Franklin (Nashville), TN October 2-3, 2009
Conference 2009 page:
http://www.togetherforadoption.org/?page_id=11
Friday, May 29, 2009
Together for Adoption Conference 2009
Franklin (Nashville), TN October 2-3, 2009
Conference 2009 page:
http://www.togetherforadoption.org/?page_id=11
New On-line Adoption Magazine Being Launched
Weaving Families, a ministry that provides adoption counseling, is launching a new project: Weaving Families Magazine.
The online magazine will focus on adoption and people serving vulnerable children and families worldwide. It will be free for anyone to read.
The first issue will be posted Monday, June 1. You’ll be able to read it here.
The online magazine will focus on adoption and people serving vulnerable children and families worldwide. It will be free for anyone to read.
The first issue will be posted Monday, June 1. You’ll be able to read it here.
Adoption Community Call to Action for Orphan Film
This is from Adoptive Families magazine -
There is a horror film being released on July 24, called Orphan, about a family who adopts an older girl who "is not what she appears to be." The film is currently being promoted, and the trailer is available at http://orphan-movie.warnerbros.com . The adoption message is extremely negative, and plays into the stereotypes of adopted children, particularly older children, as damaged.
Though we have not been able to preview the entire movie, the trailer leads us to believe the movie will send a horrific message about adoption. The adoption community is protesting the release of the film. We urge you to contact the makers of the film, as well as your local movie theater chains, with your concerns. Feel free to copy or adapt the sample letter below.
To whom it may concern:
I want to express my outrage about the release of the movie, Orphan. The film plays into the stereotype of adopted children as damaged and dangerous. It discourages families from pursuing adoption, particularly adoption of older children, who are especially in need of loving homes. As an adoptive parent, I am horrified by the line in the trailer that "it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own." Adoption has often been misrepresented in the media, but the previews for this film are unbelievably offensive. I urge you to change the promotional materials, and to consider holding the release of the film altogether.
Contact information:
Warner Bros.4000 Warner Blvd.Burbank, CA 91522818-954-6000
Silver Pictures4000 Warner Blvd. 90Burbank, CA 91522-0001818-954-4490
Time Warner Inc.One Time Warner CenterNew York, NY 10019-8016212-484-8000
Thank you for your support.
The editors of Adoptive Families
There is a horror film being released on July 24, called Orphan, about a family who adopts an older girl who "is not what she appears to be." The film is currently being promoted, and the trailer is available at http://orphan-movie.warnerbros.com . The adoption message is extremely negative, and plays into the stereotypes of adopted children, particularly older children, as damaged.
Though we have not been able to preview the entire movie, the trailer leads us to believe the movie will send a horrific message about adoption. The adoption community is protesting the release of the film. We urge you to contact the makers of the film, as well as your local movie theater chains, with your concerns. Feel free to copy or adapt the sample letter below.
To whom it may concern:
I want to express my outrage about the release of the movie, Orphan. The film plays into the stereotype of adopted children as damaged and dangerous. It discourages families from pursuing adoption, particularly adoption of older children, who are especially in need of loving homes. As an adoptive parent, I am horrified by the line in the trailer that "it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own." Adoption has often been misrepresented in the media, but the previews for this film are unbelievably offensive. I urge you to change the promotional materials, and to consider holding the release of the film altogether.
Contact information:
Warner Bros.4000 Warner Blvd.Burbank, CA 91522818-954-6000
Silver Pictures4000 Warner Blvd. 90Burbank, CA 91522-0001818-954-4490
Time Warner Inc.One Time Warner CenterNew York, NY 10019-8016212-484-8000
Thank you for your support.
The editors of Adoptive Families
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Buy a Pound of Coffee, Feed an Orphan for A Month!
"Saint's Coffee is a small-batch, micro-roaster offering specialty blends and unique varietals of 100% Fair Trade Certified and organic coffees. But beyond being the freshest, finest, and fairest of them all - Saint's Coffee is transforming the lives of orphaned children by investing over 1/3 of net profits from every sale into organizations helping children."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Families with Children from China
Here's a story from Lake Mary Life (May/June 2009) magazine featuring Families with Children from China Central Florida:
We are family - Support group helps adoptive parents and their children from China
by Peter Reilly
The row of giggling girls atop the playground balance beam had no fear of falling – they had each other to hold onto. Suddenly, a tiny tot started to teeter, pulling the others with her. They shrieked with glee as they tumbled to the padded ground a few inches below. It was as if they had been knocked over by a wave of laughter. Their adoptive parents watching from nearby benches smiled as the girls in their brightly colored outfits dusted themselves off and helped each other climb back up again. The scene was one of many sweet moments at a recent picnic organized by Families with Children from China – Central Florida (FCC-CF), but it was the one that most clearly illustrates what the organization is all about. FCC-CF gives adoptive parents and their Asian-born daughters a network of supportive friends and a sense of family that’s rooted in fun, culture, and each other. The process of adopting a child from China is a long and difficult one. The wait can be several years for a girl. Boys rarely come up for adoption. There are mountains of paperwork to fill out and then thousands of miles to travel. FCC-CF’s members, who’ve been there and done that, aid parents beginning the process by answering their questions, lending support, and helping them prepare for their trip. George and Ann Carlson of Oviedo got help from the group before they went to China to get their daughter Katelyn, now eight. “We went to one of the meetings,” she says. “It was nice to know it was there and we got helpful tips from parents who had been through the process: like what to pack, what not to bring. There was a lot of paperwork. It can take three or four years. It took 18 months for Katelyn, but it’s worth it. Everything we went through, it’s all worth it. It’s the best thing we could ever do. Having a family is so worthwhile.”The Carlsons were so thrilled, they adopted their second daughter, Megan, now six, soon after.When adoptive parents return home to Florida with their new daughter, their joy is mixed with a sense of responsibility. They don’t want their child to feel uprooted and alone. They want to raise their daughter as an American, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of her Chinese ancestors.FCC-CF’s members accomplish this by holding monthly picnics and get-togethers where their daughters can play with other girls from China. “I think the organization is important because it gives us a chance to be around families like ours,” says Ann. “As the girls grow up, it’s important for them to be around kids their own age. I also wanted them to be comfortable so they wouldn’t feel different in our society. This group gives them that chance.”It’s as if each of the girls in the group has two American families – their adoptive family and their FCC-CF family. Ann’s daughters look forward to the group’s gatherings. “They love it,” says Ann. “They’re always asking, ‘When do we get to see our Chinese family again?’”The group makes a real effort to celebrate Chinese culture on Chinese holidays. Many of the group’s 75 families rang in the Chinese New Year at a fabulous party and buffet dinner held at Metro Church in Winter Springs. The girls also learn about Chinese culture through a fun program called Panda Pals, taught by member Kim Edney. “My girls love it,” says Ann. “Kim taught them how to write numbers in Chinese. For the Moon Festival they learned how to make lanterns. They made a Chinese scroll with cherry blossoms and a red box that each girl signed. For New Year’s, since it is the year of the Ox, they each made an ox out of their handprint.”Kim holds many of the classes at her home in Chuluota. She and her husband Rick have two daughters Alexa, eight and Megan, six. Rick is currently serving in Iraq, and was recently home for a visit. “It’s a play network, but it also gives the kids a feeling of belonging,” explains Kim. “It gives them a sense of identity especially once we started doing the Panda Pals and exploring different aspects of Chinese culture and what makes the girls unique.”While most families adopt from China, the group is open to children from other Asian countries. “We’re very inclusive,” says Kim. “We have kids from China, Cambodia, and Korea. We have support for people who are new to international adoption. We have people to answer questions. We have a Yahoo Group used to exchange ideas. We share information on pediatricians and dentists.”Forest Eastwood’s daughter Josie, ten, was born in Cambodia. Forest, a Winter Springs resident who adopted Josie after her birth children were grown, has found FCC-CF very beneficial. “This group is a very valuable part of our lives,” says Forest. “The cultural identity it provides is very important to us. Cambodia is not that far from China. We’re new to the group, but Josie’s already made some friends.”For more information about the group, visit their Web site at www.fcccf.org.
http://www.lakemarylifemagazine.com/viewArticle.php?articleId=2031
We are family - Support group helps adoptive parents and their children from China
by Peter Reilly
The row of giggling girls atop the playground balance beam had no fear of falling – they had each other to hold onto. Suddenly, a tiny tot started to teeter, pulling the others with her. They shrieked with glee as they tumbled to the padded ground a few inches below. It was as if they had been knocked over by a wave of laughter. Their adoptive parents watching from nearby benches smiled as the girls in their brightly colored outfits dusted themselves off and helped each other climb back up again. The scene was one of many sweet moments at a recent picnic organized by Families with Children from China – Central Florida (FCC-CF), but it was the one that most clearly illustrates what the organization is all about. FCC-CF gives adoptive parents and their Asian-born daughters a network of supportive friends and a sense of family that’s rooted in fun, culture, and each other. The process of adopting a child from China is a long and difficult one. The wait can be several years for a girl. Boys rarely come up for adoption. There are mountains of paperwork to fill out and then thousands of miles to travel. FCC-CF’s members, who’ve been there and done that, aid parents beginning the process by answering their questions, lending support, and helping them prepare for their trip. George and Ann Carlson of Oviedo got help from the group before they went to China to get their daughter Katelyn, now eight. “We went to one of the meetings,” she says. “It was nice to know it was there and we got helpful tips from parents who had been through the process: like what to pack, what not to bring. There was a lot of paperwork. It can take three or four years. It took 18 months for Katelyn, but it’s worth it. Everything we went through, it’s all worth it. It’s the best thing we could ever do. Having a family is so worthwhile.”The Carlsons were so thrilled, they adopted their second daughter, Megan, now six, soon after.When adoptive parents return home to Florida with their new daughter, their joy is mixed with a sense of responsibility. They don’t want their child to feel uprooted and alone. They want to raise their daughter as an American, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of her Chinese ancestors.FCC-CF’s members accomplish this by holding monthly picnics and get-togethers where their daughters can play with other girls from China. “I think the organization is important because it gives us a chance to be around families like ours,” says Ann. “As the girls grow up, it’s important for them to be around kids their own age. I also wanted them to be comfortable so they wouldn’t feel different in our society. This group gives them that chance.”It’s as if each of the girls in the group has two American families – their adoptive family and their FCC-CF family. Ann’s daughters look forward to the group’s gatherings. “They love it,” says Ann. “They’re always asking, ‘When do we get to see our Chinese family again?’”The group makes a real effort to celebrate Chinese culture on Chinese holidays. Many of the group’s 75 families rang in the Chinese New Year at a fabulous party and buffet dinner held at Metro Church in Winter Springs. The girls also learn about Chinese culture through a fun program called Panda Pals, taught by member Kim Edney. “My girls love it,” says Ann. “Kim taught them how to write numbers in Chinese. For the Moon Festival they learned how to make lanterns. They made a Chinese scroll with cherry blossoms and a red box that each girl signed. For New Year’s, since it is the year of the Ox, they each made an ox out of their handprint.”Kim holds many of the classes at her home in Chuluota. She and her husband Rick have two daughters Alexa, eight and Megan, six. Rick is currently serving in Iraq, and was recently home for a visit. “It’s a play network, but it also gives the kids a feeling of belonging,” explains Kim. “It gives them a sense of identity especially once we started doing the Panda Pals and exploring different aspects of Chinese culture and what makes the girls unique.”While most families adopt from China, the group is open to children from other Asian countries. “We’re very inclusive,” says Kim. “We have kids from China, Cambodia, and Korea. We have support for people who are new to international adoption. We have people to answer questions. We have a Yahoo Group used to exchange ideas. We share information on pediatricians and dentists.”Forest Eastwood’s daughter Josie, ten, was born in Cambodia. Forest, a Winter Springs resident who adopted Josie after her birth children were grown, has found FCC-CF very beneficial. “This group is a very valuable part of our lives,” says Forest. “The cultural identity it provides is very important to us. Cambodia is not that far from China. We’re new to the group, but Josie’s already made some friends.”For more information about the group, visit their Web site at www.fcccf.org.
http://www.lakemarylifemagazine.com/viewArticle.php?articleId=2031
What to Expect When Adopting From Ethiopia?
Here's an article from the June 2009 issue of Adoptive Families magazine on adopting from Ethiopia -
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Disturbing Adoption Story From Egypt
From the Associated Press:
Egypt: American couples on trial for adoption
By MAGGIE MICHAEL Associated Press Writer
An American woman who is being tried with her husband on charges of forgery and child trafficking after they adopted twin orphans said Saturday the trial was part of Egypt's "persecution" against Christians.
Iris Botros, a dual Egyptian citizen, spoke from behind the bars of a metal cage in a Cairo courtroom that also held her American husband, Louis Andros, and another couple that is being tried for adopting a newborn in Egypt. The trial is the first of its kind in the Muslim country, where religious tradition and murky laws make adoption nearly impossible.
In the tangle of the country's regulations and customs, even lawyers are unsure whether adoption is allowed. What is known is that Islamic law forbids adoption, and that is the law applied to Muslims in Egypt. The religion emphasizes maintaining clear bloodlines to ensure lines of patrimony and inheritance.
The law is far less clear concerning Egypt's Christian minority to which both couples belong. Adoptions within the Christian community — including by Egyptian Christians living abroad — do take place, usually involving a donation to a Christian orphanage. Proponents say this type of adoption is not explicitly banned, but still faces monumental barriers.
"This whole case came because we are Christians," the 40-year-old Botros told The Associated Press during the court's second session Saturday.
"This is all about the Christians' persecution," said Botros, wearing a white prison robe and breaking into tears as she told her story.
Many government officials are resistant to adoption — believing it is not allowed — and Muslim conservatives are opposed because they fear that Christians will adopt Muslim orphans and raise them as Christians.
Botros said the trial will cost her and her 70-year-old husband their house and the Greek restaurant they own in Durham, N.C., where they live.
After years of trying to have a child or adopt in the U.S., the couple traveled to Cairo in the fall and was put in touch with a Coptic Christian orphanage that was caring for two newborn orphans. The orphanage gave them forged documents to say Botros had given birth to the children, and the couple donated $4,600 to the orphanage, said their lawyer, Aameh Saleh.
But the couple was arrested by Egyptian police after they tried to get American passports for the babies at the U.S. Embassy. They were charged with child trafficking, forging documents and trying to smuggle people out of the country. The two could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
The couple has denied the charges. Botros told the AP on Saturday she didn't know the documents were forged, saying "this orphanage has a government license so I had no doubts."
Several doctors and orphanage administrators have also been charged.
The second couple — Suzan Hagoulf, an American of Egyptian origin, and her Egyptian husband Medhat Metyas, who have been living in Egypt since 2003 — were also arrested in December after adopting a newborn from the same orphanage almost a year ago.
They were charged with forging documents in their adoption — though not with child trafficking because their donation of about $70 to the orphanage was so much smaller than the other American couple's. Hagoulf denied the forgery charges Saturday, saying the documents were issued by the church.
Brig. Gen. Gamal Abdel-Aal, who led the police investigation of the couples, told the court that they were part of a "criminal mob" involved in child trafficking. The couples have denied the charges.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_EGYPT_ADOPTION?SITE=KING&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Egypt: American couples on trial for adoption
By MAGGIE MICHAEL Associated Press Writer
An American woman who is being tried with her husband on charges of forgery and child trafficking after they adopted twin orphans said Saturday the trial was part of Egypt's "persecution" against Christians.
Iris Botros, a dual Egyptian citizen, spoke from behind the bars of a metal cage in a Cairo courtroom that also held her American husband, Louis Andros, and another couple that is being tried for adopting a newborn in Egypt. The trial is the first of its kind in the Muslim country, where religious tradition and murky laws make adoption nearly impossible.
In the tangle of the country's regulations and customs, even lawyers are unsure whether adoption is allowed. What is known is that Islamic law forbids adoption, and that is the law applied to Muslims in Egypt. The religion emphasizes maintaining clear bloodlines to ensure lines of patrimony and inheritance.
The law is far less clear concerning Egypt's Christian minority to which both couples belong. Adoptions within the Christian community — including by Egyptian Christians living abroad — do take place, usually involving a donation to a Christian orphanage. Proponents say this type of adoption is not explicitly banned, but still faces monumental barriers.
"This whole case came because we are Christians," the 40-year-old Botros told The Associated Press during the court's second session Saturday.
"This is all about the Christians' persecution," said Botros, wearing a white prison robe and breaking into tears as she told her story.
Many government officials are resistant to adoption — believing it is not allowed — and Muslim conservatives are opposed because they fear that Christians will adopt Muslim orphans and raise them as Christians.
Botros said the trial will cost her and her 70-year-old husband their house and the Greek restaurant they own in Durham, N.C., where they live.
After years of trying to have a child or adopt in the U.S., the couple traveled to Cairo in the fall and was put in touch with a Coptic Christian orphanage that was caring for two newborn orphans. The orphanage gave them forged documents to say Botros had given birth to the children, and the couple donated $4,600 to the orphanage, said their lawyer, Aameh Saleh.
But the couple was arrested by Egyptian police after they tried to get American passports for the babies at the U.S. Embassy. They were charged with child trafficking, forging documents and trying to smuggle people out of the country. The two could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
The couple has denied the charges. Botros told the AP on Saturday she didn't know the documents were forged, saying "this orphanage has a government license so I had no doubts."
Several doctors and orphanage administrators have also been charged.
The second couple — Suzan Hagoulf, an American of Egyptian origin, and her Egyptian husband Medhat Metyas, who have been living in Egypt since 2003 — were also arrested in December after adopting a newborn from the same orphanage almost a year ago.
They were charged with forging documents in their adoption — though not with child trafficking because their donation of about $70 to the orphanage was so much smaller than the other American couple's. Hagoulf denied the forgery charges Saturday, saying the documents were issued by the church.
Brig. Gen. Gamal Abdel-Aal, who led the police investigation of the couples, told the court that they were part of a "criminal mob" involved in child trafficking. The couples have denied the charges.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_EGYPT_ADOPTION?SITE=KING&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Other Ways to help Foster Children
From the Legacy Project in Seminole County:
If you aren't sure about the time commitment, or want to do something else to help foster kids that isn't one on one, there are plenty of options available.
If you aren't sure about the time commitment, or want to do something else to help foster kids that isn't one on one, there are plenty of options available.
- Teach a SAW session. Incorporate whatever interests you into a class discussion. There are about 20 teens that come to learn skills about living independently weekly.
- Donate items from your home. These kids are moving out on their own without any help from their parents, and a very small budget.
- Teach a driving class. Or donate a driving course from a local business.
- Donate a Service from your office.
- Offer employment to one of our youth.
- Give gift cards to provide to kids for special events or recognition.
- Volunteer to tutor.
- The options are limitless. Just call and we can help find something for you!
407-333-8256 or 407-921-2216
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mentor a Child, Change A Life
The Legacy Project is a mentoring program in Seminole Co. for children in the foster care system and the Independent Living Program. While the project serves children of all ages, the mentoring program is particularly critical for older foster children because they must be able to succeed at the young age of 18 without the help of a family. Statistics show that more than 50% of foster children leave foster care without a high school diploma or a job, 60% will be homeless at some point throughout their lives, and most will live in poverty, and their children are likely to experience abuse if these innocent children are not helped now.
Why Mentor?
Children that are mentored are more likely to graduate from high school, less likely to be arrested, less likely to abuse drugs and more likely to succeed in life. Research shows that if foster children are linked with a caring adult at an early age, many of the challenges the teenage foster children face today would be avoided. That is why it is so important to make sure that every child has a mentor. The gift of your time and love will change the lives of our kids for generations! Further, in the Independent Living Program there are currently two case managers responsible for the futures of nearly 100 teenage foster kids. They can't do it alone, they need your help!
What is the Commitment?
It is asked that you have some type of contact with your child 1 hour a week or 4 hours per month (for at least one year). However, the more time you spend with your child the more meaningful the friendship and relationship become.
The Process
- Complete an IL Mentor Interest Survey (below) and email it to Amanda Annis (amanda.annis@cbcseminole.org) or Keri Flynn (Keri.Flynn@cbcseminole.org ).
- They will then contact you. You will need to complete a packet of information that includes background checks, fingerprints, and DMV screening. You will then go through a short (30 minutes) overview training of what you should know and expect prior to your commitment.
- On June 10, 2009 there will be a Mentor Match Event (something fun like bowling or something similar) to help you connect with a child seeking a mentor. (All children involved have requested a mentor.)
For more information, contact Ms. Flynn at (407) 333 - 8256 or (407) 921-2216 or
Ms. Annis at (407) 688 - 9650 or (407) 694-2892.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
URGENT NEED: Forumla Needed for Malnourished Babies in Ethiopia
UPDATE: YOU DID IT! We raised all $12,500 as of this morning. Thanks to everyone who made this happen. We'll keep this post up for now and send you additional details on this project. Thank you Thank you! We can now provide 400 cans of Nutramigen to malnourished babies in Ethiopia.From Tom Davis' blog -
http://tomdavis.typepad.com/
Famine and poverty are increasing the rates of malnourished infant babies in Ethiopia. Children's HopeChest has worked with the America World Adoption Agency (AWAA) on projects in Ethiopia and Russia over the past five years. This request came to us from their transition home where they are receiving severely malnourished babies into their care. This month, in honor of mother's day, I want to raise $12,500 to provide specialized baby formula to this transition home for these malnourished babies. (Please put "Ethiopia Formula" in the note section of the donate page.]
To kick this off, a friend of Children's HopeChest has offered a matching gift for the first $500 we receive toward this project.
Latest Adoption News
All adoption processing in India will now take place in New Delhi, Russia's Duma passed a resolution to develop a new intercountry adoption agreement with the U.S., prospective adopters are encouraged not to begin applications to Kyrgyzstan, more medical coverage for foster children, and other adoption-related news from Adoptive Families magazine. -
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/news.php
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/news.php
Monday, May 4, 2009
Help a Child Aging Out of the Foster Care System - Become a Mentor!
Mentoring opportunities are available in Seminole Co. This is a great opportunity to help a child and “get your feet wet” without the commitment of fostering or adopting. You do NOT have to live in Seminole County to participate.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Might of Widows
The Bible commands Christians to look after widows, but we can learn from them, too, as this article from Christianity Today emphasizes -
Learning from Widows
Despite being laid off, one woman is committed to supporting three children.
by Timothy C. Morgan - 5/01/2009
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/may/17.7.html
Learning from Widows
Despite being laid off, one woman is committed to supporting three children.
by Timothy C. Morgan - 5/01/2009
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/may/17.7.html
Children that "Age Out" of the Foster Care System are at Risk
The Orlando Sentinel's Darryl E. Owens writes about what happens to kids that are kicked out of the foster care system.
Foster-care grads still need help - http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/columnists/orl-owens-foster-car-grads-050209,0,6680292.column
Foster-care grads still need help - http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/columnists/orl-owens-foster-car-grads-050209,0,6680292.column
Notes From the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit in Dallas
Jeff K. attended the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit in Dallas and sent some notes.
Dennis Rainey summary:
Believe God for too much and not for too little!! Leverage off other organization's strengths -- the orphan issue is too big to tackle alone!!! Unleash the power of young people and adults who WANT to make a difference in the lives of orphans!! It is a privilege for us to care for orphans in the name of God!! Finally -- We are never closer to the heart of Jesus than when we care for someone who has nothing to give back.
Elizabeth Styffe from Saddleback Church summary:
We absolutely need to CONNECT emotionally with the orphans (locally and globally)! That is the difference between Christians caring for orphans and the world caring for orphans. Physical needs can get met, but there needs to be a connection! Every believer CAN do some type of orphan care. We need to partner with the CHURCH in our ministries. Let the church get the credit and the glory!!! The world needs to see that the church is helping care for orphans, not just organizations. People come to Christ through the church and not through organizations. Let the church get the PR. We need to align ourselves together and work in the same direction and not in different ones. Do you see an orphan as God sees you? We are all orphans! We do what we do but we leave the impossible to God.
Dennis Rainey summary:
Believe God for too much and not for too little!! Leverage off other organization's strengths -- the orphan issue is too big to tackle alone!!! Unleash the power of young people and adults who WANT to make a difference in the lives of orphans!! It is a privilege for us to care for orphans in the name of God!! Finally -- We are never closer to the heart of Jesus than when we care for someone who has nothing to give back.
Elizabeth Styffe from Saddleback Church summary:
We absolutely need to CONNECT emotionally with the orphans (locally and globally)! That is the difference between Christians caring for orphans and the world caring for orphans. Physical needs can get met, but there needs to be a connection! Every believer CAN do some type of orphan care. We need to partner with the CHURCH in our ministries. Let the church get the credit and the glory!!! The world needs to see that the church is helping care for orphans, not just organizations. People come to Christ through the church and not through organizations. Let the church get the PR. We need to align ourselves together and work in the same direction and not in different ones. Do you see an orphan as God sees you? We are all orphans! We do what we do but we leave the impossible to God.
Brandi M. is Blogging from Uganda
Read Brandi's heart-breaking posts as she writes about her experiences with Uganda's children.
http://www.brandisthoughts.com/
http://www.brandisthoughts.com/
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