Not everyone…

Not Everyone is Called to Adopt……but everyone can do something.  In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says, “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Followers of Christ, His disciples, are ones who do the smallest of things for the least regarded people. 

The important question is, “What is my cup of cold water?”

If I’m not receiving a child into my home through adoption or foster care, then what is the small thing I can do that will actually make a difference? Well here are some quick ideas to get you started on the path of caring for the fatherless. Some of these things you may already be doing and you just didn't think that it was making a difference. This article is meant to give you ideas you may have never thought of, and to affirm what you may already be doing and let you know that it counts.  You are making a difference!

Pray

Experiencing the love of the Father through worship and intercession connects our hearts to God’s zeal for the orphan and the fatherless. It’s from this place of prayer that true justice flows in partnership with Jesus. Gather together with others who share a heart for justice to consistently pray together. Ask the Lord what his heart is for your region and use scripture as a platform for your prayers.

Visit

Sometimes your cup of cold water might look more like a cup of hot coffee. Foster and adoptive families are some of the most selfless people in this world. They're also some of the most misunderstood. It can be hard for friends and family members to understand what it's like to be a foster parent or adoptive family, especially if they've never been through it themselves. Sometimes just being a listening ear is all the support they need today (and bringing them their favorite cup of coffee can be the icebreaker they needed). 

Every Child Home™ seeks to engage entire communities in supporting families who care for children from hard places. By meeting practical needs foster/adoptive families are strengthened to navigate through unique challenges that arise throughout the journey of restoration.

Begin by identifying foster/adoptive families in your community. As you discover their needs, offer yourself for your group to meet those needs by doing practical tasks (cleaning, transportation, meals, yardwork, etc.). As volunteers ease practical burdens, parents are able to bond and meet the relational needs of their children. Commit to be a resource to that family.

Give

All of these efforts require a tremendous amount of resources. The Bible encourages us that when we give in a manner that is worthy of God, we become co-laborers with the work that is being done (3Jn 1:5-8).  Because of God’s generosity, when you give toward an adoption, God considers you a co-laborer in that adoption! When you support agencies that advocate for the fatherless, God considers that your work, and He will reward you accordingly. “What you have done for the least of these you have done unto Me.”

Although not everyone is called to adopt, everyone can do something. There are so many ways we can help and because God is a happy, generous Father, He considers the small things we do and blesses the giver and the receiver. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!