Lifesong for Orphans

Nine out of ten of the people I talk to about adoption, people who already feel like it "might" be in their future, tell me that money is a HUGE factor and mainly, a huge deterrent. I've heard dozens of people make comments like "If we could afford it..." or "If it wasn't so expensive..."

I'm thankful that God has given us an adoption testimony that is all about His provision and not at all about our wealth or abilities.

We were broke when we started this journey. Really. Broke. We had to save up the $250 to mail in the agency application, we had no savings account and close to $20,000 in (bad) debt. But God (I LOVE saying that), but God provided over $10,000 prior to William's diagnoses and our break from the process. We received a couple small gifts (less than $1,000 each) and had a puny little yard sale where we barely made $300. The rest came from God. Really. I can't tell you where it came from.

We believed from the beginning that he would provide for us. And he has. He will equip those He calls. If you feel called to adopt please, I am begging you, do not let your lack of faith in His provision stand in the way. That's what it is isn't it? You don't believe that he will provide. But look at your life! He has provided abundantly more than you need! If this is you, if you have felt His voice calling you and opening your heart to adoption, please stop and pray that you would have the faith to step out in obedience to that calling.

There are lots of ways to fund adoption - you can see some of my resources here. One organization that we love is Lifesong for Orphans. Their mission is to "bring joy and purpose to orphans by mobilizing the church, His body, where each member can provide a unique and special service: some to adopt, some to care, some to give."

They do this tangibly by providing matching adoption grants and interest free loans but my favorite Lifesong program is Both Hands. Essentially, a Both Hands project is like a 5k or golf scramble where you get a lot of people to participate and raise funds on their own. The difference is that, instead of doing something like running or playing golf, you and your friends provide home improvement to a widow - living out James 1:27 with "both hands".

I think my favorite part about the Both Hands projects is that instead of raising money from their friends and family to run a few miles, your family and friends who are participating are sharing the theology of adoption, your adoption story and their commitment to being a part of your story, inviting their circle to be a part of your story as well. (This is done through letter writing) So, the message of eternal adoption and the connection to earthly adoption is multiplied. Love it.

Not only that but, on average, Both Hands projects raise over $10,000. He will provide.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? - Matthew 6:26 (NIV)