Why Love Orphans?

"We love, because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19

Today has been set aside as Orphan Sunday.  What a tremendous opportunity and responsibility as a church body!  

I would love to hear how your church acknowledged this special day…a happy day for so many sweet sons and daughters that are no longer orphans…and yet a sad day to realize the millions of children who still wait to be chosen as someone's forever child, languishing away in orphanages, living in substandard housing below the poverty line, or even worse, living on the streets finding shelter and sustenance any way they can.  

I have many FaceBook friends and readers who are church attenders, pastors, ministers, and Bible study leaders.  What advice do you have for someone who wants to do something, and yet doesn't know where to start?  


If you want to help but do not know where to begin, check out my last post, or feel free to send me an email.  Also, there are several links on the sidebar that may show you where you can make a difference!  

"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

Thankful - National Adoption Month

Thankful…the first thing on my mind this morning as the new month began.  

Oh, how I welcome this time of year!  The time of year where many of us slow down and look around at the many blessings God has given over the last year.  And always near the top of my "Thankful" list, for many years now, you would find him….

And her…

And him…

And I stand in awe that this year I can add him.

Last year I could not imagine what life would be like with 4 children.  And this year, I do not WANT to imagine what life would be like with ONLY 3 children!  

How appropriate that November, the month of thankfulness, is also designated as National Adoption Month!  Many organizations have pulled together to spread the word about the many children waiting for families!  I have heard so many people say things like, "I always thought about adopting, but…(finances, insurance, job, age, spouse, lack of a spouse, other children)"  But I have great news!  You do not have to adopt to make a difference!  There are SO many ways to fulfill God's command to take care of the fatherless!  

Can you…

Cook a meal for an adoptive or foster family?

Offer babysitting to an adoptive or foster family?

Advocate for waiting children?

Volunteer with a local foster care/adoption organization?

Donate to an adoption fund for someone that is adopting?

Support many of the nonprofit organizations here and abroad that care for these kids daily?

You can check out some of these links:

iCareAboutOrphans.org

www.chinalittleflower.org

halfthesky.org

reecesrainbow.org

www.feet2ourfaith.blogspot.com
give1save1world.blogspot.com

Or maybe you are considering foster care or adoption, but are overwhelmed at the process or don't know where to start!  Here are some great resources for you!

www.wacap.org

lifelinechild.org

defendfoundation.org

twentyless.com

There are SO many opportunities out there to help!  Get your family involved!  Get your Bible study group involved!  Get your office involved!  Just get involved!  Make a difference in the life of a child this year.  

Maybe next Thanksgiving, you'll realize you are the one that can add something (or maybe even someONE) to your "Thankful" list!