Isaiah, a spokesman for God had an overwhelming job to do! What a period of history to proclaim the precepts of our Lord! But he did! Over and over he preached to kings and people that would not do what was right in the sight of God! Instead they worshipped idols and planned wars of greed to acquire more and more territories! Why did Isaiah keep on keeping on? Why preserve under these terrible circumstances? Good question! I believe he knew that, “From moon to new moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord!” (Isaiah 66:23) Are we as determined as this major prophet to honor the declarations of God Almighty?
Now we know that God is sovereign and He reigns over all, but is our main purpose in life to share this gospel with every people group on the planet? “But the Lord will arise upon you and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to you light.” (Isaiah 60:2-3) In my lifetime I am ever so thankful that our Heavenly Father has allowed me to see adults and children glorifying God in the lives they live here on our Creator’s Earth! I love the name of our ministry, Lifeline! What a joy to see parents living out this name! Life is God’s breath in us and with a direct Line to the throne of grace! Thus Lifeline! One of my favorite moments of knowing God was in seeing a glimpse of Jesus in the face of an orphan in Eatern Europe. My heart soared and the confirmation of His power and love is hard to describe as I realized from this experience what Lifeline really means! The words of the prophet Isaiah speak loud and clear, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off. Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10) Certainly God has chosen Lifeline!
Thank you, Lifeline servants for adopting and giving foster care to the farthest corners of the earth. Never be dismayed for God will be with you and strengthen you each step of the adoption journey! I love the picture of our Savior and Lord holding us with His righteous right hand! What security and protection! Your faithfulness is like Isaiah’s when he said, “Here am I, send me.” Each day at Lifeline another call comes in that says. “Here am I send me. Help me to go!” Only through this willingness to adopt will children come to know the love and saving mercy of the cross and the parents who value eternity!
All praise and glory to our Lord for His great love and the saving of a remnant of people and for Isaiah as he preached to this generation and to us as we read the Word! “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Because of this prophet, we are better, we are good! Bringing God glory is our reason for being a Lifeline to precious children!
Donna Houston
Adoption Specialist
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Glory
Father, we long for your glory. It is only through you, we are able to do the work of your hands.
Glory
God you are magnificent,
Your truth ever sufficient.
Your glory reigns over all the lands,
Spreading your love through the work of your hands.
How can I express the grace on which I stand?
My words are few and my tears, unplanned.
Your honor is my hope, my purpose, my all.
Teach me to walk with urgency, towards the glory of your call.
The world needs You, Your spirit, Your son,
Show me to live as this sacrificial One.
Called to live a life pointing to You,
Undeserving of your attention, yet participating in what You do.
Your very spirit within me, directs my heart and soul,
Living a life for you, of which I want no control.
Place in me a love for the ones you love,
And break my heart for what breaks Yours above.
For His glory,
Lifeline Staff
Glory
God you are magnificent,
Your truth ever sufficient.
Your glory reigns over all the lands,
Spreading your love through the work of your hands.
How can I express the grace on which I stand?
My words are few and my tears, unplanned.
Your honor is my hope, my purpose, my all.
Teach me to walk with urgency, towards the glory of your call.
The world needs You, Your spirit, Your son,
Show me to live as this sacrificial One.
Called to live a life pointing to You,
Undeserving of your attention, yet participating in what You do.
Your very spirit within me, directs my heart and soul,
Living a life for you, of which I want no control.
Place in me a love for the ones you love,
And break my heart for what breaks Yours above.
For His glory,
Lifeline Staff
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Living, Breathing Gospel Track
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."--Romans 8:22-23
I love going door to door with our son Jonathan, and telling folks about Jesus. He has become the perfect living breathing gospel track right there in my arms. Jonathan is such a people person. When he gets fussy we grab the car keys and go make some visits.
Adoption is the perfect ice breaker to lead into a gospel presentation. We love to spring board from Romans 8. It is one of the most cherished passages for adopting families. And worthy of repeating. Verse 15 says, "He has given us the Spirit of Adoption (or sonship)," and verse 23 says, "...we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." These two verses mean that God has adopted us into His family to be His children. What a display of amazing grace. Praise the Lord!
Here in North Alabama, there are churches everywhere. And thousands of people who say they "know God" are "spiritual" and some even pray. But our communities do not show the fruit or lifestyle of the Children of God. Therefore, when we go door to door, we want to be clear when we share the Gospel. When you tell others about Jesus, include that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the reconciler. Then ask the person "Who are you in God's eyes? An object of wrath or a child of blessing."
Here's how to find out. Verses 5-8 list characteristics of Christians and non-christians, and verse 14 (an uncommon question in gospel tracks today) goes straight to the heart: "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Who controls you?
I pray the Lord will prepare your heart to use the one in your arms to tell others about our Heavenly Father who has adopted His children.
Jennifer Daniel
North Alabama Case Worker
I love going door to door with our son Jonathan, and telling folks about Jesus. He has become the perfect living breathing gospel track right there in my arms. Jonathan is such a people person. When he gets fussy we grab the car keys and go make some visits.
Adoption is the perfect ice breaker to lead into a gospel presentation. We love to spring board from Romans 8. It is one of the most cherished passages for adopting families. And worthy of repeating. Verse 15 says, "He has given us the Spirit of Adoption (or sonship)," and verse 23 says, "...we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." These two verses mean that God has adopted us into His family to be His children. What a display of amazing grace. Praise the Lord!
Here in North Alabama, there are churches everywhere. And thousands of people who say they "know God" are "spiritual" and some even pray. But our communities do not show the fruit or lifestyle of the Children of God. Therefore, when we go door to door, we want to be clear when we share the Gospel. When you tell others about Jesus, include that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the reconciler. Then ask the person "Who are you in God's eyes? An object of wrath or a child of blessing."
Here's how to find out. Verses 5-8 list characteristics of Christians and non-christians, and verse 14 (an uncommon question in gospel tracks today) goes straight to the heart: "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Who controls you?
I pray the Lord will prepare your heart to use the one in your arms to tell others about our Heavenly Father who has adopted His children.
Jennifer Daniel
North Alabama Case Worker
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Lifeline of Georgia and You
Lifeline Children’s Services has now been in Georgia for over a year and half. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the families of Georgia, and God is doing a great work here. We are steadily growing and have strategically placed workers throughout the state to better serve you. We have workers and partners in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Rome, Savannah, Tyrone, and Valdosta. However, even with the addition of many workers throughout the state there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and serve.
Lifeline, as much as we are an adoption agency, we are a ministry that focuses on serving and loving birth mothers. In Georgia, we need counselors and mentors who have a heart for loving, listening to, caring for, and serving women in crisis situations. If you have a little time and love to give and feel called to serve women in need, we have opportunities for you.
We also have volunteer opportunities for those who do not feel called to client services. For those of you who have worked in offices, you know how valuable volunteers can be. If you live near the Columbus area and would like to serve, there is plenty of work to be done to further the kingdom, and bring children home to their forever families. We would love to have you serve with us.
Although we have grown a lot in a little over a year, we need to grow more. We have numerous families adopting, but the orphan population is still estimated to be between 143,000,000 to 210,000,000 orphans. We want to get the message out to Christian families in every city in Georgia that Lifeline Children’s Services is here in Georgia, and we are passionate about impacting the lives of orphans here in Georgia and abroad. We can achieve this goal with your help. We need you to be a point person within your church and community. You can help by partnering with us to hold a presentation or informational meeting in your church or local business. We have all the tools, and we will conduct the meeting; but we need you as the local representative to steer the heart of your friends and family to the anguish of the orphan, to make your co-workers and community members aware of the severity of the orphan situation, and to inform everyone you know of the impact that they can make in the life of a little boy or girl who wants nothing more than for them to be their mommy and daddy.
And if you do not have the time to volunteer, we have other opportunities for you to change the plight of the orphaned worldwide. We are now helping children in the U.S. and ten international countries find mommies and daddies, but there are children in many other countries that we will be able to rescue if you will partner with us. There are orphans in nine additional countries that we striving to rescue in the near future, and your donations can bring them home. The fees that our families pay do not cover the entirety of the adoption cost; your gift enables them to bring children into their home where the children experience the love of a mommy and daddy, and you experience the blessing of playing an essential role in helping us make that happen.
But most importantly, the orphans worldwide need your prayers. Every day 5,760 more children become orphans. Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan. Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but, each year 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen. Each day 38,493 orphans age out with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and the Ukraine, studies have shown that 10%-15% of these children commit suicide before they reach age eighteen. These studies also show that 60% of the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals (2008). Keep these children in your prayers. Ask for the Lord’s provision in their lives, and ask how He wants you to be a part of their provision.
As you pray for the children, also keep our workers in your prayers. Our workers work tireless, long hours fighting for the lives of fatherless and motherless children. Pray for their endurance and for their families.
In conclusion, thank you for all the support that you have given Lifeline as we have grown in Georgia. Pray sincerely about how you can impact the lives of orphaned children in Georgia and worldwide. I am eager to partner with you as we change the lives of orphaned children forever. If you are interested in serving or partnering with us, you can reach me directly at 706-571-3346 or at daniel.taylor@lifelineadion.org. God bless you and thank you for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
Lifeline, as much as we are an adoption agency, we are a ministry that focuses on serving and loving birth mothers. In Georgia, we need counselors and mentors who have a heart for loving, listening to, caring for, and serving women in crisis situations. If you have a little time and love to give and feel called to serve women in need, we have opportunities for you.
We also have volunteer opportunities for those who do not feel called to client services. For those of you who have worked in offices, you know how valuable volunteers can be. If you live near the Columbus area and would like to serve, there is plenty of work to be done to further the kingdom, and bring children home to their forever families. We would love to have you serve with us.
Although we have grown a lot in a little over a year, we need to grow more. We have numerous families adopting, but the orphan population is still estimated to be between 143,000,000 to 210,000,000 orphans. We want to get the message out to Christian families in every city in Georgia that Lifeline Children’s Services is here in Georgia, and we are passionate about impacting the lives of orphans here in Georgia and abroad. We can achieve this goal with your help. We need you to be a point person within your church and community. You can help by partnering with us to hold a presentation or informational meeting in your church or local business. We have all the tools, and we will conduct the meeting; but we need you as the local representative to steer the heart of your friends and family to the anguish of the orphan, to make your co-workers and community members aware of the severity of the orphan situation, and to inform everyone you know of the impact that they can make in the life of a little boy or girl who wants nothing more than for them to be their mommy and daddy.
And if you do not have the time to volunteer, we have other opportunities for you to change the plight of the orphaned worldwide. We are now helping children in the U.S. and ten international countries find mommies and daddies, but there are children in many other countries that we will be able to rescue if you will partner with us. There are orphans in nine additional countries that we striving to rescue in the near future, and your donations can bring them home. The fees that our families pay do not cover the entirety of the adoption cost; your gift enables them to bring children into their home where the children experience the love of a mommy and daddy, and you experience the blessing of playing an essential role in helping us make that happen.
But most importantly, the orphans worldwide need your prayers. Every day 5,760 more children become orphans. Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan. Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but, each year 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen. Each day 38,493 orphans age out with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and the Ukraine, studies have shown that 10%-15% of these children commit suicide before they reach age eighteen. These studies also show that 60% of the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals (2008). Keep these children in your prayers. Ask for the Lord’s provision in their lives, and ask how He wants you to be a part of their provision.
As you pray for the children, also keep our workers in your prayers. Our workers work tireless, long hours fighting for the lives of fatherless and motherless children. Pray for their endurance and for their families.
In conclusion, thank you for all the support that you have given Lifeline as we have grown in Georgia. Pray sincerely about how you can impact the lives of orphaned children in Georgia and worldwide. I am eager to partner with you as we change the lives of orphaned children forever. If you are interested in serving or partnering with us, you can reach me directly at 706-571-3346 or at daniel.taylor@lifelineadion.org. God bless you and thank you for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
The Concept of Divine Control
The following is the July 16th entry in Oswald Chamber's Devotional:
“…how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, “My Heavenly Father know all about this!” This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle--God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that he will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; he will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. “Ask, and it will be given to you…”
I wanted to share this devotional with you because the Lord spoke directly to my worries about our adoption of Christina and all that must be done to bring her home! I just want to love her and hold her, but for now I have a stack of paperwork--seriously--almost 6 inches thick that must be done for us to finally bring her home! I woke up thinking about all the things that needed to get done today and decided I better get out of bed and spend time with the Lord! I opened up my Oswald Chambers Devotions long before the sun was up and the first words I read were – “The Concept of Divine Control”. I just wept tears of amazement of how much our Heavenly Father loves me and loves our little girl, Christina! He cares about what we care about and He desires to give us good gifts but we need to completely abandon ourselves to His perfect timing and plan and He can give us His perfect Peace. May this devotional from Oswald Chambers fill you a deep sense of the Lord’s control in your life what ever the circumstance.
In Christ Jesus,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
“…how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, “My Heavenly Father know all about this!” This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle--God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that he will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; he will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. “Ask, and it will be given to you…”
I wanted to share this devotional with you because the Lord spoke directly to my worries about our adoption of Christina and all that must be done to bring her home! I just want to love her and hold her, but for now I have a stack of paperwork--seriously--almost 6 inches thick that must be done for us to finally bring her home! I woke up thinking about all the things that needed to get done today and decided I better get out of bed and spend time with the Lord! I opened up my Oswald Chambers Devotions long before the sun was up and the first words I read were – “The Concept of Divine Control”. I just wept tears of amazement of how much our Heavenly Father loves me and loves our little girl, Christina! He cares about what we care about and He desires to give us good gifts but we need to completely abandon ourselves to His perfect timing and plan and He can give us His perfect Peace. May this devotional from Oswald Chambers fill you a deep sense of the Lord’s control in your life what ever the circumstance.
In Christ Jesus,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
Friday, July 16, 2010
Minister to the Hurting
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Many of the young ladies that come to Lifeline Village have been broken by life circumstances and let down by those they love. Fortunately God is able to speak life and restore all that has been broken and lost. He is able to rain down from above and let the skies pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). The opportunity to serve a God who looks down and only sees the best in each individual whom He created in His own image should never be taken for granted. Take every opportunity to serve God by ministering to those who are lost and hurting. The staff at Lifeline Village has learned to count every young lady as an opportunity to share God's love and word.
Kesha Franklin
Lifeline Village Coordinator
"No matter what good we do, God knows our motivation for doing it. God judges our motives, not simply our actions."
Many of the young ladies that come to Lifeline Village have been broken by life circumstances and let down by those they love. Fortunately God is able to speak life and restore all that has been broken and lost. He is able to rain down from above and let the skies pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). The opportunity to serve a God who looks down and only sees the best in each individual whom He created in His own image should never be taken for granted. Take every opportunity to serve God by ministering to those who are lost and hurting. The staff at Lifeline Village has learned to count every young lady as an opportunity to share God's love and word.
Kesha Franklin
Lifeline Village Coordinator
"No matter what good we do, God knows our motivation for doing it. God judges our motives, not simply our actions."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Waiting Children Taiwan
Jeremiah 14:22 “We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.”
Visit Lifeline’s Taiwan Waiting Children page as you consider how you can defend the cause of the fatherless. Pray over these precious children, that they would know the love of Christ and experience adoption both spiritually and physically. Also, join with us in praising God for this new opportunity we have to facilitate adoption from Taiwan. You can help: Pray, visit, defend, invest, or adopt as the need is vast.
If you are interested in viewing these children and their special needs, contact Lifeline at lifeline@lifelineadoption.org to obtain the password.
To learn more about adoption from Taiwan contact:
Stephanie Carpenter
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
Visit Lifeline’s Taiwan Waiting Children page as you consider how you can defend the cause of the fatherless. Pray over these precious children, that they would know the love of Christ and experience adoption both spiritually and physically. Also, join with us in praising God for this new opportunity we have to facilitate adoption from Taiwan. You can help: Pray, visit, defend, invest, or adopt as the need is vast.
If you are interested in viewing these children and their special needs, contact Lifeline at lifeline@lifelineadoption.org to obtain the password.
To learn more about adoption from Taiwan contact:
Stephanie Carpenter
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
She Looks Like Me
When I was 5 years old, I got on a plane and flew half way around the world with my parents to get my new brother and sister. Even as a little girl, I remember the anticipation and overwhelming excitement that I felt as their foster mothers brought them into the room and I was able to meet them for the first time. My parents had talked at length with me about what it would mean to have siblings from another country. They would have dark skin and hair and eyes--they would not look like me, but I would love them just the same. That did not stop them from being the baby brother and sister that I had asked God for every night at bedtime. They were mine and I loved them from the moment I saw them!
I still remember the time my basketball teammate said to me “That must be your sister over there, she looks just like you.” I was shocked at this statement and proceeded to tell her that my sister was adopted. I have since learned to embrace this statement and take it as the highest compliment. It is a sweet reminder that God built my family. Nicole was always meant to be my sister. Even if she did not look like me, she would be my sister just the same. God did not have to make her look like me; but He did. And it makes my heart smile every time someone tells me that my sweet little sister looks like me!
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
I still remember the time my basketball teammate said to me “That must be your sister over there, she looks just like you.” I was shocked at this statement and proceeded to tell her that my sister was adopted. I have since learned to embrace this statement and take it as the highest compliment. It is a sweet reminder that God built my family. Nicole was always meant to be my sister. Even if she did not look like me, she would be my sister just the same. God did not have to make her look like me; but He did. And it makes my heart smile every time someone tells me that my sweet little sister looks like me!
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Other Boy
Two boys play in an orphanage half way around the world. Although there is much sadness in their lives and the conditions they live in are pitiful, they are comforted by their close friendship which has extended for most of their lives. As these boys play they are unaware that both of their worlds are getting ready to radically change.
A Christian family from the United States is boarding an airplane and coming to this distant land to fulfill their dream of rescuing an orphan and growing their family. The family is exceptional in every way, and with much grace and patience they have negotiated the long, expensive, and difficult journey of International Adoption. The family has been matched with one of the two boys. For several months the family has looked with wonder at the cute picture of their boy to be. They have consistently prayed for him and often closed their eyes and imagined how wonderful it will be when he is home playing in their backyard.
No one is coming for the other boy. No eager family has held his picture, prayed for him by name, and imagined with joy a hope and a future for him. You see, for at least one of several potential reasons, the other boy is unadoptable.
Both boys see the strange yet friendly faces of the adoptive parents on the day they arrive at the orphanage. Although this first contact feels a bit unsettling for both, one of the boys quickly adjust, as one amazing never before seen toy is pulled from a large bag. These peculiar sounding adults huddle around one boy smiling, talking, touching, loving. The bonding process that will lead to a successful adoption has began.
The other boy, unknowing, is relieved when the strange people finally leave and things seem to get back to normal. But for next several days the strangers return and interrupt his time with his best friend. Oh how the other boy wishes they would leave and never come back! Then one day it appears his dream has come true, the strangers don’t return. They are finally gone for good. He excitedly goes to play with his buddy, but slowly, sadly, he discovers that he is gone too. He is gone forever!
The boy flying home to America will be celebrated at the airport. He will be known by his parent’s name. He will grow up in a great home, having all the same legal rights as their biological daughter. He will attend a great school and an excellent church.. and he will learn about Jesus and most likely one day become a devoted follower of Christ.
On Orphan Sunday, James 1:27 is preached and when the pastor declares that we are called to rescue orphans in their distress, several families look over at the adoptive family and their new son and smile. The proud parents, almost instinctively put their arm around their sweet boy and give him a squeeze.
The other boy will never be celebrated at an airport or anywhere else. The other boy never knew his parents... He will never know how it feels to have a mommy clean and kiss a skinned up knee and put a “Disney” band-aid over it. No one will sing him a song and hold his hand til tummy ache goes away. The other boy will never hear the voice of a daddy say, “I’m so proud of you son!” He will grow up with little focus or attention on him. The other boy’s personality, his hopes and dreams, his hurts and fears will basically go unknown. He will not be taught, and will not believe, that there is a God and that “other boys” are immeasurably loved by Him. One day he will “age out” of a miserable orphanage, be given a few dollars and perhaps a coat, and sent to the unkind streets without a hint of life or job skills.
He is an orphan in distress! Waiting for him, just steps from the curb of the orphanage, is a pimp who will offer him food, shelter, and a job.. He will have to sell his body to the most disgusting low-life’s in his city just to keep a little food in his stomach. The other boy, who emotionally is still a little child, is full of unspeakable fear. There isn’t a mentor to offer any guidance. There isn’t any hope of a future. He now understands in this stark and terrifying reality why so many orphans have decided to take their own lives.
The Orphan Sunday service has just concluded, there is plenty of glad handing as families make their way to the car. I hear the adoptive parents ask their new son where he’d like to go for dinner. He smiles and shouts, “McDonalds!”
I smile too, In fact I almost laugh. I am so happy for this precious boy and his godly parents! But today, I just don’t feel like eating at McDonald’s or anywhere else. It seems I have lost my appetite because I just can’t get my mind off of the other boy!
Unadopted was launched in early 2010 to go love, share the Gospel, educate in life and job skills, and mentor the other boy. There are a 143 million other boys and girls in our world and the number keeps growing. Less than 1% of these precious children will ever be adopted. Unadopted believes our call from God is to care for ALL orphans in distress. Will you join us in that call?
Dave Wood
International Director
A Christian family from the United States is boarding an airplane and coming to this distant land to fulfill their dream of rescuing an orphan and growing their family. The family is exceptional in every way, and with much grace and patience they have negotiated the long, expensive, and difficult journey of International Adoption. The family has been matched with one of the two boys. For several months the family has looked with wonder at the cute picture of their boy to be. They have consistently prayed for him and often closed their eyes and imagined how wonderful it will be when he is home playing in their backyard.
No one is coming for the other boy. No eager family has held his picture, prayed for him by name, and imagined with joy a hope and a future for him. You see, for at least one of several potential reasons, the other boy is unadoptable.
Both boys see the strange yet friendly faces of the adoptive parents on the day they arrive at the orphanage. Although this first contact feels a bit unsettling for both, one of the boys quickly adjust, as one amazing never before seen toy is pulled from a large bag. These peculiar sounding adults huddle around one boy smiling, talking, touching, loving. The bonding process that will lead to a successful adoption has began.
The other boy, unknowing, is relieved when the strange people finally leave and things seem to get back to normal. But for next several days the strangers return and interrupt his time with his best friend. Oh how the other boy wishes they would leave and never come back! Then one day it appears his dream has come true, the strangers don’t return. They are finally gone for good. He excitedly goes to play with his buddy, but slowly, sadly, he discovers that he is gone too. He is gone forever!
The boy flying home to America will be celebrated at the airport. He will be known by his parent’s name. He will grow up in a great home, having all the same legal rights as their biological daughter. He will attend a great school and an excellent church.. and he will learn about Jesus and most likely one day become a devoted follower of Christ.
On Orphan Sunday, James 1:27 is preached and when the pastor declares that we are called to rescue orphans in their distress, several families look over at the adoptive family and their new son and smile. The proud parents, almost instinctively put their arm around their sweet boy and give him a squeeze.
The other boy will never be celebrated at an airport or anywhere else. The other boy never knew his parents... He will never know how it feels to have a mommy clean and kiss a skinned up knee and put a “Disney” band-aid over it. No one will sing him a song and hold his hand til tummy ache goes away. The other boy will never hear the voice of a daddy say, “I’m so proud of you son!” He will grow up with little focus or attention on him. The other boy’s personality, his hopes and dreams, his hurts and fears will basically go unknown. He will not be taught, and will not believe, that there is a God and that “other boys” are immeasurably loved by Him. One day he will “age out” of a miserable orphanage, be given a few dollars and perhaps a coat, and sent to the unkind streets without a hint of life or job skills.
He is an orphan in distress! Waiting for him, just steps from the curb of the orphanage, is a pimp who will offer him food, shelter, and a job.. He will have to sell his body to the most disgusting low-life’s in his city just to keep a little food in his stomach. The other boy, who emotionally is still a little child, is full of unspeakable fear. There isn’t a mentor to offer any guidance. There isn’t any hope of a future. He now understands in this stark and terrifying reality why so many orphans have decided to take their own lives.
The Orphan Sunday service has just concluded, there is plenty of glad handing as families make their way to the car. I hear the adoptive parents ask their new son where he’d like to go for dinner. He smiles and shouts, “McDonalds!”
I smile too, In fact I almost laugh. I am so happy for this precious boy and his godly parents! But today, I just don’t feel like eating at McDonald’s or anywhere else. It seems I have lost my appetite because I just can’t get my mind off of the other boy!
Unadopted was launched in early 2010 to go love, share the Gospel, educate in life and job skills, and mentor the other boy. There are a 143 million other boys and girls in our world and the number keeps growing. Less than 1% of these precious children will ever be adopted. Unadopted believes our call from God is to care for ALL orphans in distress. Will you join us in that call?
Dave Wood
International Director
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Our Relief Well
Our staff has been reading through the books of I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles recently. A recurring theme in I and II Kings is how often the king in authority at any particular time is either following God “doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord” or is evil and continues to commit all the sins his father before him had done. In I Kings 15:11, we read that Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done, and yet he did not remove the high places [of idol worship]. He cleared the land of male shrine prostitutes and the idols and even deposed his grandmother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole, and then destroyed it. Verse 14 says that "Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life." We know that some high places were previously used for pagan worship, so the Israelites were forbidden to use them.
So why does someone who is fully committed to the Lord continue to allow little areas of disobedience to exist? Why would a king, who has all authority over his people, not just “man up” and do the right thing? Especially one who was fully committed to the Lord all his life? Here was a king who had an opportunity to set things right again. Don’t we elect Godly people into political office expecting the same thing? But then I look into my own life and I see my personal high places to.
Most of our readers are aware of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that has affected our state, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and now Texas. Devastating may not even fully describe it. The trickle down effect of the oil spill reaches our economy, our property values, our water, our wild life and the food chain. Not just a domino effect, but more like endless bags of marbles that are continually dropped down a staircase and scatter everywhere.
Michael Kunzelman of The Associated Press recently wrote in The Birmingham News that “The relief well is considered the best hope of halting the crude that has been gushing since April 20 in the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. History.” Well, I think that crude is a good word here to compare to the behaviors, decisions and choices in our life that keep us from not only living an abundant life in Christ, but create havoc on future generations as well. Whether they are a result of accidents, mishaps, bad judgment, laziness, deceit, evil, anger, pride, or whatever, the “crude” results rarely only affect us individually, but also those around us and future generations.
The good news is that we have our very own relief well. His name is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, and the truth and the life; that no one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Him that we find refuge, peace, strength, love, compassion, forgiveness, deliverance, grace, among other things. If we revisit the verse, and focus on the word “Although” we are comforted that this King who was fully committed to the Lord, was not perfect, yet his life was a blessing. Ah...grace...that abundant grace, that He provides us.
It’s the desire of my heart to live in such a way that my behavior does not negatively impact others but instead bears much fruit, showing myself to be His disciple. I pray that my own descendants remember me as a woman after God’s own heart and that they will desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, no matter what “crude effects” come their way.
II Chronicles 7:14 says it best: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and return from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Karen Ely
Domestic Social Worker
So why does someone who is fully committed to the Lord continue to allow little areas of disobedience to exist? Why would a king, who has all authority over his people, not just “man up” and do the right thing? Especially one who was fully committed to the Lord all his life? Here was a king who had an opportunity to set things right again. Don’t we elect Godly people into political office expecting the same thing? But then I look into my own life and I see my personal high places to.
Most of our readers are aware of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that has affected our state, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and now Texas. Devastating may not even fully describe it. The trickle down effect of the oil spill reaches our economy, our property values, our water, our wild life and the food chain. Not just a domino effect, but more like endless bags of marbles that are continually dropped down a staircase and scatter everywhere.
Michael Kunzelman of The Associated Press recently wrote in The Birmingham News that “The relief well is considered the best hope of halting the crude that has been gushing since April 20 in the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. History.” Well, I think that crude is a good word here to compare to the behaviors, decisions and choices in our life that keep us from not only living an abundant life in Christ, but create havoc on future generations as well. Whether they are a result of accidents, mishaps, bad judgment, laziness, deceit, evil, anger, pride, or whatever, the “crude” results rarely only affect us individually, but also those around us and future generations.
The good news is that we have our very own relief well. His name is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, and the truth and the life; that no one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Him that we find refuge, peace, strength, love, compassion, forgiveness, deliverance, grace, among other things. If we revisit the verse, and focus on the word “Although” we are comforted that this King who was fully committed to the Lord, was not perfect, yet his life was a blessing. Ah...grace...that abundant grace, that He provides us.
It’s the desire of my heart to live in such a way that my behavior does not negatively impact others but instead bears much fruit, showing myself to be His disciple. I pray that my own descendants remember me as a woman after God’s own heart and that they will desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, no matter what “crude effects” come their way.
II Chronicles 7:14 says it best: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and return from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Karen Ely
Domestic Social Worker
Friday, July 2, 2010
A Picture of Hope
I rose today with such great anticipation. For what the Lord allowed me to celebrate in person last week, I will experience the same joy today. Last week, I watched with an overwhelmed heart, my first adoption take place at Lifeline.
As the new parents walked down the hall to greet their tiny new gift, God gave me yet another glimpse of his majesty and grace. I cannot think of a more perfect picture of the hope we have found in being one of His, than the act of adoption.
As I rejoice with the family who will welcome their sweet son or daughter into their loving arms today, I lift up even greater praise for the eternal arms you and I have been embraced by as sons and daughters of our Father. Amazingly, we are able to experience this love right here, right now.
I praise God for the gift of adoption here on earth, anticipating the events of today, and for the love he extends to us through Christ and the eternal communion we have with Him as our Father forever.
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100
Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator
As the new parents walked down the hall to greet their tiny new gift, God gave me yet another glimpse of his majesty and grace. I cannot think of a more perfect picture of the hope we have found in being one of His, than the act of adoption.
As I rejoice with the family who will welcome their sweet son or daughter into their loving arms today, I lift up even greater praise for the eternal arms you and I have been embraced by as sons and daughters of our Father. Amazingly, we are able to experience this love right here, right now.
I praise God for the gift of adoption here on earth, anticipating the events of today, and for the love he extends to us through Christ and the eternal communion we have with Him as our Father forever.
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100
Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Long Distance Parenthood
There is a beautiful little boy waiting in Uganda for his Mom and Dad to come for him. He is in a good place, with caregivers that love and care for him. But, he does not yet have one mother and one father whose world revolves around him. At least, not that he knows of yet.
As soon as is humanly possible, this little boy’s mom and dad will be headed to Uganda to bring him home. They have worked through the home study process, have been approved by the United States to adopt, and have waited (somewhat) patiently for travel time to come. Dad has daydreamed about his son napping in his lap and when Mom sees his empty crib, she pictures him reaching for her from within. It pains them to feel a parent’s love for their child from such a distance.
The adoption journey is not for the faint of heart. This process includes heartbreaking delays, requires supernatural patience and an unwavering trust in God’s timing and plan for your family. Even the tiniest detail of your process was ordained by our God. We can breathe a sigh of relief! No one can thwart His plans!
"Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. Happy are all who wait patiently for Him." Isaiah 30:18
“He executes justice for the fatherless.” Deuteronomy 10:18
The Truth is that the Lord loves His children. Those with no earthly father have a heavenly Father that has an indescribable, unconditional love for them. He promises them justice. And for parents longing for their child to be in their arms, He promises mercy, compassion, and happiness for their patience!
This family will travel to Uganda for their son, soon. God will fulfill His promises to His people!
Claire Davis, LGSW
International Social Worker
As soon as is humanly possible, this little boy’s mom and dad will be headed to Uganda to bring him home. They have worked through the home study process, have been approved by the United States to adopt, and have waited (somewhat) patiently for travel time to come. Dad has daydreamed about his son napping in his lap and when Mom sees his empty crib, she pictures him reaching for her from within. It pains them to feel a parent’s love for their child from such a distance.
The adoption journey is not for the faint of heart. This process includes heartbreaking delays, requires supernatural patience and an unwavering trust in God’s timing and plan for your family. Even the tiniest detail of your process was ordained by our God. We can breathe a sigh of relief! No one can thwart His plans!
"Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. Happy are all who wait patiently for Him." Isaiah 30:18
“He executes justice for the fatherless.” Deuteronomy 10:18
The Truth is that the Lord loves His children. Those with no earthly father have a heavenly Father that has an indescribable, unconditional love for them. He promises them justice. And for parents longing for their child to be in their arms, He promises mercy, compassion, and happiness for their patience!
This family will travel to Uganda for their son, soon. God will fulfill His promises to His people!
Claire Davis, LGSW
International Social Worker
Monday, June 28, 2010
Stocking Stuffer
Traditions have always been important to me. I enjoy things like going to the lake on Memorial Day and the 4th of July, having macaroni and cheese at both Christmas and Thanksgiving, and unpacking Christmas decorations on Thanksgiving after all the festivities and cleaning are done. But one of the best traditions happens on December 20. Don't go checking your calendars... there is most likely nothing there. This is my "got me day" (or to my parents "gotcha day"). On this day, almost 3 months after I was born, my parents met me for the first time. This happened here, in the Lifeline office, and ironically in the same room that I sit and work in every day.
Now I sit in the same room writing this blog.
I had spent the three months between my birthday and my "got me day" in an infant care provider home. For "got me day", the sweet couple made my mom and dad a stocking since it was so close to Christmas. They decorated the stocking with a snowman, a Christmas tree, and my parents' names. I laid in Lifeline's office, in a white bassinet, stuffed in a stocking until my parents came to meet me and bring me home.
Now the tradition begins!
Ever since that day, every December 20, my parents put me back in the same stocking to see how much I have grown. I have to say... I have not grown any taller in the past few years, but still--the tradition continues.
I am so glad it does!
In looking back, I can see how this small tradition always reminded me that I was adopted. Hearing the story of “got me day” and celebrating it, helped ensure this wasn’t a subject to hide, but to celebrate, rejoice and share with others. I feel like as an adopted child, it is good to celebrate the day that God made you a family. Little traditions like this help remind us of the thin threads God has in our lives and the blessings He has given to us. God made us a family almost 26 years ago, and I am sure on December 20th, new pictures will be taken of me with my feet in a stocking.
Marie Collier
Administrative Assistant
Now I sit in the same room writing this blog.
I had spent the three months between my birthday and my "got me day" in an infant care provider home. For "got me day", the sweet couple made my mom and dad a stocking since it was so close to Christmas. They decorated the stocking with a snowman, a Christmas tree, and my parents' names. I laid in Lifeline's office, in a white bassinet, stuffed in a stocking until my parents came to meet me and bring me home.
Now the tradition begins!
Ever since that day, every December 20, my parents put me back in the same stocking to see how much I have grown. I have to say... I have not grown any taller in the past few years, but still--the tradition continues.
I am so glad it does!
In looking back, I can see how this small tradition always reminded me that I was adopted. Hearing the story of “got me day” and celebrating it, helped ensure this wasn’t a subject to hide, but to celebrate, rejoice and share with others. I feel like as an adopted child, it is good to celebrate the day that God made you a family. Little traditions like this help remind us of the thin threads God has in our lives and the blessings He has given to us. God made us a family almost 26 years ago, and I am sure on December 20th, new pictures will be taken of me with my feet in a stocking.
Marie Collier
Administrative Assistant
Friday, June 25, 2010
Lessons from a GPS
Our family very recently spent a week at the beach at Ft. Morgan, Alabama.... yes, we knew there was oil coming. In fact, we even got a call from the rental people telling us that very thing but we decided this was our family time that we had etched out and we were not going to be denied. Thankfully, we saw no oil. We were blessed with beautiful weather and even sweeter time to spend just with each other.
Our youngest daughter, Grace, came to the beach after a class on Tuesday. She is not very good with directions and was concerned about getting lost. Despite my husband and I giving her directions complete with highway numbers and landmarks, she still wound up borrowing a GPS system from a friend. Grace made it to the beach fine and we road together on the trip home Saturday. On our way back, she wanted me to use the GPS even though she was aware that I knew the way without it. I told her that when visiting prospective adoptive couples or foster parents that I prefer to have written directions from them that give me names of roads and landmarks, such as turn right at the McDonalds or you will pass a large church on the left. Regardless, she plugged in the GPS navigation system anyway and put in our destination (our home). Now many of you have these so I don’t need to explain any of this to you but this thing was totally new to me. It told us what direction to go and how long to travel that way. It also told us how long it should take us for the entire trip. This went fine until we had to stop to get gas and pulled off the road. Then the GPS began telling us to “turn around” and to get back on the original road. When we didn’t, it stated “redirecting” and then told us how to get back to where we needed to be. Then it redirected, calculated how to get home by way of the new “path” we had chosen.
Later, we had to turn off to get something to eat, drink and use the bathroom. Well, same routine of hearing it say “turn around”, “get back on the correct road”. Once we started driving again it would again announce “redirecting” and would proceed to do so. Wow, when we decided to get off the interstate and take some back roads due to horrible traffic the whole system went nuts but soon said “redirecting” and pointed out the way home. Here again the system was showing us that there was still a way to make it to our destination but by a different route.
It didn’t take me long before I pointed out to our daughter how the GPS system is like the word of God and/or his plan for our lives. Trying to find an analogy here (as I attempt to do with so much in life!) I pointed out that once we are believers, we know what our destination is-–Heaven. Once we have received salvation, we are assured that Heaven will be our final destination--Hallelujah!! Yet, while the final destination is the same for all Christians just what life journey we take to get there is that wonderful interplay between us and our Lord. The destination of our eternal home is plugged into our lives just like we plugged in the destination of our home on Grace’s GPS. There is a route that is mapped out by the system (or God’s best plan) and we set out to follow it to the best of our abilities. Before we know it though we are enticed off the path by the things of the world (such as us stopping by a fast food place) and the Holy Spirit cries out to “turn around” to get back on the path that God knows is best. Sometimes we may quickly get back on the path but at other times we make a much longer exit than we should. Then there are many times where we get off the path, take a different route, but still God can “redirect” us taking a path that while it may not be His best plan for us, it is a plan, a path that will still result in the same destination.
Brothers and sisters, hear me say that God knows the plans and has the best plan for our lives, but he gives us free will to determine what route we will chose to travel on our journey through life. Just as the GPS redirects when we veer from the journey it had decided is best, our heavenly Father can still use whatever twists and turns our life takes to his glory. I am reminded of the beautiful story of Joseph where his brothers sold him into slavery as a result of their hatred and jealousy. But God was able to use what man intended for evil for his own good and for the glory of God himself.
Just know that God has a route for each of us and wouldn’t life be great if we always followed that route! Yet, God can take you no matter what road you have wandered down and “redirect” you to arrive one day at your final destination--HOME.
Renee Griffin, LBSW
Domestic Social Worker
Lifeline Foster Parent Coordinator
Our youngest daughter, Grace, came to the beach after a class on Tuesday. She is not very good with directions and was concerned about getting lost. Despite my husband and I giving her directions complete with highway numbers and landmarks, she still wound up borrowing a GPS system from a friend. Grace made it to the beach fine and we road together on the trip home Saturday. On our way back, she wanted me to use the GPS even though she was aware that I knew the way without it. I told her that when visiting prospective adoptive couples or foster parents that I prefer to have written directions from them that give me names of roads and landmarks, such as turn right at the McDonalds or you will pass a large church on the left. Regardless, she plugged in the GPS navigation system anyway and put in our destination (our home). Now many of you have these so I don’t need to explain any of this to you but this thing was totally new to me. It told us what direction to go and how long to travel that way. It also told us how long it should take us for the entire trip. This went fine until we had to stop to get gas and pulled off the road. Then the GPS began telling us to “turn around” and to get back on the original road. When we didn’t, it stated “redirecting” and then told us how to get back to where we needed to be. Then it redirected, calculated how to get home by way of the new “path” we had chosen.
Later, we had to turn off to get something to eat, drink and use the bathroom. Well, same routine of hearing it say “turn around”, “get back on the correct road”. Once we started driving again it would again announce “redirecting” and would proceed to do so. Wow, when we decided to get off the interstate and take some back roads due to horrible traffic the whole system went nuts but soon said “redirecting” and pointed out the way home. Here again the system was showing us that there was still a way to make it to our destination but by a different route.
It didn’t take me long before I pointed out to our daughter how the GPS system is like the word of God and/or his plan for our lives. Trying to find an analogy here (as I attempt to do with so much in life!) I pointed out that once we are believers, we know what our destination is-–Heaven. Once we have received salvation, we are assured that Heaven will be our final destination--Hallelujah!! Yet, while the final destination is the same for all Christians just what life journey we take to get there is that wonderful interplay between us and our Lord. The destination of our eternal home is plugged into our lives just like we plugged in the destination of our home on Grace’s GPS. There is a route that is mapped out by the system (or God’s best plan) and we set out to follow it to the best of our abilities. Before we know it though we are enticed off the path by the things of the world (such as us stopping by a fast food place) and the Holy Spirit cries out to “turn around” to get back on the path that God knows is best. Sometimes we may quickly get back on the path but at other times we make a much longer exit than we should. Then there are many times where we get off the path, take a different route, but still God can “redirect” us taking a path that while it may not be His best plan for us, it is a plan, a path that will still result in the same destination.
Brothers and sisters, hear me say that God knows the plans and has the best plan for our lives, but he gives us free will to determine what route we will chose to travel on our journey through life. Just as the GPS redirects when we veer from the journey it had decided is best, our heavenly Father can still use whatever twists and turns our life takes to his glory. I am reminded of the beautiful story of Joseph where his brothers sold him into slavery as a result of their hatred and jealousy. But God was able to use what man intended for evil for his own good and for the glory of God himself.
Just know that God has a route for each of us and wouldn’t life be great if we always followed that route! Yet, God can take you no matter what road you have wandered down and “redirect” you to arrive one day at your final destination--HOME.
Renee Griffin, LBSW
Domestic Social Worker
Lifeline Foster Parent Coordinator
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Blessings--Responding to your crisis of belief
“You are such special people to do this--you must be angels.” How many times have Mark & I heard this and thought “Ha--If they only knew us!” People are usually referring to our recent adoption of Guan Pu–-now known as David Michael Lucas (aka Mikey). Mikey was born with complete bilateral tibial hemimelia. This is a big fancy word for his legs were pretty messed up below the knees. Below his knees it was just a little pouch of flesh where his tibia should be and two very disfigured feet. He had 2 toes on each foot (they were the cutest toes I've ever seen) and walked on his knees. I first saw his file in January or February of 2008. My initial thought was; "Wow, that little guy is going to need a really special family.” In April of 2009 his file landed on my desk again. He was still waiting for that “special family” to come and get him. Little did I know--that special family was us.
When Jesus called the 12 disciples, he chose 12 of the most ordinary, uneducated and despised individuals in the land. Among them were tax collectors, political activists, failed fishermen, and skeptics. Now, I would not say that Mark and I are “uneducated and despised”, but we are ordinary. There is nothing special about us that would tag us as the ultimate adoptive family or super star parents. In fact, if you knew us ten years ago--you would have met two self-centered people who couldn’t see much farther than themselves. We adopted our twins Valerie and Vanessa seven years ago in 2002. Our daughter Zoe was born to us 10 months after we brought them home. We had 3 beautiful daughters and we thought our home was complete. Our flesh was selfish and we had built a comfort wall around our home. We didn’t want to have to tear down that wall. But we knew that God was asking us to step up to the plate again and raise another child for Him. What if we said no? I could have easily dismissed it as a hormonal girl/mom thing and gone about my work and continued to advocate for him. After all, this kid was 6 years old and would need to have both legs amputated. I’m sure there is a much better family for him than us. Everything in our lives would be changed. Do we really want to do this? Is this fair to the girls? Where would we get the money? We had reached a crisis of belief. The crisis of belief is a turning point where you must make a decision. You must decide what you believe about God. How you respond will determine whether you go on to be involved in something God-sized that only He can do, or whether you will continue to go your own way and miss what God has purposed for your life. There is a misconception among many Christians that God will never give you more than you can handle. Yes, He will. But He also has made a promise that he will always be with you and guide your path. I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. – Isaiah 42:16
We accepted God’s invitation. Mikey came home in January of this year and had major surgery in May. He is no longer that sad little boy I saw two years ago. He is the son God chose for us before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4). We have front row seats to watch God’s glory unfold in the lives of each of the children He set aside for us as well as the incredible responsibility to raise them as He intended. And, like the twelve men who followed Jesus Christ, we also have constant failings, struggles, and doubts. Would we have chosen this path for ourselves?--Probably not. Would we have it any other way?--Never!
Adoption is only one of the many, many ways that God will use someone to fulfill His purpose. What is God calling you to do and how will you respond to your next crisis of belief?
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; - Jeremiah 1:5
Janell Lucas
International Adoption Specialist
WA Office
An Introduction
My name is Laura Hausen, and I am a new International Social Worker for Lifeline. I recently graduated from the University of Alabama with my Master’s in Social Work. I have been with the agency just 4 weeks, so I thought it most appropriate to write about the way in which the Lord has lead me to this agency, and how He has been working in my heart over the past several years of my life.
I guess I should start with how I chose social work as a profession. I attended Samford University as an undergraduate to pursue a degree in Psychology, with the hopes of one day becoming a Clinical Psychologist. In my last semester of school, the Lord began to press upon my heart the field of social work. I had never considered this profession before; however, the social workers’ proactive approach to service was becoming increasingly appealing to me. So, I began to research and pray. Perhaps the most important thing I discovered was the theological implications woven into the very foundation of the social work profession. What I found is that these professionals unconditionally serve and advocate on behalf of those in need. This is so closely tied to the example Christ set for us. And isn’t this the mission of the church? Isn’t this our purpose as believers? At this point of realization, I was sold; social work was the career for me.
After graduating from Samford, I began pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama. I knew going into the program that I had an interest in the field of adoption and foster care, and so I chose my concentration accordingly- children and their families. I also knew from the beginning that I wanted to use my social work degree in a ministry capacity. Over the two years I spent at Alabama, the Lord increasingly affirmed my decision to pursue a ministry driven child placing agency, and so I set my sights on Lifeline Children Services. It is no secret that this agency is a wonderful outlet for ministry. I was also familiar with Lifeline’s foundational beliefs, and knew how closely they resembled my own. I was sold on the agency, its purpose, and its ministry. However, I had to find a way to make the agency sold on me. After a series of interviews, and much prayer, I was offered a job here at Lifeline- the day before my graduation.
As I previously mentioned, I was brought on board as an International Social Worker, and I will be heading up the new Haiti program. I really could not be more thrilled about this opportunity! I work with quite possibly the best staff imaginable doing a job that I love. I am certainly thankful for the Lord’s guidance in getting me here.
Laura Hausen
International Social Worker
I guess I should start with how I chose social work as a profession. I attended Samford University as an undergraduate to pursue a degree in Psychology, with the hopes of one day becoming a Clinical Psychologist. In my last semester of school, the Lord began to press upon my heart the field of social work. I had never considered this profession before; however, the social workers’ proactive approach to service was becoming increasingly appealing to me. So, I began to research and pray. Perhaps the most important thing I discovered was the theological implications woven into the very foundation of the social work profession. What I found is that these professionals unconditionally serve and advocate on behalf of those in need. This is so closely tied to the example Christ set for us. And isn’t this the mission of the church? Isn’t this our purpose as believers? At this point of realization, I was sold; social work was the career for me.
After graduating from Samford, I began pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama. I knew going into the program that I had an interest in the field of adoption and foster care, and so I chose my concentration accordingly- children and their families. I also knew from the beginning that I wanted to use my social work degree in a ministry capacity. Over the two years I spent at Alabama, the Lord increasingly affirmed my decision to pursue a ministry driven child placing agency, and so I set my sights on Lifeline Children Services. It is no secret that this agency is a wonderful outlet for ministry. I was also familiar with Lifeline’s foundational beliefs, and knew how closely they resembled my own. I was sold on the agency, its purpose, and its ministry. However, I had to find a way to make the agency sold on me. After a series of interviews, and much prayer, I was offered a job here at Lifeline- the day before my graduation.
As I previously mentioned, I was brought on board as an International Social Worker, and I will be heading up the new Haiti program. I really could not be more thrilled about this opportunity! I work with quite possibly the best staff imaginable doing a job that I love. I am certainly thankful for the Lord’s guidance in getting me here.
Laura Hausen
International Social Worker
Monday, June 21, 2010
Ecclesiastes
This can be a very depressing book depending on how you read it. All is vanity-- work, pleasure, knowledge, things, etc. Our ultimate end is death--and Solomon (who many believe wrote this book) seemed to think that the ending (death) is better than the starting (birth) because everything in life is vain-empty-futile.
What’s missing? This is good to ponder. I think--perspective. I don’t see an acknowledgement of God’s goodness and gifts--or a personal relationship with God as David had. God gives pleasure (though there are proper boundaries), God gives knowledge--though we’ll never know/understand all we can, He gives beauty (music, people, creation). And God gives things--though we should not hold onto them for satisfaction over the Lord--they won’t last or satisfy long term.
Indeed, there is futility in life (at least at some level) when God is not the center--when He is not our first satisfaction and enjoyment. I’m not sure I see Solomon enjoying God as his father David did. Where was the break down between father and son? Was there something David did not do so that Solomon caught this? Just food for thought.
When the Lord is the center, then we enjoy Him, and we can better and freely love others and enjoy them.
Gina Linden
Birthmother Social Worker
What’s missing? This is good to ponder. I think--perspective. I don’t see an acknowledgement of God’s goodness and gifts--or a personal relationship with God as David had. God gives pleasure (though there are proper boundaries), God gives knowledge--though we’ll never know/understand all we can, He gives beauty (music, people, creation). And God gives things--though we should not hold onto them for satisfaction over the Lord--they won’t last or satisfy long term.
Indeed, there is futility in life (at least at some level) when God is not the center--when He is not our first satisfaction and enjoyment. I’m not sure I see Solomon enjoying God as his father David did. Where was the break down between father and son? Was there something David did not do so that Solomon caught this? Just food for thought.
When the Lord is the center, then we enjoy Him, and we can better and freely love others and enjoy them.
Gina Linden
Birthmother Social Worker
Friday, June 18, 2010
One Step at a Time
It is very easy for me to become overwhelmed by the future. I have never done well with change or not knowing exactly what is ahead. I tend to be fearful and want to be in control.
However, I am aware that if I always knew what was ahead of me, and exactly where I was supposed to go and what I was supposed to do, there would be no need for faith. And that is the very essence of a relationship with the Lord. Having a relationship with Him means surrendering control. It means getting out of the driver’s seat and inviting Him to sit down there, taking control of all of the twists and turns, deciding the speed you will travel, and determining the detours you will take along the way – all of which will serve to teach you to trust Him further. If God revealed to us the final destination from the start, we would not need Him. We would try to figure out our own way to get there. We might arrive at the destination, but we would miss the journey. And that is just as important, if not more so.
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It is not a sunrise or giant spotlight. It reveals just enough on the path ahead of us for us to take the next step. This keeps us walking with Christ. This is the beauty of walking with Him – complete and total dependence. Faith that He knows what we need and where we need to go. Trust that His timing is perfect and that His plans are better. Those plans are definitely not easier, but they are always better. And His plans are so wonderful and so complete that they not only include our best interest, but are intertwined with the best interest of all of His people. What a mighty God we serve! How deserving He is of our faith, our trust, and our very lives. Let Him lead you today, one step at a time.
Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker
However, I am aware that if I always knew what was ahead of me, and exactly where I was supposed to go and what I was supposed to do, there would be no need for faith. And that is the very essence of a relationship with the Lord. Having a relationship with Him means surrendering control. It means getting out of the driver’s seat and inviting Him to sit down there, taking control of all of the twists and turns, deciding the speed you will travel, and determining the detours you will take along the way – all of which will serve to teach you to trust Him further. If God revealed to us the final destination from the start, we would not need Him. We would try to figure out our own way to get there. We might arrive at the destination, but we would miss the journey. And that is just as important, if not more so.
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It is not a sunrise or giant spotlight. It reveals just enough on the path ahead of us for us to take the next step. This keeps us walking with Christ. This is the beauty of walking with Him – complete and total dependence. Faith that He knows what we need and where we need to go. Trust that His timing is perfect and that His plans are better. Those plans are definitely not easier, but they are always better. And His plans are so wonderful and so complete that they not only include our best interest, but are intertwined with the best interest of all of His people. What a mighty God we serve! How deserving He is of our faith, our trust, and our very lives. Let Him lead you today, one step at a time.
Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Trust in Him
Psalm 37:3-5
“Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will help you.”
Good Morning – this is Stephanie from International at Lifeline –
This verse is easy to “hand” to someone else to encourage them and to advise them on how to live life, but it is not so easy to do when it involves your own self. Isn’t that just like life – it is easy to tell someone else to do it, but much harder when you must do it yourself.
When sharing this thought I am reminded of two different scenarios, but they both come back to the same thing--my walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
My first thought is adoption--it is easy for me at Lifeline to say to an adopting family to trust in the Lord because it is all in His timing. But you see, I understand this advice from the standpoint of an adoptive mother. It is not so easy when you make the choice to completely love a little child that you have never held in your arms. I need to take a risk. I need to completely give my heart and love to “my child” in order to become completely her mother. I need to do this without knowing how long it might take to complete the adoption and without knowing the exact path the Lord is going to take to bring my child into my arms. I need to trust the Lord with my whole heart in order to open my heart to this deep kind of love! That is hard, but isn’t that what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. He gave everything for us, and then gave us the free will to choose to love Him or not to love Him.
I do know how hard it is to rest in the Lord when I hand this verse to a family because I have lived it and once again I find myself needing to trust the Lord completely to bring my child home and into my arms! It is not easy, but it is Truth! I am walking this journey of adoption again in my own life and in my own family so if I hand this verse to you it is a verse that I desire to follow completely myself, and I don’t give this advise lightly! Christ is able, but we must be willing to follow His Word!
The second thought that came to my mind through this verse is from a discussion that my 13 year-old daughter and I recently had one evening (Sasha is adopted from Russia and she is the joy of our lives! We also have a little one adopted from Taiwan and someday she and I will have this same discussion I am sure). Our conversation centered around the “Secret to Life”, as I like to call it. The “Secret to Life” is my relationship with Jesus Christ! How is my relationship with Him today? How is my devotional life today? Have I spent time with the Lord today? Have I read His Word today? If I can not answer “Yes” to those questions should I really be asking that of anyone else?
I know that the secret to living a life of joy and peace and success is answered in those questions. I know that everything in my life revolves around my relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a new person--a different person--a better person all because of Him, but if I am not growing my relationship one day at a time in Him, then I know I am at risk for not being the kind of person He wants me to be.
Sasha and I talked about the deep meaning of this, and I have found that she is investing her time into spending time with the Lord everyday. I see it changing her into the kind of person that He wants her to be! I am so proud of her. I shared with her that I know that it is easy to tell her to do this, but it is not so easy to do myself. Life is busy and each day goes so quickly, but at the end of the day my question should be-– “Have I done the most important thing today--which is to spend time growing my relationship with my Lord Jesus because everything else in my life comes out of this relationship.” Just as I did not ask Sasha that lightly, I do not ask you that lightly because it is a question I ask myself. How is your relationship with the Lord today?
I share two prayer requests before I end my thoughts for the day:
1. Please pray for the waiting children of Bulgaria. We have 15 new children on our waiting children page! Please take time to sign the confidentiality statement (available at the Bulgaria link on the web site) so that you can view the waiting children. I believe that the Lord is asking us to pray for families to come to Lifeline to adopt these precious children! Pray for these children to come to know that their lives are a gift from the Creator and that He loves them and is their Father.
2. Please pray for rains to come to the Southern Part of the Philippines where my husband and I do orphan ministry to a government run orphanage. We knew that there was a drought in the region for some time and have been praying using the verses from Joel 2:23 “…Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rains He sends are an expression of His grace. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.” What we did not know was how this drought was going to affect the orphans that we love and help to provide for. We have just heard that the heat is so intense in this region that some of the children have horrible rashes. They have no electricity most of the time to power any air conditioner or fan because of the drought. Much of their electricity is run by the water in the dams and since the water is so low they must have what they call “brown outs” or turning off of the electricity. So now these precious children who have already suffered so much are suffering even more in the intense heat and from lack of rain. Please pray for the Lord to bless the Land in the southern part of the Philippines with His rains. Please pray for these children and for the Lord to bring relief for them.
Thank you so very much. May the Lord bless your day –
Stephanie
International Adoption Specialist
“Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will help you.”
Good Morning – this is Stephanie from International at Lifeline –
This verse is easy to “hand” to someone else to encourage them and to advise them on how to live life, but it is not so easy to do when it involves your own self. Isn’t that just like life – it is easy to tell someone else to do it, but much harder when you must do it yourself.
When sharing this thought I am reminded of two different scenarios, but they both come back to the same thing--my walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
My first thought is adoption--it is easy for me at Lifeline to say to an adopting family to trust in the Lord because it is all in His timing. But you see, I understand this advice from the standpoint of an adoptive mother. It is not so easy when you make the choice to completely love a little child that you have never held in your arms. I need to take a risk. I need to completely give my heart and love to “my child” in order to become completely her mother. I need to do this without knowing how long it might take to complete the adoption and without knowing the exact path the Lord is going to take to bring my child into my arms. I need to trust the Lord with my whole heart in order to open my heart to this deep kind of love! That is hard, but isn’t that what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. He gave everything for us, and then gave us the free will to choose to love Him or not to love Him.
I do know how hard it is to rest in the Lord when I hand this verse to a family because I have lived it and once again I find myself needing to trust the Lord completely to bring my child home and into my arms! It is not easy, but it is Truth! I am walking this journey of adoption again in my own life and in my own family so if I hand this verse to you it is a verse that I desire to follow completely myself, and I don’t give this advise lightly! Christ is able, but we must be willing to follow His Word!
The second thought that came to my mind through this verse is from a discussion that my 13 year-old daughter and I recently had one evening (Sasha is adopted from Russia and she is the joy of our lives! We also have a little one adopted from Taiwan and someday she and I will have this same discussion I am sure). Our conversation centered around the “Secret to Life”, as I like to call it. The “Secret to Life” is my relationship with Jesus Christ! How is my relationship with Him today? How is my devotional life today? Have I spent time with the Lord today? Have I read His Word today? If I can not answer “Yes” to those questions should I really be asking that of anyone else?
I know that the secret to living a life of joy and peace and success is answered in those questions. I know that everything in my life revolves around my relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a new person--a different person--a better person all because of Him, but if I am not growing my relationship one day at a time in Him, then I know I am at risk for not being the kind of person He wants me to be.
Sasha and I talked about the deep meaning of this, and I have found that she is investing her time into spending time with the Lord everyday. I see it changing her into the kind of person that He wants her to be! I am so proud of her. I shared with her that I know that it is easy to tell her to do this, but it is not so easy to do myself. Life is busy and each day goes so quickly, but at the end of the day my question should be-– “Have I done the most important thing today--which is to spend time growing my relationship with my Lord Jesus because everything else in my life comes out of this relationship.” Just as I did not ask Sasha that lightly, I do not ask you that lightly because it is a question I ask myself. How is your relationship with the Lord today?
I share two prayer requests before I end my thoughts for the day:
1. Please pray for the waiting children of Bulgaria. We have 15 new children on our waiting children page! Please take time to sign the confidentiality statement (available at the Bulgaria link on the web site) so that you can view the waiting children. I believe that the Lord is asking us to pray for families to come to Lifeline to adopt these precious children! Pray for these children to come to know that their lives are a gift from the Creator and that He loves them and is their Father.
2. Please pray for rains to come to the Southern Part of the Philippines where my husband and I do orphan ministry to a government run orphanage. We knew that there was a drought in the region for some time and have been praying using the verses from Joel 2:23 “…Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rains He sends are an expression of His grace. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.” What we did not know was how this drought was going to affect the orphans that we love and help to provide for. We have just heard that the heat is so intense in this region that some of the children have horrible rashes. They have no electricity most of the time to power any air conditioner or fan because of the drought. Much of their electricity is run by the water in the dams and since the water is so low they must have what they call “brown outs” or turning off of the electricity. So now these precious children who have already suffered so much are suffering even more in the intense heat and from lack of rain. Please pray for the Lord to bless the Land in the southern part of the Philippines with His rains. Please pray for these children and for the Lord to bring relief for them.
Thank you so very much. May the Lord bless your day –
Stephanie
International Adoption Specialist
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Responding to God's Call
Life is funny! At least for me, it never seems to work out exactly like the plans I set forth! I have a feeling that this is true for most people. In fact, many families that decide to adopt never planned to adopt. Because of various circumstances and/or a call that God puts on their life, they find themselves pursuing an adoption. A call to adopt is a precious thing. It does not mean the process will be easy, but it does mean a family is responding to the Lord and risking themselves emotionally, financially, and in other ways to answer that call. It takes courage to enter the unknown and sometimes confusing world of adoption to be obedient to this call. It takes perseverance to manage all the details and issues that arise during the process of waiting for your child and keeping your home study current! There are many days that are discouraging and heart-wrenching. However, the Lord gives us strength to follow-through on what he has called us to do. God has not promised us that we will have the easiest path, but he does promise He will be with us along the way. The staff at Lifeline prays for waiting families by name. We know you and care about you and also understand that the process and wait can be tedious and frustrating. But we also know that meeting your child--the child God is calling you toward--will be worth the wait.
God bless,
Margo Harwell
Supervisor of Domestic Social Services
God bless,
Margo Harwell
Supervisor of Domestic Social Services
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