Jeff Knipe, of A Mother's Love Ministry, is currently on a mission trip to various orphanages in China. Jeff is blogging along the way, so please follow his journey at http://www.aml2009trip.blogspot.com/!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
CGC/Heart Gallery story in Orlando Woman Newspaper
The January/February issue of Orlando Woman Newspaper has a story about the launching of the partnership between faith-based groups and state social service organizations to find homes for children (p. 42).
http://www.orlandowomannews.com/own_jan-feb_09.pdf
http://www.orlandowomannews.com/own_jan-feb_09.pdf
Training Opportunities for Adoptive Parents (in Colorado)
1. Beyond Consequences training with Heather Forbes. She is excellent, and truly understands issues of adoptive parents as both an adoptive parent herself, and as a social worker. This is especially excellent for any of you who feel like you have tried everything without good success in discipline. She bases her approach on the stress model, which is a great thing for every adoptive parent to be familiar with. Plus, if you buy her book (~$20 at her website or at amazon.com) admission to a full day training is free...a steal. If you aleady hae volume one of her book, she just released volume 2! Here's the link for more info (Mar. 28, 9:00-4:00, Wheatridge):
We Don’t Match, But Our Hearts Do May 14, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
The Current Trends in Infant Adoption June 18, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
http://www.beyondconsequences.com/bcilive/registration.html (this training seminar will also be in other cities around the country)
To learn more about Beyond Consequences: http://www.beyondconsequences.com/
2. In Colorado -
Parker Adventist Hospital has made a special commitment to adoption, and is offering "Empowered Adoptive Parent" training ($20/person/class or $30/couple/class), including:
Lifelong Issues in Adoption February 23, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
Lifelong Issues in Adoption February 23, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
This 2.5 hr class will provide an overview of the 7 core issues of adoption as they relate to adoptees, adoptive parents, birthparents and siblings.
Tools and Resources March 19, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
Come learn about the post-adoption resources available in Colorado. In addition, this training will provide an overview of behavioral concerns most frequently asked about by adoptive parents.
It’s a Package Deal: Your Children, Their Trauma April 20, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm This class will address how trauma affects the developing brain in international and domestic infant adoption. We will discuss the impact of trauma on child development, attachment, and sensory integration, as well as the effects of neglect.
We Don’t Match, But Our Hearts Do May 14, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
This class addresses transracial and cross cultural parenting as well as the common question, “Do I belong here?”
The Current Trends in Infant Adoption June 18, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm
This class will address the new face of infant adoption, issues around openness, and newborn transition and bonding.
You can see a little more at:
http://www.parkerhospital.org/index.php?s=861&parent_id=1836#empowered
They are also hosting a FREE Event with Nationally Renowned Author, Sherrie Eldridge -February 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Cherry Hills Community Church
You can see a little more at:
http://www.parkerhospital.org/index.php?s=861&parent_id=1836#empowered
They are also hosting a FREE Event with Nationally Renowned Author, Sherrie Eldridge -February 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Cherry Hills Community Church
Cherry Hills Community Church and the Family to Family Adoption Support Program will be hosting nationally renowned author, Sherrie Eldridge.
Who would have ever guessed that the newborn baby girl, abandoned at birth, named Baby X by hospital workers, and a “failure to thrive baby” by physicians, would someday extol the wonders of adoption?
Who would have ever guessed that the newborn baby girl, abandoned at birth, named Baby X by hospital workers, and a “failure to thrive baby” by physicians, would someday extol the wonders of adoption?
Sherri Eldridge is the author of many well loved books such as Forever Fingerprints and Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew.
More on Sherry: http://www.sherrieeldridge.com/
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New Family to our Area Needs Assistance
Update: Latoya has received two twin beds and a dresser.
Latoya and her mother left their home in North Carolina and moved to Poinciana so they could be guardians of Latoya's nephew and niece who are currently in foster care with 4Kids of South Florida. Latoya moved with a transfer from her employer that she requested specifically so she could take the kids. Once she moved here, however, her employer laid her off. She has found other employment, but it is unstable so she is looking for something more secure. She has a history in the clerical field, but is open to anything.
This family currently needs a bunk bed mattress and a twin bed (including mattress) for the children, so that they can pass their homestudy and take custody of the children. (The girl is 15, we are not yet sure how old the boy is.) The family also needs a church family to help ease this transition, to love and support them, and to help lead them to the Lord.
Please contact CGC if you can help!
Latoya and her mother left their home in North Carolina and moved to Poinciana so they could be guardians of Latoya's nephew and niece who are currently in foster care with 4Kids of South Florida. Latoya moved with a transfer from her employer that she requested specifically so she could take the kids. Once she moved here, however, her employer laid her off. She has found other employment, but it is unstable so she is looking for something more secure. She has a history in the clerical field, but is open to anything.
This family currently needs a bunk bed mattress and a twin bed (including mattress) for the children, so that they can pass their homestudy and take custody of the children. (The girl is 15, we are not yet sure how old the boy is.) The family also needs a church family to help ease this transition, to love and support them, and to help lead them to the Lord.
Please contact CGC if you can help!
Hope Foster Home in Urgent Need of Donations
Hope Foster Home, which provides care and medical treatment for abandoned babies in China, is in need of the following items (by Feb. 22):
- Casual Shoes for toddlers – size 4 – size 8 – boys and girls
- Cloth Bibs for infants and toddlers
- Pacifiers
- Medications (does not matter if it's store brand or name brand)
- Cough meds for infants and children
- Allergy medications for infants and children
- Colic/Wind drops
- Diaper rash cream
- Infants Tylenol
- Infants Motrin/Ibuprofen
- Multivitamins for infants (liquid) – with or without iron
- Pepto-Bismol (or something similar)
Dressings:
- Gauze of various sizes
- Tape for dressing wounds
- Band-aids
Other – for preschool at HOPE:
- Paints (washable kids paints)
- Play-dough
"HFH takes in babies with surgically correctable deformities who would otherwise not receive treatment, provides for the necessary surgeries, and then cares for the children as their own until a permanent home can be provided. Located outside Beijing and in the Henan province, HFH employs approximately 140 local staff that care for 62 babies, and they serve as the center for babies to be fostered in local homes in the surrounding area."
Here is their website: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/index.html
Donations can be dropped off at Willow Creek Church in Winter Springs or pick-up can be arranged by contacting CGC.
- Casual Shoes for toddlers – size 4 – size 8 – boys and girls
- Cloth Bibs for infants and toddlers
- Pacifiers
- Medications (does not matter if it's store brand or name brand)
- Cough meds for infants and children
- Allergy medications for infants and children
- Colic/Wind drops
- Diaper rash cream
- Infants Tylenol
- Infants Motrin/Ibuprofen
- Multivitamins for infants (liquid) – with or without iron
- Pepto-Bismol (or something similar)
Dressings:
- Gauze of various sizes
- Tape for dressing wounds
- Band-aids
Other – for preschool at HOPE:
- Paints (washable kids paints)
- Play-dough
"HFH takes in babies with surgically correctable deformities who would otherwise not receive treatment, provides for the necessary surgeries, and then cares for the children as their own until a permanent home can be provided. Located outside Beijing and in the Henan province, HFH employs approximately 140 local staff that care for 62 babies, and they serve as the center for babies to be fostered in local homes in the surrounding area."
Here is their website: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/index.html
Donations can be dropped off at Willow Creek Church in Winter Springs or pick-up can be arranged by contacting CGC.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Heart Gallery Gala is only two days away!
Kathleen Hawkins, the coordinator for this event, asks for prayer for the Gala:
Pray that people will attend to create the community awareness these children need, pray that Jake Schwein will touch their Hearts and fill their spirit in a Godly way when he speaks, prays, and sings. Pray that people connect with a child's face during the presentation enough to want to make a difference in the life of that child, pray that people open their hearts to buy the items so generously donated and prayer that the money collected on those items directly helps the heart gallery kids find forever families they can call their own. Pray that the evening makes a difference in the lives of those attending - enough of a difference they want to make a difference for the orphan children throughout the world. As I work away, nothing can help more then the power of prayer. God will work miracles for these children and in the lives of those attending. Please ask CGC Ministry group to pray for these children and this event.
Thanks in advance!
Blessings!
Kathleen
Pray that people will attend to create the community awareness these children need, pray that Jake Schwein will touch their Hearts and fill their spirit in a Godly way when he speaks, prays, and sings. Pray that people connect with a child's face during the presentation enough to want to make a difference in the life of that child, pray that people open their hearts to buy the items so generously donated and prayer that the money collected on those items directly helps the heart gallery kids find forever families they can call their own. Pray that the evening makes a difference in the lives of those attending - enough of a difference they want to make a difference for the orphan children throughout the world. As I work away, nothing can help more then the power of prayer. God will work miracles for these children and in the lives of those attending. Please ask CGC Ministry group to pray for these children and this event.
Thanks in advance!
Blessings!
Kathleen
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Grandmother seeking a family for her grandchildren
The following email came to the attention of CGC members.
Nothing in life is by chance. Just yesterday I had lunch with a friend and an elderly acquaintance of my friend came over from another table to ask for assistance. Here is her story for which we told her we would do what we can. Perhaps you are just the person to help.
For several years this lady whom I'll call "Lydia" cared for her sick daughter - a single mother of two. While ill the daughter was unable to care for both children and so the oldest - a boy went to live with "Lydia". Her daughter passed several years ago and now Lydia has been caring for the children. She's extraordinary. She tutors them afterschool, she makes sure they attend the grief counseling center in Maitland (she goes too). She's received scholarships from the YMCA for the children. She's adopted the children to be sure to provide for them and protect them....
Lydia is now 78. She's well aware of what can happen at any time and wants to make arrangements for an open adoption prior to her death so the children do not get lost or go into foster care. There's a 7 year old girl and soon to be 11 year old boy. Lydia would like them to go together to a loving Christian married couple/family. She's tried the Jewish Center in Maitland, has had ministers from the church help her look and an attorney who helped her adopt all looking. Can you help? Do you know of such a family/couple?
Nothing in life is by chance. Just yesterday I had lunch with a friend and an elderly acquaintance of my friend came over from another table to ask for assistance. Here is her story for which we told her we would do what we can. Perhaps you are just the person to help.
For several years this lady whom I'll call "Lydia" cared for her sick daughter - a single mother of two. While ill the daughter was unable to care for both children and so the oldest - a boy went to live with "Lydia". Her daughter passed several years ago and now Lydia has been caring for the children. She's extraordinary. She tutors them afterschool, she makes sure they attend the grief counseling center in Maitland (she goes too). She's received scholarships from the YMCA for the children. She's adopted the children to be sure to provide for them and protect them....
Lydia is now 78. She's well aware of what can happen at any time and wants to make arrangements for an open adoption prior to her death so the children do not get lost or go into foster care. There's a 7 year old girl and soon to be 11 year old boy. Lydia would like them to go together to a loving Christian married couple/family. She's tried the Jewish Center in Maitland, has had ministers from the church help her look and an attorney who helped her adopt all looking. Can you help? Do you know of such a family/couple?
Life as a Foster Child
Here's a great article on what it's like to be a foster child by a foster child.
http://www.squidoo.com/lifeasafosterchild
http://www.squidoo.com/lifeasafosterchild
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chinese Children Adoption International has formed Haitain Adoption Program
Here is an annoucement from Lily Nie, CCAI Co-Founder:
In the years since we started our China adoption program, people have often asked us, “Why China only? Why not other countries?” Our answer has been simply that we are Chinese, and we want to meet the desperate needs of abandoned Chinese children.
Then one day last month, Linda Kohn, founder of For His Glory (FHG), approached us with an urgent request. Her orphanage, or crèche, as it is called in Haiti, is caring for 130 children from newborn to 14 years old. She has to refuse admission to more than 80 children every month due to a lack of space. Would CCAI help find adoptive families for some of these children?
I didn’t know much about Haiti before I met Linda, and I was shocked when I learned that:
· Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere
· Haiti’s unemployment rate is over 60%
· Haiti’s literacy rate is under 50%
· Haiti’s life expectancy is 57
· Haiti’s infant mortality rate is 12%
I decided to embark on a fact-finding trip and went with Linda to Haiti last month. What I saw was indescribable. Growing up in China in the 60’s and having labored for over 16 years to serve abandoned children living in the darkest corners of Chinese society, I was still unprepared to comprehend the overwhelming poverty and suffering right before my eyes. I will never forget the line of almost a dozen parents and their small children standing outside the crèche. I learned that those parents, with no financial means whatsoever, had been waiting there for many days with the hope that the crèche would help them by taking in their children….
This suffering broke my heart.
I returned with both tremendous sadness and strong determination. I realized that CCAI can no longer sit on the sidelines as a China adoption specialist. We must partner with FHG to find loving homes for some of those very beautiful Haitian children waiting in the crèche. So here we are, to present to you our Haiti Adoption Program.
Haiti adoption is very different from China adoption:
- China’s socio-political situation is more stable, and Haiti’s is less predictable;
- With China adoption, families are matched with a child after a lengthy wait, while the Haiti program usually matches a child or children first and families receive their child(ren) 22 - 24 months later (FHG-arranged visitations prior to finalization are permitted);
- China allows one child to be placed for adoption at a time (except in the case of twins/siblings), and the Haiti program allows multiple children adoption;
- China allows only adoption by married couples, while Haiti allows adoption by both couples and single women; and
- China is a Hague adoption country, while Haiti is not.
We encourage interested families to carefully review our Haiti Adoption information at www.haitiadoption.org.
While CCAI is excited to announce our new Haiti adoption partnership with FHG, CCAI’s focus and concentration has been and will always be China adoption and charity outreach. To ensure that those committed to China adoption will continue to receive undivided attention and service from us, we have established a separate CCAI Haiti Adoption Department, headed by our Director of Adoptions Judy Winger and teamed with FHG’s founding director Linda. Judy’s email is info@haitiadoption.org.
“Ultimately, adoption is not about us; it is about the children; it is about valuing human life and making a positive difference.”
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Lily Nie, CCAI Co-Founder
In the years since we started our China adoption program, people have often asked us, “Why China only? Why not other countries?” Our answer has been simply that we are Chinese, and we want to meet the desperate needs of abandoned Chinese children.
Then one day last month, Linda Kohn, founder of For His Glory (FHG), approached us with an urgent request. Her orphanage, or crèche, as it is called in Haiti, is caring for 130 children from newborn to 14 years old. She has to refuse admission to more than 80 children every month due to a lack of space. Would CCAI help find adoptive families for some of these children?
I didn’t know much about Haiti before I met Linda, and I was shocked when I learned that:
· Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere
· Haiti’s unemployment rate is over 60%
· Haiti’s literacy rate is under 50%
· Haiti’s life expectancy is 57
· Haiti’s infant mortality rate is 12%
I decided to embark on a fact-finding trip and went with Linda to Haiti last month. What I saw was indescribable. Growing up in China in the 60’s and having labored for over 16 years to serve abandoned children living in the darkest corners of Chinese society, I was still unprepared to comprehend the overwhelming poverty and suffering right before my eyes. I will never forget the line of almost a dozen parents and their small children standing outside the crèche. I learned that those parents, with no financial means whatsoever, had been waiting there for many days with the hope that the crèche would help them by taking in their children….
This suffering broke my heart.
I returned with both tremendous sadness and strong determination. I realized that CCAI can no longer sit on the sidelines as a China adoption specialist. We must partner with FHG to find loving homes for some of those very beautiful Haitian children waiting in the crèche. So here we are, to present to you our Haiti Adoption Program.
Haiti adoption is very different from China adoption:
- China’s socio-political situation is more stable, and Haiti’s is less predictable;
- With China adoption, families are matched with a child after a lengthy wait, while the Haiti program usually matches a child or children first and families receive their child(ren) 22 - 24 months later (FHG-arranged visitations prior to finalization are permitted);
- China allows one child to be placed for adoption at a time (except in the case of twins/siblings), and the Haiti program allows multiple children adoption;
- China allows only adoption by married couples, while Haiti allows adoption by both couples and single women; and
- China is a Hague adoption country, while Haiti is not.
We encourage interested families to carefully review our Haiti Adoption information at www.haitiadoption.org.
While CCAI is excited to announce our new Haiti adoption partnership with FHG, CCAI’s focus and concentration has been and will always be China adoption and charity outreach. To ensure that those committed to China adoption will continue to receive undivided attention and service from us, we have established a separate CCAI Haiti Adoption Department, headed by our Director of Adoptions Judy Winger and teamed with FHG’s founding director Linda. Judy’s email is info@haitiadoption.org.
“Ultimately, adoption is not about us; it is about the children; it is about valuing human life and making a positive difference.”
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Lily Nie, CCAI Co-Founder
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mission for Orphans Urgent Request
The following is from the founders of Mission for Orphans, Inc. (http://www.5forkids.com/), Gene and Arlene Rumley:
Gene is planning to go back into India about the 25th of February. He has been invited to come, speak and teach at a Church and Bible school graduation. Gene will also be ministering to the the street kids and orphans in three different locations. There are so many vital needs. Will you help us?
Gene would like to take a much needed laptop computer to one of the poorer Pastors there, Pastor Albert. Pastor Albert and his wife Rachel, have a small church, teaches 38 Bible students, takes care of orphans, etc. Their church needs a lot of repairs and they don't have a car; most of their outreach is done by foot or riding buses.
We are asking if you would kindly eblast the following needs for Gene's travel to minister to the Pastors, Bible Students, street kids and orphans during his three week visit. Our heartfelt thanks and blessings for assisting us in any way.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
1. 10 BRAND NEW BIBLES (already purchased) - $50.00 donation per Bible = $500.00
2. BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, FOOD AND CHURCH NEEDS = $400.00
3. LAP TOP COMPUTER, "LIKE NEW WORKING CONDITION" FOR PASTOR
IN TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA
Gene will also be ministering in other churches, visiting the street kids, aids orphans, and orphanages in Mumbai, Calcutta, Goa and Kerala. Any donations above the immediate needs would be used for daily food and clothing for the street kids and orphans. Gene will be paying his own flights and personal expenses. All donations will be used for the ministries in India.
God richly bless you for your care and assistance. Thank you, in our loving Jesus' name!!
Arlene Rumley
Gene is planning to go back into India about the 25th of February. He has been invited to come, speak and teach at a Church and Bible school graduation. Gene will also be ministering to the the street kids and orphans in three different locations. There are so many vital needs. Will you help us?
Gene would like to take a much needed laptop computer to one of the poorer Pastors there, Pastor Albert. Pastor Albert and his wife Rachel, have a small church, teaches 38 Bible students, takes care of orphans, etc. Their church needs a lot of repairs and they don't have a car; most of their outreach is done by foot or riding buses.
We are asking if you would kindly eblast the following needs for Gene's travel to minister to the Pastors, Bible Students, street kids and orphans during his three week visit. Our heartfelt thanks and blessings for assisting us in any way.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
1. 10 BRAND NEW BIBLES (already purchased) - $50.00 donation per Bible = $500.00
2. BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, FOOD AND CHURCH NEEDS = $400.00
3. LAP TOP COMPUTER, "LIKE NEW WORKING CONDITION" FOR PASTOR
IN TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA
Gene will also be ministering in other churches, visiting the street kids, aids orphans, and orphanages in Mumbai, Calcutta, Goa and Kerala. Any donations above the immediate needs would be used for daily food and clothing for the street kids and orphans. Gene will be paying his own flights and personal expenses. All donations will be used for the ministries in India.
God richly bless you for your care and assistance. Thank you, in our loving Jesus' name!!
Arlene Rumley
The Adoption Option
Here's a great article by Elliott J. Anderson, a pastor and the author of Answers in Abundance: A Miraculous Adoption Journey as Told from a Father's Heart
Today's Christian, January/February 2008
The Adoption Option
My search for answers to our struggle with infertility led to some surprising revelations about God's plan—especially how infertility and adoption played key roles in Bible history.
The article can be found here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2008/001/12.34.html
Today's Christian, January/February 2008
The Adoption Option
My search for answers to our struggle with infertility led to some surprising revelations about God's plan—especially how infertility and adoption played key roles in Bible history.
The article can be found here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2008/001/12.34.html
The International Adoption Option
Here is an excerpt from an interesting article about international adoption from Christianity Today online:
A Call from Scripture
Adoption is a biblical concept that dates as far back as Moses, who was adopted by the pharaoh's daughter. The New Testament frequently refers to believers as "adopted heirs." For many Christians, adoption is a form of ministry.
"I think caring for orphans is a call from Scripture," says Sue Eitemiller, whose adopted daughter, Joelle, is from China. "A desire to adopt reflects the heart of God."
When the Zacharias family of Alamo, California, adopted OnNi, a Chinese toddler with special needs, Debi Zacharias says it made a deep impact on her relationship with God. "Adopting OnNi has given us all an increased sense of purpose and meaning as we look at who she is and how she's become part of our family," says Debi. "OnNi makes us so aware of our status as adopted children of God."
The article entitled, The International Adoption Option, written by Suzanne Woods Fisher, can be found here:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/2000/sepoct/5.50.html?start=1
A Call from Scripture
Adoption is a biblical concept that dates as far back as Moses, who was adopted by the pharaoh's daughter. The New Testament frequently refers to believers as "adopted heirs." For many Christians, adoption is a form of ministry.
"I think caring for orphans is a call from Scripture," says Sue Eitemiller, whose adopted daughter, Joelle, is from China. "A desire to adopt reflects the heart of God."
When the Zacharias family of Alamo, California, adopted OnNi, a Chinese toddler with special needs, Debi Zacharias says it made a deep impact on her relationship with God. "Adopting OnNi has given us all an increased sense of purpose and meaning as we look at who she is and how she's become part of our family," says Debi. "OnNi makes us so aware of our status as adopted children of God."
The article entitled, The International Adoption Option, written by Suzanne Woods Fisher, can be found here:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/2000/sepoct/5.50.html?start=1
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Bell Family
Greg and Sheri Bell, foster parents and founders of CGC, are in the process of adopting two teen girls from Ukraine. This is a very expensive undertaking and they are seeking support. Here is their story:
January 3, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
“A father of the fatherless…God sets the solitary in families…” - Psalms 68:5,6
Some of you know we have felt called and directed by God to adopt two “fatherless” children into our family. We are adopting two teenage girls, Tonya, age 16, and Vika, age 14. As a family, we’ve been excitedly praying for them, and we can’t wait to finally bring them home!
Did you know it is estimated that less than 10% of all orphan children are adopted into evangelical Christian families? According to current estimates, if only 10% more Christians in America would adopt, it would be equivalent to providing homes for all the orphans in Eastern Europe (1.5 million), Latin America (400,000), and the US foster care system (150,000). Some of you are probably wondering what has prompted us to adopt. Well, primarily, we’ve felt so clearly directed by God to adopt that we want to obey Him, and we also desire to give these orphan girls a family that they probably won’t otherwise have. God desires for orphans of all nations to be loved, cared for and adopted into Christian families – ultimately so they can become saved, and be adopted into His eternal family through Jesus Christ! There are so many things God has used to prick our hearts and move us to adopt, here are a few:
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction… James 1:27
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will – Ephesians 1:5
When our son, Chris, wanted to go to Ukraine on a mission trip with our church in the summer of 2007, we were so excited for him. We knew it would change his life, and we prayed that God’s will be accomplished on that trip. Little did any of us know at that point just how much that trip would change not only Chris’s life, but that the trip ultimately was part of God’s plan for our entire family!
The biggest challenge for us is not opening our hearts and home to another child, but it is in finding the finances to make this happen. We estimate our total cost for adoption fees, document preparation, home study, airfare, travel, attorney fees, etc. to be $30,000 - that’s certainly money we don’t have, but we know God is faithful and is leading us to trust Him. We are so grateful for the sacrificial giving of many of you who have already helped us! By God’s grace so far we have been able to pay $23,000! Honestly, it’s a little difficult (because of our pride), to make our needs known to the Body of Christ around us, but we also know it’s very Biblical to do so. We appreciate your friendship very much and would like you to pray & consider helping us in our adoption. There are two ways you can help:
1. Prayer – Please pray God would tenderly care for Tonya and Vika in Ukraine until we are able to bring them home, that God would prepare our boys for the upcoming changes to our family, and that God will give us wisdom, discernment, and insight as we raise Tonya and Vika to know Jesus Christ.
2. Financial support - Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us pay the remaining $7,000 in adoption expenses, to bring Tonya and Vika home? Life Song for Orphans (http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/) has graciously given a Matching Grant of $4,000 to help pay the “ransom” to bring Tonya and Vika home. If you would like to be a part of God bringing Tonya and Vika to Himself through our family, you can send your tax-deductible gift between now and February 4th to the address below. Life Song for Orphans is a trusted organization administering the funds on Tonya and Vika’s behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of funds received.
1. Please make checks payable to: Life Song for Orphans. You may preference how the donation might be used by writing “preference Tonya and Vika Bell Adoption #713 in the memo section of your check.(*Note: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.)
2. Mail checks to:Life Song for Orphans Att: Tonya and Vika Bell Adoption #713PO Box 40/202 N. Ford Street Gridley, IL 61744.
Thank you for investing in the Kingdom through prayer and finances – it will be an investment with an eternal return! (Matt 6:20) We’ll give you an update with a picture of Tonya and Vika and details as we receive them. Please pray this entire process will glorify God and fulfill His purposes!
In Christ,
Greg, Sheri, Steven, Chris, Billy, Jason and Joshua
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