Friday, March 25, 2011

Why Ask?

  First of all, some friends of ours, who we haven't seen since Christmas, came up and spent the day with us and it was AWESOME. We don't get to see them near enough and we were really blessed and encouraged by our time with them today. And let me tell you, WE NEEDED THAT!! God's timing is just great some times! :)
   Also, I wanted to address the question of "Why ask for prayer and financial support for adoption, specifically from believers who you love and respect?" My answer -- because I believe it is biblical. We are adopted in to God's family - as His children. Now, I know adoption itself (especially international) is a 'controversial issue' and some people (probably some who are reading this) don't agree with the issues surrounding adoption itself - much less financially supporting a couple looking to adopt. It is our journey, our 'mission' not yours, right? Well...
   James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." There are over 147 Million orphans in the world. If I can do something to personally lower that number by even one (or two), I am following through. Proverbs 24:12 "If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?" Jaden and I feel CALLED to adopt. We feel LED to adopt. Yep, still following through. John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Yep, STILL following through. So why ask for help? The following is taken from the Lifesong for Orphans website - I can not claim it as my own...

  • Evangelize the lost – Adoption is evangelism at its core…Bringing the mission field home, where children are loved, cared for, and discipled to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
  • Edify the saved – Adoption Fund challenges, encourages, and enables Believers to put their faith in action, by stepping out in faith to adopt (fulfilling God’s commands in scripture). The process also provides an opportunity for families to develop relationships with other Christians as they seek prayer and financial support.
  • Minister to those in need – There are millions of children waiting for forever families who would like to adopt them, but just can’t because of the financial barrier. By helping to reduce that barrier we are helping to rescue those children who are trapped in the cycle of orphan life.
  • Be a Conscience in the community –  As the Church becomes obedient to God’s commands concerning the fatherless, the community will see Jesus Christ is alive and working in the lives of His people to care for those children who can’t care for themselves. “As Christians we are often known for what we are against, but the world doesn’t know what we are for. Jesus said ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
  So, this is not to put any pressure, in any way, on anyone to help us out financially. But it IS a request for prayer in this process for our family. 
   Specifically - 
    - April 6th fingerprinting date: That travels to the location would be safe and easy (as easy as can be with 2 kids). 
    - That we would get our 171-H form (permission from the USCIS) back quickly. And that then, we could turn in our dossier.
   - There have been some changes within the Ethiopian adoption process that have lengthened the wait time for a referral quite a bit. We request prayers that God brings our baby home quickly to be a part of our family.
   We are truly amazed at those who have already taken part in our various fundraisers and who have helped to support us in prayer, encouragement, financially, etc. over the past few months. It means the world to us. Many people have stepped up in a big way and that is AWESOME!

1 comment:

Annie said...

Very proud of you! :)