, to Unite Christians Around the World

In recognition of Orphan Sunday on November 8, churches are planning events all across the country. The goal of Orphan Sunday is to raise awareness of the needs of orphans and to mobilize believers to take action on their behalf.

In addition to the numerous events happening in churches, Cry of the Orphan partners Focus on the Family, Show Hope, and Hope for Orphans, a ministry of FamilyLife, will join together in a special event that your church can be a part of. Invite others to gather in your church or home, and watch live as Grammy award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman, Dennis Rainey, President of FamilyLife, and Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family as they pour out their hearts on behalf of the orphan.

This special live broadcast will be made available though a web-based video stream, a satellite feed and also across a number of radio stations throughout the country.

FamilyLife Today - FamilyLife.com

2009-06-09T10:58:00.001-07:00

FamilyLife Today - FamilyLife.com

Posted using ShareThis

Adoption Is Greater Than The Universe - John Piper

2009-06-02T20:53:00.001-07:00

A Love for Baby Landry

2009-04-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

I know I have talked on this blog about adoption in the past. Adoption is a beautiful way to look at our relationship with the Father. If we are one of His children we have been adopted into His family through the work of Christ on the cross. But I want to turn to a real adoption story that took place not too long ago with my brother-in-law and sister. They had the privilege to adopt a beautiful baby girl named Landry. Here is a short glimpse of the ups and downs of adoption from a human standpoint but also some assuring truth about our sovereign God.

"I'm Krista...my husband Jason and I have 4 children. We started our adoption process last October. For us, just starting the process was a huge leap of faith. As we looked into adoption and realized the cost, we were discouraged. Then as we began to talk with many of our friends they encouraged us to trust that the Lord would provide the money.

We finished our paperwork and started our interview process in mid-December (2008). A lady began to share with me that her aunt and uncle were raising their Great Grandchild and that they knew the best thing for her was to put her up for adoption. She continued to share that the Lord had put our family on her heart several months earlier. I usually talk these kinds of things over with the hubby, but this time I said 'yes' without running it by him!!

Just ten days later we received a call that the Great Grandparents wanted to meet us and that the mom had signed the papers necessary to move forward with the adoption...well two days later we met Landry and her Great Grandparents. As I looked at them and saw how deeply they loved her I was heartbroken. I wanted her for my own, but I honestly prayed 'Lord, why could they not be 10 years younger.' After they left we knew we had 8 days left to sit and wait. In Arkansas a birth mother has 10 days to change her mind. So...that's what we did, waited.

Friday, January 30th was day 10. We woke up that morning and knew we made it. We were so excited!! The Lord had been extremely gracious to us for those 10 days. They honestly went by very quickly. The kids were doing school and I was making lunch and I turned around to see my husband standing in my kitchen. I asked him what was wrong and he just shook his head. Landry's mom had changed her mind, and the adoption was off! As I began to process I quickly began to think about the Sovereignty of God. I knew and believed that God had a purpose and a plan. I won't say that we didn't shed any tears, because we did, but I will say that we were at peace because we knew that God was in control. '

Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be His name, He gives and takes away, blessed be His name.'I don't think Jason or I slept much that night, but I knew that I needed to be ready for the next day. Allissa [my daughter] was playing and I was were coach. So, I had ten, 10 year olds counting on me. After getting to the gym Jason decided to call and check on the Great Grandparents. They were extremely upset and Jason wanted to check and see how they were holding up. As I was sitting there watching some of the other girls play, Jason walked back into the gym and sat down next to me. He said her mom had changed her mind again and wanted us to have her! Well, I could no longer hold in any of my emotions. I just sat there and cried. What was the Lord doing? What was He trying to teach me? What was He trying to teach our family?

From that day until March 6th, when Landry arrived in our home, all we could do is trust that the Lord would sustain us. We knew that the Bible said, 'He would never leave us or forsake us', and for those 5 weeks all we could do was rest in that."

For the complete story click here.

Grace upon grace,
JRL (Landry's uncle)

Adoption: Which Agency Should You Use?

2009-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Choosing the "right" adoption agency can be a complicated task. Hope for Orphans has compiled a list that will at least get you started.

Funding Your Adoption

2009-03-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Many people thinking about adoption consider the financial aspect one of the greatest hurdles. The ministry of Hope for Orphans has listed several avenues God may use to provide for your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Follow this link to find out more.

Summit V

2009-03-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

At Hope for Orphans, we believe the local church is God’s answer for the orphan. If the orphan crisis is close to your heart or the heart of someone you know, we want to tell you about a wonderful opportunity coming up next month. I am pleased to extend this invitation to attend the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ fifth annual summit on adoption and orphan care, to be held at Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas, from April 30-May 1, 2009. Summit V offers believers, regardless of their current involvement in orphans ministry, an opportunity to meet and learn from others involved in orphans ministry from around the world, in order to learn how to join God as He loves and cares for the least of these among us.

Main session speakers at Summit V will include FamilyLife’s Dennis Rainey, Dr. Tony Evans (co-founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas), Rob Mitchell (author of Focus on the Family’s book Castaway Kid), Russell Moore (dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families), and Elizabeth Styffe (director of the Orphan Care Initiative at Saddleback Church). Special entertainment will be provided by Meredith Andrews.
In addition to the main sessions, smaller specialized breakout sessions, including some led by the Hope for Orphans team, will allow attendees to choose those topics that will best develop and enhance the ministries that God has given them.

Please prayerfully consider joining us as we convene in Irving, so that we might be used by God to reach the 130 million orphans in the world for His glory.
To register or to get more information about Summit V please visit www.Christian-Alliance-for-Orphans.org/summit/.

In Him,
Paul Pennington
Executive Director, Hope for Orphans

A Pliable Heart

2009-03-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

We hosted a C.A.L.L. informational meeting at the church last night. It went very well with about 20 people attending (some couples, some singels). Most everything worked smoothly technically, and the food was really good (thanks, Team!).

Anyway... here's a blog post from one of the ladies who attended. But don't read it alone... be sure to have a hanky nearby.

Thanks for being part of what the Lord is doing.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

10. Don’t feel like you have to have all the answers.

Use the wisdom and experience of the Christian adoption community. There are a growing number of resources available, including many churches that have ministries aimed at promoting and supporting adoption.

Encourage those in your church who have a passion for adoption to lead the church in caring for the fatherless and supporting adoption. And remember you are not alone! There is a community of others to support you and above all, God, the Father of the fatherless, is with you to provide all that is needed to follow his call to care for the “least of these.”

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

9. Celebrate adoptions publicly in services.

Give time during worship services not only to teach on God’s heart for orphans, but also to celebrate specific adoptions. You can perhaps do this as part of Sanctity of Life Sunday or in conjunction with another special day such as Mothers’ or Fathers’ Day. Also, November is National Adoption Awareness Month.

There are many ways you can publicly celebrate adoption during the service such having an adoptive family share their story, honoring adoptive parents in the congregation, or taking a special offering for your church adoption fund. Be creative!

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

8. Cry with them and celebrate with them.

The majority of adoptions are filled with great highs and great lows.

There are often many tears shed due to failed placements and other setbacks. There is also unparalleled joy in being matched with your child and bringing them home.

Do what you can to enter into their experience. Embody the compassion and empathy of Christ in the hard times and magnify the joy of the Father in the celebration.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

7. Provide financial counsel and help.

The majority of couples adopting are challenged by the high costs. Any ways that you can provide encouragement and help financially will express love in a very tangible way.
One way you can do this is by establishing a church adoption fund to offer grants and loans to members. You can visit Hope for 100 for an example of what one church in Texas is doing.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

6. Keep on encouraging them.

Those who step out in faith to adopt enter a journey filled with many ups and downs. Keep supporting them throughout the process. Ideally, they will have a care group or some close friends that will be able to do this as well.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

5. Remind them that they desire a good and God-magnifying thing.

Encourage those pursuing adoption with God’s heart for the fatherless. Encourage them with God’s promises to direct their steps (Prov 16:9). Encourage them with God’s faithfulness to provide.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

4. Ask questions.

Listening is one of the most powerful expressions of your care. Learn to ask the right questions. Here are a few good ones to ask:

Why are you considering adoption? Are you both on the same page? If not, where do you differ?

Do you both have the faith for adoption?

Are you aware of the risks, ups, downs, and unknowns of adoption?

Have you talked to other adoptive families about their experience?

Have you been praying together about this?

Where do you feel called to adopt from?

What kind of support do you have in place?

Are you aware of the cost of adoption? How will you pay for it? Will you need help?

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

3. Educate yourself on basic facts about adoption and orphan care.

Did you know there are roughly 129,000 children waiting to be adopted today in the US and over 132 million orphans worldwide? That is a starting point to stir your heart to pray and cry to God for his justice and grace to be poured out on their behalf.
Some websites I've found helpful in keeping me aware of these issues are...

Cry of the Orphan
Joint Council of International Children's Services
US State Department Office of Children's Issues
US Department of Health and Human Services

Your awareness of these kinds of things will speak volumes to the church you lead. Whether it is through your preaching, teaching, or just regular conversation, your church will begin to hear this and will gain God’s heart and perspective on adoption.
Your understanding will also touch those who have adopted and who are considering it.

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

2. Do a biblical study on God’s perspective on orphans.

As you develop your heart for adoption, pass this on to your people in your preaching. You can start by simply looking up all the instances in the Bible to the “fatherless.”

10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption

2009-03-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

Desiring God released a great article title 10 Ways to Pastor Adoptive Parents and Those Considering Adoption. We would like to post the information one point at a time so you can reflect on good godly counsel.

1. Develop your own heart for the fatherless.

God calls Himself a “father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5) and emphasizes throughout Scripture his special care for orphans. In fact, the very heart of the gospel is God’s passion to not only redeem sinners but to adopt them as his very sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Many adoptive parents and those pursuing adoption feel alone in their churches because it seems like no one understands. By communicating that adoption is fundamentally connected to the gospel and the nature of God you will challenge the view that adoption is a “plan B” if a couple cannot have children biologically.

K-Love article for Shaohannah's Hope

2009-02-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

"Psalm 68:5-6 tells us that as the Father to the fatherless, God delights in setting the lonely in families. For Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman the scriptural mandate of caring for orphans, such as the one found in James 1:27, was the invitation to experience God in a profound way by being a part of His sovereign plan for His precious children. It was the divine inspiration to create Shaohannah’s Hope..."

The rest of the articles can be found on K-Love's website.

The CALL Information Meeting

2009-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Living Hope is hosting a FREE Adoption/Foster Care Information Meeting. The C.A.L.L. is part of our Orphan Ministry and will be at BCLR on Monday, March 16th from 6:30 - 9PM to present information on how you can make a difference in the life of a child in need. You can REGISTER HERE (be sure to choose the correct event date).

The C.A.L.L. is a local faith-based organization whose purpose is to connect waiting children with loving homes. You can find out more about The C.A.L.L. at their website.

There is NO pressure and you'll be able to have your questions answered. Snacks & drinks will be provided, but childcare will not be.

If you have other questions, you can email Michael DeLon @ Michael.DeLon@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there.

Together for Adoption 2009

2009-02-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Together for Adoption (T4A) conference will be held at Christ Community Church (Franklin, TN) on October 2-3, 2009. The uniqueness of T4A’s conferences is that they focus primarily on vertical adoption (i.e., God adopting us in Christ), with a secondary and necessary focus on its profound implications for orphan care and horizontal adoption (i.e., couples adopting children).

Together for Adoption 2009

Summit V

2009-02-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Summit V is an opportunity to worship God by learning about how He is caring for orphans around the world through His people... and how YOU can join Him. Detailed breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities have been designed to equip the lay person, the church pastor & the orphan care worker with tangible steps they can take to love the orphan in their home, in their church, and through trusted organizations.

Becoming a Foster Parent

2009-01-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

The C.A.L.L. is unique because it will provide the opportunity for prospective foster and adoptive parents to go through state-approved training WITHIN a church setting. You will have an automatic “support group” as you go through training with other Christians. The training is offered in a more convenient format than the norm to accommodate your schedule. Childcare will be available. The C.A.L.L. will walk you through every step in the process, easing the burden. Plus, we have a church liaison within the state agency who will help in making sure you will have a child placement in a timely manner. Then, once you have invited a child into your home, The C.A.L.L. has a support team available, along with primary support that will be encouraged through your own church home.

The first step in the process is to attend a CALL Informational Meeting.

The CALL

2009-01-26T17:51:00.001-08:00

Lunch with a Purpose

2009-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a young couple over for lunch. They are interested in fostering or adopting some children. As we talked, it became obvious that they have a heart to share the love they have for Christ with children who need to feel His love. It's so cool to be around people who are overflowing with the love of God! His love doesn't just seep out, it gushes out!!!

They'll be attending an informational meeting with The C.A.L.L. on Feb. 27th to get more information and decide what their next step should be.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
6:30 – 9:00 P.M.
Fellowship North in North Little Rock

You too can register to attend this meeting. It's FREE with no obligation (or childcare). It's a great way to take the next step in your journey of becoming the Living Hope of a child who is waiting.

What Living Hope hopes to be

2009-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here’s a broad perspective of what LIVING HOPE can be.

In the US – Adoption & Foster Care

International – Adoption, Support, Agency referrals

Partnerships – Wayne & Carol Mack, Lambano House w/ Beth Mack, The Parette’s in China, and potentially a ministry with the Claxton’s in Russia. STEP Ministries, Christmas gifts to Orphans locally.

Resources – Information on agencies that can assist with adoptions, BCLR website section, Equipping Hour classes.

Finances – Research & Develop ways to come alongside families who have a desire to adopt. Normally when a couple wants to adopt, the sheer cost of such an adventure stops many in their tracks. This is a travesty! We need to help couples overcome this hurdle, trust God and walk by faith.

Mission Trips – Youth, Adult & Family

Support – Pre & Post placement

- Meals
- Visits
- Child Care
- Clothing
- Toys, etc.

Library – BCLR & Website links

Prayer Cover – regular updates, BCLR Families who are in-process and waiting

Talk Time – with others who have walked this road.

I’m sure they’ll be more, but this will at least get us started.

God doesn’t call everyone to adopt or become a Foster Parent; but He does call every believer to care for the orphan… Living Hope will give you that opportunity.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."-James 1:27