Early
last year, God began to show us again that we are not done with orphan
ministry. This is how it goes with us. We take a step and think we are
done but then our Savior shows us more of His plan. It all began 16 years
ago as we adopted our first two children through DSS. Years of healing were
required and then we were called to adopt again. More healing, more growth,
more time . . .we were sure we were done and our family complete but we started
being heavily burdened to do more. Being sure we were getting too old to
adopt or foster, we began getting involved in local orphan ministry. But
the needs kept pressing down upon us and it was never enough. Then one day, I
felt God say “You have breath which I supply. I decided your days and when you are
done.” Still yet, would my husband ever agree? Finally one day, I
ventured to ask. It is so cool when you venture to ask a really hard
question fully expecting a negative answer but God has already prepared the
heart. And so, he said “I was thinking about it too.” Thus a new journey began
into Foster Care Ministry.
That
is what we call it. . .Foster Care Ministry. It is a hand wide open ministry
every day of our life. It requires living in faith that it will never be too
much and it will make a difference. For what God has called us to is never a
waste. After all, He is God! We feel that God has given us a vision of
generations being changed by Christian families stepping forward to love,
nurture and teach of a Savior’s ultimate love. We know that fruit won’t always
be seen this side of Heaven and that there will be times it seems hopeless. . .
but God. We will simply do our part in praying for these little ones in
our care and their families. While daily depending on the strength of our Lord,
we will do our best to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The rest we must leave
up to God.
Our
new journey officially began the week of Christmas. Amidst travel and
traditions, we took in our first little one. He was sick when he entered our
home but so very precious. He still had a look of hope in his sweet eyes
even though he was filled with so much fear. We loved on him and cared for him.
He is, for the time, ours and we are his. Soon after, his brother joined
us as well. What a sweet, fulfilling and tiring journey. But this
journey is not just about giving. We have received so much from it. When
life is simple and comfortable, we don’t require too much of God.
But if you want to see God work in miraculous and amazing ways, then take that
step in orphan care. It will simply blow you away. Over these past
months, we have seen God open doors, change lives, and bless our socks
off.
A
few Sundays back, we took our tired selves in and sat down to hear the
morning’s sermon. As we listened, we were reminded of the widow that gave her
last two coins and Jesus was pleased. I thought, it doesn’t have to be coins.
What if we give the last of our time, the last of our food, the last bedroom or
bed in our home? What if we just live with our hands wide open and let God choose
what He will use? The one thing we are sure of is that He will never ask more
than we can give. Yes, at times it feels like more but it is not. It is those
times when our Savior is so close we can feel His presence. Then there
are the sweet reminders. . .a few mornings back one of the sweet little ones
entrusted to our care said, “Mommy, I want to see God.” He is too young to
fully understand but yet he is beginning to. Nothing could make this journey
more worthwhile than for him to see God!
