The Lifeline Blog--New Website!

Our new Lifeline blog website!

We wanted to introduce you to the newly updated Lifeline blog!  We will now begin posting all of our new blog entries to this website at this link here.  You will find it easy to navigate, with six categories at the top: Adoption, Foster Care, (Un)Adopted, Faith & Encouragement, Equipping, and From the Director.  You can use these categories to search older posts from this webiste.  We are so excited to begin using this new blog as a tool to share stories of hope, encouragement, prayer needs, staff testimonies, views from adoptive and foster care families, and much more!

Summit VIII

 

Lifeline will be sending several members of our staff to the eighth annual Summit conference in just a couple of months!  This is a wonderful orphan care conference and we are honored to be apart once again.  It is an incredible opportunity to gather together with others who are passionate about bringing hope to orphans and also love our great God.  Summit: inspires, equips and connects for adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry.

This year's conference is held on May 3-4 at Saddleback Church in Southern California. For more information on how to attend and what Summit is all about, visit the Summit Website. Participation is open to anyone who hears God's calling to care for the orphan.  We hope to see you there!

Kentucky Celebration

Imagine for a moment running into an old friend while traveling across the globe . I am sure this reunion would include grinning from ear to ear, big hugs, and laughter. This is what we saw on Saturday at our Lifeline Kentucky Family Reunion and Celebration. We saw children with a friendship that began in an orphanage in Ethiopia playing together again. We heard them laughing. We watched as they crawled into their mommy's and daddy's laps . It was such a wonderful day of fellowship as we celebrated all the sweet children running around and prayed for those who will join our families in the future.

As a Lifeline Staff Member, I loved being able to meet our new families and introduce them to others in the process. As an adoption advocate, I was amazed to see all the families that have been blessed by adoption and all the lives that have been changed. As an adoptive mom who met many of these same children while in Ethiopia picking up our son, I stood in awe of God’s goodness, grace, and love. At our reunion, I was able to see that shy child who would not speak in Ethiopia now running around, laughing like crazy. I was able to see the tiny, underweight baby who I held who is now healthy and thriving. I was able to see several older children who I know sat in an orphanage and wondered, “When will someone come for me?” These same children walked in with their parents as beloved sons and daughters!


It's easy to see from those pictured above why every aspect of our reunion was wonderful! I would definitely say that our first Lifeline Kentucky event was a success and I am looking forward to our next time together. If you are a family that was able to attend, I would love to hear about your favorite part of the day.

Brittney Armstrong
International Adoption Assistant
Lifeline Kentucky

Provision

This past Saturday, September 10th, Lifeline families came together for our "Adopt Without Debt" Seminar, and heard from Author and Mom, Julie Gumm, who is passionate about helping others make their dream to adopt a reality by showing families where to find extra money in their household budget, apply for grants, and fundraise in order to stay debt free.

We are so grateful to Julie for her time with us on Saturday and have heard from many families who attended, how helpful and practical the information and stories she shared would be to their adoption process. Click here to hear more from Julie and about her time in Birmingham. Lifeline would also like to thank Alliant Bank for Sponsoring the event and to Paul Rogers of Alliant Bank who joined us and shared personally with our families. Dunkin' Donuts very generously donated breakfast for the morning, which was a big hit, and we are grateful for their continued support!

Check out this article The Southeast Outlook published on one of our families adopting from Ethiopia. The Monks have put some of the very things we learned on Saturday into action. Click here for the article.

"If finances are the biggest fear in adoption, then God’s provision might be the biggest lesson."

Krisha Yanko
Development & Marketing Coordinator

The Money Hurdle: not as big as you might think.

“I hate money.” I stated with fervor from the passenger seat of our rental car. I was with several staff members at a conference in Louisville when the cost of adoption first took its overwhelming toll on my heart and mind. That week, I seemed to be surrounded by families that were willing - but not quite financially able- to adopt. The severity of the orphan crisis was presented in one seminar after the other. Every time I did the math, the bottom-line remained the same – expensive. I was officially in despair.

“What do you mean, you hate money? Money isn’t a bad thing. “, said Dave Wood, our International Director (and resident advisor of all things biblically true). “Yes it is!” I rebutted. “It’s the root of all evil and it’s the reason why so many people can’t adopt. That’s why I hate it.”

He rightly reminded me that it is the love of money that’s the root of all evil – not money itself – and more importantly that we serve a great God who is more passionate about His people adopting His orphans than I will ever be. Moreover, He is the MOST capable of providing the means to that end.

And it’s true. Since that week in Louisville, I’ve witnessed the Lord pour out countless mercies on the people He calls to care for the fatherless - be it in the form of funding, resources, community or otherwise; always at the right time and always in the right way. I’ve discovered (and been encouraged by the fact) that money is rarely, if ever, the reason people don’t adopt. God proves Himself to be Jehovah Jireh time and time again, and as the old adage goes – when he calls you to it [adoption], He will see you through it.

One of the ways He’s seeing people through the adoption process is by way of Julie Gumm. While in Louisville, I had the privilege of sitting in on Julie’s workshop, “Creative Fundraising for your Adoption”. She had my head swimming with thoughts on how to relay all of this information to Lifeline’s adoptive families. Her own adoption story proves that with a little persistence and careful attention you too can be well on your way to bringing your children home. By trimming your existing budget and putting forth a bit of effort to raise money, coupled with grant possibilities and a hefty tax credit, what once was a paralyzing price tag becomes just another step in a beautiful adoption process.

Julie has offered to come to Birmingham to teach Lifeline families how to see adoption through without crippling their finances. We took her up on it immediately! On Saturday, September 10, from 9:30 to noon, all prospective and current Lifeline families are invited to this FREE seminar with Julie Gumm. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Seats are filling quickly. Don’t miss out on what could be the catalyst to bringing your child home.

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit www.lifelineadoption.org or contact Kate Anderson, kate.anderson@lifelineadoption.org or 205.967.0811. Special thanks to Aliant Bank for sponsoring this event!

Kate Anderson
Development Director

It's almost time!

The Lifeline Celebrity Classic is fast approaching and this year proves to be one of the best Golf Tournaments to date. On Monday, June 6^th, we’ll welcome business and political leaders, lifeline families and supporters and a long list of Auburn, Alabama and new this year – Atlanta Braves – star athletes to Greystone Founder’s Course to tee off for the cause of the orphan. Our Golf Tournament is one of the biggest events of the year at Lifeline, raising over $50,000 for the organization. We are so thankful to our sponsors and celebrities for partnering with us in our mission to give a future and a hope through the gospel picture of adoption.

If you or your company would like to participate, there are still a few spots available for team and hole sponsorships. Call or email Kate Anderson at 205-967-0811/kate.anderson@lifelineadoption.org for information on the opportunities.

A huge thank you to our Sponsors and Celebrities!

Chris Hammonds, Atlanta Braves (www.hammondfoundation.org)

Brandon Cox, Auburn

Joe Cribbs, Auburn

John Croyle, Alabama

Al DelGreco, Auburn and Jox Radio Celebrity

Byron Franklin, Auburn, Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks

Bobby Humphrey- Alabama, Denver Broncos

Antonio London, Alabama, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers

Bill Newton, Auburn

Major Ogilvie, Alabama

Rob Pate, Auburn

Thomas Rayam, Alabama

Lamonde Russell, Alabama

Wimp Sanderson – Alabama, University of Arkansas Basketball Coach

Ben Tamburello - Auburn, Philadelphia Eagles

Stan White, Auburn

Calvin “Speedy” Wilburn – Rick & Bubba

David Langner, Auburn

Andrew Zow, Alabama

Rickey Gilliland, Alabama

David Smith, Alabama

James Callier, Auburn

Wes Byrum, Auburn

Ryan Pugh, Auburn

John Parker Wilson, Alabama

Philip Yost, Auburn

Opportunities to Learn More

Whether you have an interest in adoption or foster care, Lifeline is now offering many different ways for families to learn more about our ministry. Please make your plans to attend any, or all, of these upcoming events:

Foster Care Webinar – Monday, Sept. 13th 6:30pm
International & Domestic Adoption Webinar – Tuesday, Sept. 14th 6:30pm
Birmingham Information Meeting – Mtn. Brook Community Church – Thursday, Sept. 23rd 6:30pm
“Lunch with Lifeline” on Facebook – 1st Wed of each month (the next one will be Wed. Oct. 6th)

If you would like any additional information on how to register for one of these events, please call Deanna at 205.972.8482 or email Deanna.Crist@lifelineadoption.org

Worth the Wait

Ok, I’m just going to say it. I’m going to be confessional and admit it right here on this Christian blog.. I HATE WAITING!!! I know, I know.. that’s not very spiritual of me but it’s the truth! I mean is there anything more intolerable than having to stand around completely dependant on someone else to get you what you need? Sure, maybe its okay when you are a baby and don’t know any better. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons God allows us not to remember anything in those early years.. to keep us from blowing a gasket from all the waiting (think diapers)! Is anyone with me.. or am I the only one who struggles with waiting? And just so you know, I hate all forms of waiting. I will flat out tell you.. I think when I go to the grocery store there is a conspiracy against me. No matter what line I get into you can bet it will end up being the “slow” line. If you ever see me in a store just pick another register and watch how fast you will move.

I am going to say something else about waiting. I hope this will not offend anyone but as long as we are being honest I am going to get it all off of my chest. When I have to wait (often), the last thing I want to hear (often) is a spiritual pep talk about the virtues of patience. I know that patience is a virtue. I know that God is working these delays for my good and His Glory. I know God loves me and sees my circumstance. I get it, I really do. I’m even telling these things to myself while I wait three hours to get my car tags. But sometimes I just don’t want to hear the patience sermon from a well meaning friend (that I know suffers with road rage himself).

So, that’s what I have loved about all these “Adoption Reunions” Lifeline has been doing this month (St. Louis two weeks ago, Birmingham this past week, and Spokane, Washington this coming weekend). Wait a second.. What does patience have to do with our Adoption Reunions? Well, since you asked.. Imagine with me an Adoption Reunion in a large banquet room completely packed out with hundreds of adoptive families.. a good number of them are in the adoptive process, but most families have already been through the adoption process and they are home with their child or children. And today, these families have brought by the hundreds, their little joyful (full of energy).. adoptive kiddos. Each of these incredible, beautiful children are a billboard that says, “You will not wait forever” “After the wilderness.. the Promiseland” “I was worth every moment you had to wait” I love it! Because, like most of our families in the process, I need to SEE this truth much more than I need to hear it.

So thank you Lifeline families for bringing your adoptive kids to our Reunions the past two weeks (and for the hundreds who will be in Spokane this weekend). This past weekend I sat in awe watching and listening to your children smile, laugh, sing, shout, giggle, whisper in your ear, tug on your arm, and give you hugs and kisses. But I also realize, while all that was going on, your kids were quietly preaching a message to all of our families still in the process.. You won’t wait forever! After the wilderness.. the Promiseland! Your child will be worth every moment you had to wait! Thanks kids!!!

Rich blessings, peace, and yes.. patience to each of you. Joy is coming in the morning!
Dave Wood
International Director

This is Joy.

June 1st, Lifeline hosted its 5th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic where we raised funds to care for a birth mother, bring home a child, and feed an orphan for life. Everything from the breathtaking course & wonderful steak dinner, to the great prizes and entertainment will not soon be forgotten!

It was a few of the smaller, more "subtle" aspects of the event, however, which are of monumental value. I am referring to the precious children, loved and embraced by families who are now honored to call them sons and daughters. There were many adopted children present at the tournament last Tuesday, and I would like to share a moment from the golf tournament, which may have been quiet & behind the scenes, but its impact will last forever.

Sweet Lia Faith & Lily Grace, daughters Mr. & Mrs. Green adopted from China giggled and played as their adoring parents offered support wherever needed. They were a constant reminder to golfers and volunteers alike of why we were all there that day. After the tournament, I received an e-mail from Mr. Green in which he shared this:

"Lia Faith tells us often that she loves her family and then she names each one. Then she says, "I love myself, too!" She knows she was once alone, so that she could now say she 'loves herself' shows great confidence as she grows into this new little person, complete and full of grace and mercy from the Giver of all good things!"

Some words are too pointed not to share directly. The need is great, and we have the ability to pray, to give, or to go. As I reflect on the Golf Tournament and other avenues where we come together to raise support for the sake of a child, I celebrate.

We come together and golf for children like Lia Faith and Lily Grace. Seek where the Lord would have you invest your resources, time, and passion. When you give, it's a reflection of your heart. To spend time meditating on and working diligently so that His little ones find hope; this is joy.

Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator

Lunch with Lifeline

Tomorrow, Lifeline will be hosting our first Facebook event, Lunch with Lifeline! This event will be an informal discussion with some of our International Social Workers and myself. As Lifeline’s International Director, I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to attend this event. So whether you are considering adoption for the first time, or if you are at a later stage of the adoption journey, please post your questions. I believe that our Lifeline families can benefit from these written discussions on Facebook as they see questions get answered that are probably also on their mind.

Here is all you have to do... Tomorrow, simply go to Lifeline Children’s Services’ Facebook page between 12 and 1 central time and post your adoption questions. This will be a very informal time to chat with our staff about anything on your mind, in regard to all aspects of international adoption. I want everyone to feel welcome to bring their concerns and questions about adoption to the “lunch” table.

In closing, I would like to personally ask for you to partner with me in two things. First, realize this is all new to us. Our intent is to assist families and have a casual, safe setting to ask anything (there are no “dumb” questions). As we learn how to maximize this communication tool we will get better at effectively addressing the topics most important to our families. So, for tomorrow, please be patient and bear with us as we host this event and work out any kinks in this new medium of communication for Lifeline. And second, please attend this event, feel free to invite a friend, and ask me any question that you have. I am confident that over the summer this forum will grow and we may not be able to easily get to all the questions. On our first time out, this should not be an issue as many of our families are still learning that we will be offering this once a month service. Our desire is to offer “Lunch with Lifeline” once a month, so please have some fun with us tomorrow for our inaugural run!

International adoption can be confusing and intimidating, but Lifeline would like to be there for you to address any fears or concerns that you may have from the very beginning to the conclusion of your adoption journey. Thank you for your continuous support of our agency and our ministry to families like you.

May God be glorified in all that we do!

Dave Wood
International Director

Upcoming Adoption Training

On Tuesday, April 20th, Lifeline will be leading an adoption training titled, “How to Talk about Adoption,” for employees and volunteers of crisis pregnancy centers throughout the state. Lifeline’s partnership with these centers over the years has been an invaluable part of our ministry to birth mothers. Many times, young women who have gone to such centers for counseling have been referred to Lifeline to make an adoption plan. By offering adoption education to those who may be the birth mother’s first point of contact, we hope to diminish fears of discussing adoption with clients for whom parenting may not be the best choice.

“How to Talk about Adoption” will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Fellowship Hall C. Registration will begin at 9:45, and the training will last from 10:00 until 3:00. Lunch will be served. Social work and nursing CEUs are available. If interested in attending the training, please contact Traci Newell, Education Coordinator, at traci.newell@lifelineadoption.org or 205-972-8467.

Golf Reveals Your Character

Hall of Fame golf teacher Percy Boomer once said, “If you wish to hide you character, do not play golf.” Well, when it comes to golf events at Lifeline we believe the opposite—a round of golf can actually reveal how much you care about orphans around the world and giving children a hope and future. And why would you want to hide that?

So, if you desire to “reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do,” you might end up with the perfect golf swing, as golf great Ben Hogan predicted, or you can let the “adventure…romance…disaster and comedy intertwined” that is the game of golf, reveal your true character (Harold Segall). Then we have the perfect opportunities for you!


First, support Lifeline in the “Birdies for Charity” program of the Regions Charity Classic, May 12-16, 2010. We will receive every single penny of the donations generated on our behalf and you have a chance to win great prizes too when you pitch in to help us! Simply make a pledge of $0.02 or more per birdie that is made during the tournament by the Champions Tour Players, or a flat pledge of $10 or more. It is expected that 800 birdies are going to be made based on past tournaments. Also, the top ten organizations that raise the most money will receive additional funds of up to $10,000 from the Regions Charity Classic thanks to “Bonus Bucks” sponsor Sirote & Permutt.

Help us reach that goal by pledging here! The top ten pledges will receive two (2) Good-Any-Day Tickets to the tournament!

Next, join us on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 for the 5th Annual Lifeline Celebrity Classic for a day of golf and fellowship at Greystone Golf and Country Club! There are several sponsorship opportunities that will allow you put together a foursome and play a round of golf with local sports celebrities, win fabulous prizes and support the ministry of Lifeline. This is a day that our staff looks forward to every year and we hope that you can join us!

Call Laura Ogard at 205.972.8479 to find out more information!

And remember, “There are two things you can do with your head down—play golf and pray” Lee Trevino.

Laura Ogard
Development & Marketing Coordinator

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VI

Whether a newcomer to church orphan ministry or a veteran, Summit VI will help build vision, resources and practical know-how for effective ministries:

-Headline plenary speakers including John Piper, Tom Davis, Al Mohler, and other national leaders, as well as compelling voices from the global church
-Music and personal sharing from Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, and special performances by Peder Eide and the Desparation Band
-More than 50 workshops delivering nuts-and-bolts for adoption, foster care and global orphan programs--designed for both laymen and leadership
-Orphan care resources for church ministries, as well as personal orphan care and adoption journeys
-5 Hague-credit breakout sessions
-Networking with respected adoption, global orphan and foster care organizations

Visit the Christian Alliance for Orphans website for more information or to register to attend.