Take Courage - Be Courageous

It is one of the most decaying, pervading, afflicting and destructive epidemics and diseases that our world has ever known. Currently well over 300 million people in the world have been ravished by its effects. It has ravaged 79% of African American households and currently grips 30% of Caucasian households in the States. It’s most devastating effects are those seen in children and as it is highly contagious, and spreads to over 80% of its victims to their offspring. So what is the pandemic outbreak that is destroying our world? Fatherlessness!

Titus 2:2, 6-8
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Various studies have shown that 70% of juvenile murderers, delinquents, teenaged mothers, drug abusers, dropouts, suicides and runaways come from fatherless homes. More than 80% of fatherless homes are homeless and on welfare. 85% of abused, neglected, and children killed in their homes are a result of fatherlessness. In the United States if crime rates were adjusted by removing those crimes committed by the fatherless, the crime rates don't differ between races or socio-economic levels.

Worldwide, the epidemic has left 143 million children as orphans and another 100 million or more living in poverty or on the streets. Men have abandoned the family, left their responsibilities, and overall have become cowards.

We need Godly Christian men who will stand for principles and values, who are self-controlled and worth of respect, and who have integrity. We need men who heed the words of Paul to Titus and invest their lives in younger men, teaching them what manhood really means - submission to God. We need men who have courage like Joshua who are willing to stand passionate before a generation of Godlessness and paganism and say, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)

The Word of God says in Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

As men we are standing on the sidelines as the family slips away. We corrupt our minds with vile images, we become armchair warriors more interested in sports and gadgets than in the spiritual condition of our families, and we are far too easily pleased and wooed away by meaningless affairs. Where are you men of courage?  You were made by your creator for so much more. We need to get on our knees and take our stand and be courageous in the battle of the heart and the battle of the mind - let's take a stand and lead the way.

What would it look like if men discipled men, if men defended women, if men loved their wives and children, and men took a stand for the fatherless, the downtrodden and the orphan. What if it was the men going to their wives and asking if she would pray about adopting or getting involved for the orphan. What would it look like if Godly, passionate men, followers of Christ took a week of vacation to disciple an orphan in another context, or took out time each week to invest in a foster child, or led the charge in their community to say for me and my house we will serve the Lord!

On September 30 a new movie will be released by Sherwood Pictures and Provident Films called Courageous and it is an awesome opportunity to awaken men to what God has called them to. Visit www.courageousthemovie.com to see how you can join the movement and be a part of this very powerful film. Encourage your church, your small group, and your co-workers to see and support this needed film.

“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

So lastly, are we ready to be men of courage. Are we ready to be families of principle and influence? Men will you lead your family to defend the fatherless, the widow, and the downtrodden. If so, partner with Lifeline today. Visit LifelineAdoption.org to donate to the cause, to apply to adopt, to sign up for a trip through our (un)adopted ministry and visit orphans in need, to apply to be a foster parents for a child in US foster care, to volunteer in one of many ways for the sake of orphans, and ultimately to partner with us as we support the family and restore fathers.

Oh beloved, will you allow God to use you to impact the life of a child? Please do not hesitate to give Lifeline a call because we are here...

On behalf of the orphans and fatherless.

Herbie Newell
Executive Director
Lifeline Children's Services
giving children a hope and a future
twitter: @hmnewell

You already know...

“Lord, even before you say a word, you already know what I am going to say. You are all around me- in front and in back. You have your hand on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me. It is more than I can understand.”… “All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.”

These verses, taken from Psalm 139 (vrs 4-5 and 16) have brought me so much comfort. And though, I have never been through the adoption process, I have recently become a mother, to a little girl who had a very rough start in this world. Our Heavenly Father knows what we are going to say.. He knows our thoughts, and knows our inmost being. He knows my weaknesses even better that I do. And before I even knew I need to call out for His strength, He is there, carrying me through. Take a second and think about these words again: “All the days planned for me were written in Your book before I was one day old.” How amazing is that? The thought that my Father is not surprised at anything that comes at me today, blows me away. He already knows the hardships, the trials, the difficulties, the successes, and the victories that we each will experience and go through… And you know? That knowledge helped me through a journey that I thought would never end. I mentioned earlier that my daughter had a rough start in this world. She was born at 28 weeks, about 2 months early. And spent almost 2 months in the NICU. A two months were every day was approached with uncertainty as to what will happen. She was born after me being in the hospital for 3 weeks on extreme bed rest. And Her little 2lb. 2 oz. self turned Cody(my husband) and my lives upside down immediately! And though when making a “birth plan” Abigail being two months early was nowhere on our radar. God knew. He wasn’t surprised one bit that day. He knew before Abigail was created that was going to be the beginning of her story. In just the same way our God was not surprised at my families journey.. He is not surprised by yours. Wherever you are in your life.

Whether you are in the adoption process , considering adoption, or at home facing the daily trials that come with being a parent. He is there, and He is not surprised. And He is there carrying you before you even know you need carrying. Don’t be afraid to fall into His arms.

Marie Collier
Administrative Coordinator

Why Can’t I Understand?

There are so many realities in this world that don’t make sense. We classify them as unfair, unjust, unrealistic, unnecessary, or just plain un-understandable. In some cases, we actually understand completely, but we are still left wondering why. Why now? Why not now? Why me? The list goes on. I know I’m probably the only one who feels this way, but I am so easily frustrated by situations that leave me without answers. And I’m learning this can be a common reality in life. I say that as if that is a situation unique to me and my life- but I know that is not true I see it daily in the lives of those I come in contact with. Whether in adoption or just life in general, desiring to understand things- life situations and circumstances, the unexpected and future plans- is a natural reaction to life’s uncertainties. And I am becoming more and more convinced that this will continue to be the case for as long we live on this side of eternity. But I am learning that the source of my frustration is often an opportunity for growth in faith and trust in the One who does understand- my Creator, Provider, and the Author of everything- even the pieces I don’t understand.

I’m about to quote one of those verses that you’ve heard a million times. It’s one of those promises you know is true, but you just won’t ever be able to really wrap your mind around it. As you read them, hear these words as a promise spoken straight from the mouth of your Abba Father to your heart:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts… You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands… This will be for the Lord’s renoun, for an everlasting sign that will endure forever.” (Isaiah 55: 8,9,12,13)

I write this familiar promise because no matter how many times I hear it, it never seems to fully sink in to my heart. And I don’t know that it ever truly will, but its comforting truth does not cease to wash peace over my heart. I write it now hopefully to encourage you where you are.

The truth is that my inabilities showcase my Creator’s abilities. His character is so far beyond my scope of understanding- His perfect holiness, pure goodness, faithful justice, radiant beauty, abundant love…

“What do I know of You who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood but the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees.
What do I know of You? What do I know of Holy?”
-Addison Road, “What Do I Know of Holy?”

If the whole of His being is too big for me to understand, what makes me think I should be able to understand His ways? He is able to do abundantly beyond all that I ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). If I was truly convinced of this, I would be begging Him for opportunities to see that truth in my life. But that reality is scary. In order to see Him move mountains, mountains first have to be present. For Him to work in a mighty way that is undeniably God, all other options have to be nonexistent. And that is scary. In moments when we are left asking that initial question, “why can’t I understand?”, we have the opportunity to choose faith over fear. And in those moments, He alone is left standing firm, showing His power. Because in those moments, He alone gets the glory. And you know what really doesn’t make sense? His glory is our purpose- therefore, when He gets glory, we are left with a satisfaction unparalleled by anything else this life can offer.

This is one of those truths that I will never stop needing to learn. I pray these words find a place of encouragement in your heart wherever you are today.

Mallory Blackmon
International Social Worker

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

Home from Hungary

“I want to stay in Alabama”, my four year old son will cheerily announce from time to time. This seemingly out-of-the-blue comment makes me smile because of the history behind it and the answered prayers it brings to mind.

We adopted Robi from Hungary and have been home about 7 months with him. He is remarkably, stunningly settled in...settled into our family, settled in to our extended family, settled in to our church family and our neighborhood (so much so that at a recent neighborhood playgroup he told me that he was, “just marrying” a little girl named Mary Ellen when I asked him what he was up to!).

I confess that I am shocked, all the time, by how well he is doing emotionally, partially because our agency prepared us well for many possible hurdles and partially, I am sad to say because of my weak faith. We prayed, and many, many people in our family and church prayed hard for Robi, especially that God would comfort, calm and sustain him as his world was turned upside down (and hopefully righted again!). I confess that I am surprised to see God answer these prayers for Robi and care for him on a soul level deeper than my husband and I can reach and help him. I have spoken to several families preparing to adopt from Hungary and other places and am more and more sure that in all the preparations for the trip, for becoming parents, or adding another child to ones’ family THE most important preparation is prayer, and the kindest, best thing to do for your child is to pray for them. Their deepest needs: the anger, or sadness, and sometimes dark despair you may see in your kids’ eyes, you can’t fix. Sometimes you can’t get near it, but God can and He delights to.

I think that Robi’s deepest grief was leaving his foster family. He talked all the time of going back to them in the early days and tried to call his foster sister on the phone from our hotel. I will never forget the look of abject despair in his eyes as he sat in the car in the drive-through of Chick-fil-A (aka: Robi’s American Dream) and said “Foster Apa is not coming.” It crushed my heart for him and I could not help him. But his Father in Heaven can and did and continues to. When we got back to Alabama he talked about going back to Budapest all the time. Gradually, he said we could come too, and eventually that we could all go and come back. And now he wants to stay in Alabama.

The speed with which God has answered our prayers for Robi may be out of the ordinary, but His answering of them is not. Robi has been brought into a spiritual covenant. Many of the members of this covenant have spoken to God on his behalf, and God has showered mercies on our son and strengthened my weak faith and it has been wonderful to behold.

Mary Beth McLure
Mother of Robi McLure from Hungary

How to Pick an Adoption Agency

If you are considering adoption, this list of questions is a helpful resource as you are researching and selecting your agency. Click here for "How to Pick an Adoption Agency."

Make a joyful noise

“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!”

Psalm 100:1-5