Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday, a day set aside each November to remember orphans in crisis all over the world and even in our backyard. Our family had the privilege of visiting a church this morning to watch the child dedication of three precious children - three children that have blessed three families - three families that have been blessed by adoption.  Three very different stories, different from ours, too; but stories that all reflect God's command to care for orphans. 

A few months ago, a teenage boy in Florida walked into a church and pleaded for a family. The story broke out in headlines all over the country. The response to this plea was 10,000 families that expressed interest in adopting this boy, Davion.  My heart rejoices that 10,000 families wanted to give Davion a family.  Then, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for the millions of children around the globe, my heart breaks for the thousands of children in the foster care system. Where is their voice? I pray that Davion opens the eyes and hearts of families everywhere. I pray that Davion's plea awakens the church to a call for action. 

Our family was called to adoption. God commands all of us to care for orphans. (Note: Jessica is getting on her soapbox - listen up!). It's not an option -- get up and do something for the 147 MILLION orphans in the world. Not everyone is called to adopt a child, but everyone can do something:

Support an adopting family - financially, prayerfully, help with meals, give them a hug!

Sponsor a child -- either through a sponsorship program or through an orphan advocacy program.

Volunteer and/or support an organization that meets the needs of orphans.

Provide a safe and loving home for a child in foster care.

There are so many ways to get involved - right now! You can start by logging on to Samaritan's Purse website and prepare a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child -- help give a child a gift of HOPE.

Last November, Makenna was living in an orphanage in China. She bore the title "orphan" to the world. BUT, she was the daughter of a Great God who had a Great Plan for her. Today, she bears the names of daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and more. AND... She will never bear the title orphan again.

Join me in praying for the children without a voice - be their voice!