To whom much was given, of him much will be required. Luke 12:48
We live in the most prosperous nation in the world.
Even if you live in a one bedroom apartment you have more than what two-thirds of the world's population will ever have.
We have been given much...indeed much will be required of us.
But, in the spiritual sense we even have more required of us.
We have been given financial means to be able to help those who have none.
And, when we have used our physical and financial means we are serving our God
with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
We are living out our true and pure religion as James says.
Widows and orphans are the more likely to be abused and taken advantage of in this world. It is the Christian's responsibility to make sure that children are not sold into slavery. Children who have lost their parents to war or AIDS are our responsibility. Widows who have no means of income other than prostitution are our responsibility. Those in third world countries who are ill treated for their love of the Gospel are those we are to take care of.
.It is not up to Bono or the United Nations!
So, what can we do? There are so many needs in this world. How can we meet them all?
We can't. But, we can and must use the resources that we do have to help those who are helpless. Each person is called to do something.
We believe that God called our family to adopt. It was a huge sacrifice.
It took time and energy to jump through all the hoops that the Liberian and U.S. governments set before us. There were many disappointments and struggles.
It was an incredible financial sacrifice on our part and on the parts of many, many others who chose to help the orphans by helping us.
Our adoption not only helped us live out our Christian faith but helped others to live out their faith as well.
Eric and I would always tell people that it is everyone's duty to help. Some will be adoptive parents, some will be financial backing, and some will be prayer support.
This is the reason why we adopted.
But, there are other ways to help....
(clicking on the organization's name will link you to their site)
Voice of the Martyrs is helping those who are being persecuted for their faith.
Compassion International works in communities by providing education, food, and the Gospel.
Nextstep is working with those in Columbia to provide future income for needy families.
Shaohannah's Hope is working with families to help them financially
in their adoption endeavors.
Blood:Water Mission is digging wells and providing clean blood to stop the spread of AIDS through blood transfusions.
Gospel for Asia is also providing wells and the Gospel to the Dalit communities in India.
Gleaning the Harvest is helping widows who need financial support.
Jewels of Hope enables children who have lost their parents from AIDS to keep their family together.
There are many more organizations that will supply you with ample reasons and ways to help those in need and....to help you live out your faith.
So, for us, it was not all about adoption but rather the heart of giving. Giving sacrificially of ourselves to help those that God places in our lives.
~Heather
We live in the most prosperous nation in the world.
Even if you live in a one bedroom apartment you have more than what two-thirds of the world's population will ever have.
We have been given much...indeed much will be required of us.
But, in the spiritual sense we even have more required of us.
We have been given financial means to be able to help those who have none.
And, when we have used our physical and financial means we are serving our God
with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
We are living out our true and pure religion as James says.
Widows and orphans are the more likely to be abused and taken advantage of in this world. It is the Christian's responsibility to make sure that children are not sold into slavery. Children who have lost their parents to war or AIDS are our responsibility. Widows who have no means of income other than prostitution are our responsibility. Those in third world countries who are ill treated for their love of the Gospel are those we are to take care of.
.It is not up to Bono or the United Nations!
So, what can we do? There are so many needs in this world. How can we meet them all?
We can't. But, we can and must use the resources that we do have to help those who are helpless. Each person is called to do something.
We believe that God called our family to adopt. It was a huge sacrifice.
It took time and energy to jump through all the hoops that the Liberian and U.S. governments set before us. There were many disappointments and struggles.
It was an incredible financial sacrifice on our part and on the parts of many, many others who chose to help the orphans by helping us.
Our adoption not only helped us live out our Christian faith but helped others to live out their faith as well.
Eric and I would always tell people that it is everyone's duty to help. Some will be adoptive parents, some will be financial backing, and some will be prayer support.
This is the reason why we adopted.
But, there are other ways to help....
(clicking on the organization's name will link you to their site)
Voice of the Martyrs is helping those who are being persecuted for their faith.
Compassion International works in communities by providing education, food, and the Gospel.
Nextstep is working with those in Columbia to provide future income for needy families.
Shaohannah's Hope is working with families to help them financially
in their adoption endeavors.
Blood:Water Mission is digging wells and providing clean blood to stop the spread of AIDS through blood transfusions.
Gospel for Asia is also providing wells and the Gospel to the Dalit communities in India.
Gleaning the Harvest is helping widows who need financial support.
Jewels of Hope enables children who have lost their parents from AIDS to keep their family together.
There are many more organizations that will supply you with ample reasons and ways to help those in need and....to help you live out your faith.
So, for us, it was not all about adoption but rather the heart of giving. Giving sacrificially of ourselves to help those that God places in our lives.
~Heather
5 comments:
Dear Heather,
Thank you for sharing this; it echoes what we believe, also. Adoptive parents share a unique bond because of their commonality though we all have gone through very unique experiences in our own adoptions. Such a bummer that we won't be able to meet this summer.
Blessings,
Lisa
I love this post. It hits home to where I find myself in my life right now. We feel God has called us to adopt and we are trusting him along the way to provide the means. I especially love where you said, "Some will be adoptive parents, some will be financial backing, and some will be prayer support." We all have a part in it.
I love your post. My hubby and I are looking forward to the day when we will bring home our very own adopted child. It is a shame more people don't think of all these children who are in need. Thank you for posting the places where our resources can do some good.
I love reading you blog Heather. You have no idea how much it blesses me. I love your transparancy, yet you always give glory to God who is your healer, your sustainer, your hope! I pray for you and your family everytime I read your blog.
We too have been privileged to be able to adopt. We have 3 beautiful children we adopted. I love adoption as it clearly paints a picture of the gospel. I can't help but be reminded daily of what Christ has done for me, how He paid the price so that I can be called His, live eternally with Him.
So many say they wish they could adopt but financially could not afford it. Our God is so big and can do anything! And I believe that when we are being obedient to care for the orphans and widows, He WILL provide.
Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us.
Kellie
You are so right!!! We can't do it all but we can do something! And we must do it. This is our worship and responsibility before the Lord. We are to do and to do so sacrificially. We can make a difference in the world and spread the love of God as we do it. I'm too old to adopt a child but Compassion International is an excellent alternative for me. Although they call it sponsoring I tend to think of it as long-distance adoption. This is a great organization. We can't and mustn't think others will do what needs to be done in our place. It is our personal responsibility. Thanks for this post, Heather. We all know this but we need to hear it again. And again. There is so much "want" in the world. So much "need." How can we not share what we have been blessed with?
Marj
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