I just found out that November was National Adoption Month. I probably didn’t know before because my heart wasn’t ever really opened to the need until recently. I find it all the more exciting for us and our adoption to really be getting going this month; we meet with our social worker tonight for the first time for our home study {excited, but also a little nervous}.
A couple of weeks ago another couple at our church who is currently in the adoption process (waiting for their little boy from Rwanda) shared a little about their journey and also some staggering adoption statistics.
Did you know that there are 143 million fatherless orphan children today?
That if they were a country they would amount to the 8th largest in the world?
That there are 500,000 waiting children in the U.S. foster care system?
That in the U.S. 90% of orphans are being adopted into non-Christian families despite the distinct Biblical calls to us as Christians to care for them?
Here are a few scriptures that they shared that encouraged me…
17O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
18to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalm 10:17-18
5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
Matthew 18:5
27Religion 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.
James 1:27
Here are some action points regarding orphans…
Pray~ every Christian can and should do this!
Get Involved~ check out these sites {I can’t wait to dive into these}: Orphan Sunday, Hope for Orphans, Dark to Dawn
Act~ start praying about how the Lord would have you act… Sponsor (a great option for those not feeling called to adopt), Foster, Adopt!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so excited to be reading your adoption story. We adopted domestically 2 1/2 years ago and it was an awesome experience! I am praying for you guys!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Thank you for the posting this! I think it’s really important that we talk about this issue more. As I contemplate the whole adoption issue for me personally, it’s encouraging (as well as compelling) to know more about the facts about adoption, and the real children that are affected, as well as what God has to say about His heart for all people. And I’m so excited for you guys and the new little one that will be a perfect addition to your family!